The Old Club
The Old Club
Currently recruiting for the season from May 3rd, 2027 to September 19th, 2027.
The Old Club is an exclusive private island resort and yacht club surrounded by the pristine, freshwater of the Great Lakes delta known as the St. Clair Flats. The club was originally founded in 1872 as a hunting and fishing club later being renamed The Old Club in 1902.
We are located on Harsens Island in Michigan. Surrounded by the beautiful Saint Clair River and Muscamoot Bay.
- Location
- Michigan
- Season
- Spring and Summer
- Staff size
- 50 plus
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Family housing available
- No
- Single occupancy housing available
- No
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
About The Old Club
The club is a smaller private club with around 180 members and their family which allows staff to get to know each and every member we have unlike some of the larger clubs. On our property, we have three harbors, two kitchens, four dining areas, the 'Ritz' hotel, two clay tennis courts, pickleball courts, bocce, an Olympic sized pool and hot tub, nine-hole par-three golf course, as well as several member cottages, lodges, and condos. Some of the best fishing in the area right off our property, catch walleye, Bass, and even sturgeon.
The club is an exclusive yacht club that offers great amenities to both staff and members alike. Management (as well as club members) are dedicated to the growth of our staff and the advancement of current employees. We offer free room and board, free meals (2 per day when the kitchen is open) as well as access to the many amenities on certain days, beautiful atmosphere, cross-training/ability to grow and staff appreciation events
Each week at the club is like a new adventure. Every weekend we have a different theme and live entertainment in our dining room, from fun costume, themed country-western weekend, to family-oriented Fourth of July where we have a parade, turtle races, fireworks display, as well as many other family-themed events, to our formal Commodores ball.
The Old Club is seasonal and is open May - October.
The Employee Experience
The Old Club is truly a family-oriented club in every way including with the staff. Our staff members make life long friends while spending their summers at the club. Employee satisfaction is one of our top priorities at The Old Club.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
- Proper training, so that you can do your job well.
- Recognition, appreciation, and respect for what you do.
- Reasonable and competitive compensation for your efforts as well as the finest working conditions.
- Above all, continuous two-way communication with you.
Ideal Candidate
Hard working, dedicated, great customer service skills, as well as the ability to give all members and guests the best possible experience while enjoying the club. Someone not only looking for an amazing summer opportunity in a beautiful location also someone wanting to expand and share their knowledge in hospitality with those around them. All departments at The Old Club work closely together and because of that we have an amazing team mentality and all departments are treated as an equal member of The Old Club team. It would also be ideal to have previous experience in the hospitality field in the department one wishes to apply for.
Room and Board
Our housing is offered free of charge, there is a deposit of $50 a week taken from your paycheck and returned in full at the conclusion of the season if you respect the housing rules and all housing contract needs are met. Housing is shared and most rooms are double occupants. Everyone has access to the kitchen, washers and dryers, bedding, as well as mini-fridges in all rooms. We offer two free meals a day for all employees on the property on days the kitchen is open.
Employee Perks
Wages depend on experience as well as specific job. Paychecks are received weekly on Friday and direct deposit is available.
The club offers great amenities to both staff and members alike.
Olympic Size Heated Pool & Jacuzzi
Clay Tennis Courts
Par Three, Nine Hole Executive Golf Course
Croquet
Kayaks
Bocce
Pickleball
Getting Here and Getting Around
The club is accessed by ferry. We encourage people to bring their vehicles for easy access to explore the island as well as the nearby mainland. However, if you do not have a vehicle housing is located on the property.
For Fun
While not working many members of our staff enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and some of the most amazing sunsets around.
Current Job Openings
Culinary Excellence & Menu Design: Craft innovative, high-end menus featuring seasonal ingredients, fresh Great Lakes seafood, top-tier meats, and creative presentation tailored to a sophisticated clientele.
Team Leadership & Management: Recruit, train, mentor, and direct the seasonal kitchen staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, high standards, and professional development.
Operational Management: Oversee daily food preparation, line operations, inventory, food cost controls, supplier relations, and kitchen safety/sanitation standards.
Member Engagement: Maintain a visible and welcoming presence, engaging with club members to understand dietary preferences, gather feedback, and deliver customized dining experiences for private gatherings.
Experience: Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Senior Sous Chef at a high-end private club, luxury resort, or fine-dining establishment.
Seasonal Commitment: Ability to reside locally and work full-time on Harsens Island throughout the entire operating season (May 1 through September 30).
Culinary Mastery: Deep understanding of classical techniques, contemporary culinary trends, menu costing, and high-volume fine dining presentation.
Leadership Skills: Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with a hands-on management style.
Certifications: Culinary degree from an accredited institution preferred; ServSafe Manager certification required.
Competitive seasonal salary commensurate with experience.
Opportunity to lead a dynamic culinary program in a prestigious, historic setting.
Beautiful island work environment with a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Potential for annual seasonal re-hire.
