Balsam Lake Club
Balsam Lake Club
Currently recruiting for the season from April 15th, 2024 to October 31st, 2024.
The Balsam Lake Club was founded in 1883 and is located on 5 miles of the Beaverkill River overlooking Balsam Lake, located in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. The location is magnificent. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are the primary outdoor sports. The Club consists of approximately 40 members, many of whom are over 50 plus some younger members with small children.
The Club is located in the heart of the Catskills and about 40 minutes north of Livingston Manor off Exit 96 on 17 west, about a 2.5 hour drive from New York City.
- Location
- New York
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- 2 plus outsourced housekeeping
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- On site housing adjacent to the lodge
- Pet friendly
- Yes
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- None
- Internet access
- Good
About Balsam Lake Club
The Balsam Lake Club was founded in 1883 and is located overlooking Balsam Lake which is a headwater of the Beaverkill River. It is located 14 miles north of a hamlet called Lew Beach in one the prettiest spots in the Catskills. It is remote but magnificent. Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are the primary outdoor sports. There are very busy days (dawn till dusk) when members are present, followed by quiet times when they are not. The season is from May 1st untill late October with a week on either end to open and close the club.
The Club consists of 40 members, many of whom are over 50 plus several younger members with small children. and some members with teenagers. They are genuinely down to earth, relaxed, and courteous to a fault. They simply like being in the country, good fishing, good friendship, good food and good wine.
The clubhouse is rustic and sleeps about 12 people comfortably. The Club’s electricity is provided by a water turbine generator, supplemented by a diesel generator at times of low water. Members typically visit in groups of 6 – 8 at a time. These visits are concentrated on weekends and often extend across a long Friday – Monday weekend but can also include extended mid-week visits. Typically once a month during the season larger groups will stay at the club for an extended period up to five days that will include children. Once a year there is an annual stocking event where 30-40 people will be at the Club for weekend festivities. Certain members and their children will camp on the lawn while others stay in the Club itself.
The Chef and House Manager are free to pursue personal interests when not on duty cooking, responding to members’ needs and supervising the maintenance of the house. Quarters are provided in a separate apartment in the clubhouse which comfortably sleeps two people. Internet and calling services are provided.
Note: While separate bedrooms are available to two independent staff members, this role is best suited to a couple given the housing configuration and the needs of the club membership.
Season: May 1st to late October
The Chef and House Manager report to the President of the Club and the Chairman of the House Committee. Our goal is to make sure every member’s experience is completely enjoyable and accommodating.
The Employee Experience
Joining the Balsam Lake team is a great opportunity (for a couple) chef + house manager team to continue to build their resume in a highly private fly fishing club setting. There are approximately 40 members of the club ranging in age from late 30's to the 90's. Some members have younger children while others have grown children. Balsam Lake is situated in the Catskills and is one of the more picturesque settings in the United States. Balsam Lake Club in particular overlooks a private lake with extraordinary sunset views. The club is family-friendly and takes great pains to make sure that young and old enjoy the Club as they wish to enjoy it and to that end certain weekends are reserved for members and their children over 14 years. Other weekends are focused on family events, for example, the annual fish stocking weekend.
The personal setting allows the chef and house manager to form good relationships with members on a one-to-one basis.
Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate for the Chef & House Manager positions is a couple. We can accommodate two separate individuals but have found a couple is best suited to the Catskills experience. Candidates should work well with people and be able to relate to members of all ages including children under 14.
While the members are not picky with respect to their food choices, the Club is comprised of many sophisticated individuals who are well-traveled around the world.
Room and Board
Room and board is provided on site in a private apartment adjacent to the lodge. An ATV is provided for the use of the Chef and House Manager as well as the on site maintenance supervisor.
Employee Perks
There are several perks to working at Balsam Lake Club. First, the Club is situated in the heart of the Catskills which by itself is one of the major attractions given the hiking, biking, fishing and other abundant outdoor activities. Second, The Club is only 2 hours from Manhattan and is in close proximity to other quaint towns and hamlets including Livingston Manor, Hudsen, Monticello, etc. Third, the position affords ample time for the Chef & House Manager to spend time outdoors and enjoy the Catskills. Fourth, being situated on Balsam Lake and at the headwaters of the Beaver Kill River, simply staying on site is a treat all by itself.
Getting Here and Getting Around
We encourage candidates to bring their own vehicle in order to take advantage of the local sights and visit the surrounding area. The Club does provide a stipend for work-related travel, for example, weekly trips to the grocery store and farmers market.
There is no public transportation in the surrounding area.
For Fun
There is an abundance of fun activities nearby. The Club is situated at the head of the Balsam Trailhead trail with several hikes nearby. The Club owns 5 miles of the Beaver Kill River with ample opportunities to fish. There are bike roads and trails. There are canoes on the lake adjacent to the lodge. There are lots of towns and hamlets to visit nearby. The Club is close to several major cities including Manhattan.
Current Job Openings
- Weekly salary + Room and board
- Year end bonus based on performance
- One day a week off (Tuesday or Wednesday typically)
- Gas for work travel is reimbursed
- There is an ATV for use by the Chef and House Manager
- For the large groups and outings like the stocking weekend, the members will bring in caterers or food trucks for certain meals to assist the Chef and House Manager with these events
- There is Club Superintendent who is very helpful in assisting the Chef and House Manager with any issues that may arise on the property
- Managing the member google calendar reservation system and the corresponding billing for members visits.
