Housekeeper (Buildings & Grounds)/Career Opportunity

The Housekeeper is responsible for cleaning and maintaining common areas within buildings and dormitories, including restrooms, to ensure a safe, sanitary, and welcoming environment for all guests, residents, and staff. This role supports the Buildings & Grounds Department’s mission of providing a premier experience for patrons through consistent, high-quality facility care. This is an entry-level position; no prior work experience is required. The Housekeeper works under the direction of the Housekeeping Supervisor and as part of a collaborative facilities team.

• Clean and maintain common areas, hallways, dormitories, and restrooms to established cleanliness and safety standards.
• Pick up trash and debris, vacuum, empty wastebaskets, and transport waste to designated disposal areas.
• Scrub, sanitize, and disinfect restrooms using approved chemical products, including fixtures, floors, mirrors, doors, sinks, and toilets.
• Replenish restroom and cleaning supplies, including soap, paper towels, toilet paper, urinal cakes, and batteries for automatic dispensers.
• Perform deep-cleaning tasks during seasonal building openings and closures, which may include cleaning carpets, ceilings, drapes, upholstered furniture, walls, and windows.
• Complete cleaning tasks efficiently and effectively, prioritizing work based on direction from the Housekeeping Supervisor without compromising quality.
• Stock, label, and properly store cleaning supplies; ensure supplies are secured in locked storage areas.
• Report supply needs, damages, maintenance concerns, pest activity, or safety hazards to a supervisor promptly.
• Follow established procedures for logging and reporting lost guest items.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and internal procedures related to the use of chemical cleaners to prevent injury or damage.
• Interact courteously and professionally with guests, residents, and staff.
• Maintain appearance standards, including wearing the approved uniform while on duty.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with team members.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• No prior housekeeping or custodial experience is required; training is provided.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of cleaning practices and workplace safety principles (training provided).
• Awareness of the importance of cleanliness, sanitation, and guest service in shared spaces.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to use cleaning tools and equipment safely and effectively.
• Time-management skills to complete assigned tasks within required timeframes.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying cleaning supplies.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to work indoors for extended periods and tolerate exposure to cleaning chemicals with proper safety measures.

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organization. 

The Maintenance & Facilities Department is responsible for the care, maintenance, and overall stewardship of Chautauqua Institution’s facilities, venues, dormitories, and campus grounds. From buildings and infrastructure to gardens, landscaping, and housekeeping, the department plays a critical role in preserving the safety, functionality, and distinctive beauty of the Institution. Team members work collaboratively across trades and disciplines to support daily operations, seasonal programming, and special events, helping to create a welcoming and well-maintained environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County).  The schedule is full time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and during winter weather events that require snow removal. The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York.

The compensation for this opportunity starts at $19.20/hr. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite include a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options.  The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period.

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.