Armed Security Officer (Community Safety & Security)/Seasonal Employment

The mission of the Community Safety & Security department is to serve and protect all who come to the grounds. Our safety and security professionals ensure the safety of our patrons and staff through the impartiality, respect and compassion enforcement of Chautauqua's rules and regulations. The department is staffed and operates twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year. In addition to the full-time and part-time summer season positions, work may also be available pre-season and post-season.

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $19.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $22.00/Hour.


For candidates who meet the work experience and licensing requirements, Chautauqua Institution may pay for the armed security officer required classes and training to obtain the New York State security guard training and registration.


About Your Work Day

• Enforcing the Chautauqua Institution's on-grounds rules and regulations.
• Initiates preliminary investigations into incidents
• Writes reports and ensures accuracy of necessary documentation.
• Respond to patron inquiries and requests in a timely, friendly and professional manner.
• Patrols assigned area(s) to observe and identify potential safety and security risks.
• Respond to emergency situations including assisting the Chautauqua Fire and EMS department.
• Parking enforcement.
• Traffic and pedestrian control.
• Assist with the security of event talent.
• Staff gate entry points.
• Security screening of patrons at significant events.

About the Referral Program

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.

About Your Schedule

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 evenings, weekends, and/or 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:

Schedules are typically either a four or eight-hour shift with a start time that varies between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. for a total of 20-40 hours per week. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs. Work is available pre/post the summer season.


About Living on the Grounds

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


About Chautauqua Institution

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.


Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

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.


Our Commitment to IDEA

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.


Joining Our Talent Community
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

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.