- Setting the table for members at meal times
- Clearing dishes and help the Chef to maintain a clean and orderly kitchen
- Assisting the Chef with meal preparation
- Supervising and overseeing the outside cleaning staff, who conduct the cleaning and laundry once or twice a week. All rooms are to be clean and ready for the members before they arrive, beds changed and made, trash cans emptied and clean towels placed in rooms. This may require some light housekeeping on interim days when the regular cleaning staff isn’t present.
- All bathrooms cleaned and trash cans emptied. Make sure there are clean towels available hanging on racks provided. Ensure an extra supply of toilet paper and tissue paper in each bathroom.
- The living room and bar need to be clean and made presentable, trash cans emptied, pillows straightened on the couches, fireplace clean, wood placed in the fireplace ready to be lighted. And a ready supply of ice in the bar around cocktail hour at 5:00 pm.
- The porch off the living room and entryway from the parking area needs to be clean. The furniture should be arranged in a conversational configuration.
- In consideration of our short growing season, the planting and maintenance of the gardens is optional.
- All doors are to be unlocked before members arrive and locked after the members leave.
- Weekly salary
- Room and board
- Year end bonus based on performance
- One day a week off (typical Tuesday or Wednesday)
- Gas for work travel is reimbursed
- There is an ATV for use by the Chef and House Manager
- For the large groups and outings like the stocking weekend, the members will bring in caterers or food trucks for certain meals to assist the Chef and House Manager with these events
- There is Club Superintendent who is very helpful in assisting the Chef and House Manager with any issues that may arise on the property
Chef
*Salary per week is combined Chef and House Manager. This is a Combined Team Role.* The Seasonal Chef is responsible for planning, buying, and preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner when there are guests at the club. (May through October.) Members are required to notify the Clubhouse manager (see below) of their intended visiting dates at least 48 hours in advance to allow enough time to buy the necessary staples. The Chef (and House Manager) typically spend one day a week, usually Tuesday, shopping for the upcoming weekend and sourcing from local purveyors is encouraged.
There are three regular meals:
Breakfast: Served at 8:00 am and usually fairly simple: Fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon,juice, toast and/or muffins. Chef may provide options: waffles or pancakes, or any suitable breakfast dish.
Lunch: Noon to 1:00 pm – normally soup/stew and sandwiches, salads or picnic fare. Lunch is served streamside at Lunch Ground (2 miles downstream) weather permitting, or at the clubhouse. Every so often members with larger groups will request a BBQ lunch on the river at the Lunch Ground. These are fun gatherings and while not mandatory the Chef and House Manager are encouraged to mingle with the members to get to know them better.
Cocktail Hour: Chef will provide either cold or hot hors d'oeuvres during the “cocktail hour” on the porch. This it typically from 5 – 8:00pm. Members bring their own beer, wine and liquor.
Dinner: Served at 8:00 pm, sometimes earlier if requested in advance. Everyone loves salads and fresh vegetables. Smaller parties will be plated. When parties are larger, family style or buffet is recommended. When children are present, members may request an earlier dinner with advance agreement of other members staying at the Club.
The Chef may plan and prepare whatever he wishes for any meal, unless he has received a special request and considering special food requests/dietary restrictions.
Responsibilities Include supervising a household staff member to maintain the orderliness of the club house and the serving and cleaning after meals.
The chef is free to pursue personal interests when not on duty.
Compensation:
Other:
In addition to weekly salary, there is a seasonal discretionary bonus paid by the membership. There is one day off per week plus an additional day for shopping. There is high speed satellite internet. Pets are allowed. There is use of a 4x4 ATV. Gas for work is reimbursed.
House Manager
*Salary per week is combined Chef and House Manager. This is a Combined Team Role.* The House Manager is responsible for keeping the clubhouse presentable and assisting in the kitchen as requested by the Chef. Further, the house manager is responsible for alerting the Club Superintendent of any problems (leaks, animals, no electricity, etc.)
Responsibilities include:
The Manager should inform the President and Chairman of the House Committee of any unexpected or challenging events in a timely manner (if not immediately), not waiting to communicate concerns.
Note, the above is not an exhaustive list. Every aspect of this role cannot be detailed, as such, the role requires a willingness to 'jump in' when required to ensure the smooth operation of the clubhouse.
This is a proactive management role requiring a 'take charge' person who continually advocates for the best interests of the membership.
Outside duties:
Compensation:
Other:
In addition to the weekly salary, there is a seasonal bonus paid by the membership. There is one day off per week plus an additional day for shopping. There is highspeed satellite internet and use of a 4x4 ATV. Pets are allowed.
How to Apply
Please contact Peter Hunt at hunt.peter@yahoo.com for more information.
We will be interviewing candidates over the next three months and hope to make a decision by year-end.
There will be interviews with me, the President of the Club, the head of the House Committee, and one other member.
Contact Info
- Peter Hunt
- hunt.peter@yahoo.com
- (415) 810-4217
