Gardener​/Landscaper; Gardens & Landscape​/Seasonal

Gardener/Landscaper (Gardens & Landscape)/Seasonal Employment

Requisition Number: GARDE
004571

Posted: December 22, 2025

• Full-Time
• On-site
• Rate: $16 USD per hour

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Starting in early‑April and going through October, the Gardens & Landscaping department creates, maintains, preserves and promotes the beauty of the Chautauqua Institution grounds as well as its habitats and ecosystems. From rain gardens, buffer gardens and wetlands to 50+ landscaped gardens and 200+ annual planters there is a significant diversity of plant material, design and purpose. The roots of the department are teamwork and sustainability which make the campus blossom, creating natural beauty throughout the 250‑acre campus.

Compensation for this position starts at $16.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/Hour.

• Flower bed & box preparation, soil and planter preparation, planting, and mulching.
• Planting flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Watering gardens, lawns, and landscapes.
• Maintenance including deadheading, weeding, and pruning.
• Trimming small trees, hedges, and shrubs.
• Operating handheld equipment like hedge shears, leaf blowers and tillers.

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‑month, 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.

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part‑time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre‑season) and beyond season (post‑season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include holidays as a requirement.

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position:

Will be scheduled to work an average of 40‑hours/week. Typically will work Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

The two schedule options are:
April to November or Summer season (June to August). Preference is given to candidates who can work full‑time from pre‑season (April) through the post‑season (November).

No employer‑provided housing is available for this position. Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance.

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, conferencing, and events organization.

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…