Demonstrate full knowledge of menus, daily specials, wine lists, and cocktails
Set up and maintain all server stations and side work areas for efficient service
Prepare dining rooms, terraces, and event spaces for daily service or private functions
Accurately take and enter food and beverage orders using the Club’s POS system
Deliver food, wine, and cocktails with grace and precision
Ensure tables are properly maintained throughout service, anticipating member needs
Present and process checks promptly and courteously
Collaborate with fellow team members to uphold a seamless and elegant dining atmosphere
Minimum 2 year of serving experience in an upscale or fine dining environment
Private Club experience preferred but not required; we will train the right candidate in Club service etiquette
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to multitask under pressure
Familiarity with POS systems (training provided)
Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with a private club environment
Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays throughout the season
Must be 21 years of age or older
- Prepare ingredients then cook and assemble dishes as indicated by recipes
- Perform portion control and minimize waste to keep cost within forecasted range
- Ensure that all dishes are prepared in a timely manner by restocking ingredients at work station and meeting prep times to ensure smooth delivery
- Set up and clean station according to restaurant protocol
- Maintain a clean work station area, including kitchen equipment, tables, and shelves
- Comply with applicable sanitary, health, and personal hygiene standards
- Ensure quality and freshness of ingredients and products
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the line supervisor, sous-chef, or executive chef
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree preferred
- 1-3 years of experience cooking in a restaurant, hotel, or club setting
- Understanding of cooking methods and procedures, and knife handling skills
- Ability to perform tasks with accuracy, speed, and attention to detail
- Ability to read and follow cooking directions
- Ability to remain calm in a fast-paced environment
- Must be organized and self-motivated
- Must be able to stand, bend, stretch, and lift, and carry heavy materials
Prepare dining areas before each service, including polishing glassware and silverware, setting tables, and stocking linens and supplies
Maintain the dining room’s appearance throughout service, clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables efficiently
Deliver food and beverages to tables in coordination with servers
Refill beverages, bread, and other service items as needed to ensure a smooth dining experience
Maintain server stations, ensuring they are organized and fully stocked
Support servers and bartenders during high-volume periods to ensure timely and polished service
Assist with event setup and teardown for private parties, banquets, and club functions
Uphold club service standards and follow all sanitation and safety guidelines
At least 1 year of experience in a restaurant, resort, or private club environment preferred
Strong teamwork and communication skills
High attention to detail with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting
Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with a luxury private club
Positive attitude and willingness to learn advanced service techniques
Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays throughout the season
Must be 18 years of age or older
None.
Performs general repairs and maintenance on plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting.
Performs grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, leaf removal, debris cleanup, and irrigation system upkeep.
Ensures walkways, parking areas, and harbor paths are clear, safe, and presentable.
Troubleshoots issues, determines necessary repairs, and completes work using equipment manuals when required.
Assists with seasonal setup and shutdown of club facilities, including furniture movement and minor equipment storage.
Responds promptly to maintenance requests and supports event preparation or operational needs as directed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Ability to follow instructions from supervisors and work independently.
Working knowledge of general maintenance, repair, and safety practices.
Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and basic equipment operation.
Basic understanding of harbor or marina maintenance preferred.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Dependable, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Prior experience in facility, grounds, or marina maintenance preferred.
On-the-job training provided.
Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
Ability to climb ladders, navigate uneven terrain, and work in outdoor conditions.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform manual labor in varying weather conditions.
Executive Chef
We are seeking a distinguished, visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations for the upcoming summer season (May through September).
As Executive Chef, you will have complete oversight of our kitchen operations, menu design, and culinary team. You will be tasked with delivering an exceptional dining experience—ranging from elevated, fine-dining dinner service and upscale casual options to catered private member events and yacht side dining.
Key ResponsibilitiesServer
Server – Exclusive Private Island Resort & Yacht Club (Harsens Island)
Join our elite hospitality team at an Exclusive Private Island Resort and Yacht Club on beautiful Harsens Island. We are seeking seasonal, full-time Servers for our May–October season who take pride in delivering refined, attentive service to an exclusive membership.
If you’re polished, professional, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, this is a rare opportunity to be part of a truly special setting.
Position Overview
Servers are responsible for providing exceptional dining experiences in both casual and fine dining environments. You’ll work closely with the Club’s service and culinary teams to ensure every detail—from table setup to final check delivery—reflects the high standards expected by our members and guests.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
If you take pride in offering refined, member-focused service and want to spend your season in a breathtaking island setting, we’d love to meet you.
Line Cook
Wages are based on position and experience.
The Old Club on Harsens Island is looking for experienced cooks. Experience in Saute, pizza oven, fryer, and grill. Hardworking, motivated and knows when it's time to speed up and get the work done. Full and part time positions available, fast pace kitchen with a full menu including daily specials, homemade soups, pasta's, pizza's, gourmet burgers, steaks and more.. Pay is based on experience and performance.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Food Runner/ Server Assistant
Busser – Exclusive Private Island Resort & Yacht Club (Harsens Island)
Join our team at the Exclusive Private Island Resort and Yacht Club on picturesque Harsens Island! We’re seeking seasonal, full-time Bussers for our May–October season. This role is perfect for hospitality professionals who take pride in excellence, teamwork, and the details that make a world-class experience possible.
Position Overview
As a Busser, you’ll be an essential part of the service team, ensuring that every meal and member interaction runs seamlessly. Working alongside servers, bartenders, and management, you’ll help maintain the club’s high standards of presentation and service. This position also offers an excellent path for career growth within the club ideal for those aspiring to advance into Server or Bartender roles.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
Growth Opportunity
This position serves as an excellent entry point for hospitality professionals looking to grow within the club. Dedicated team members demonstrating reliability, skill, and exceptional service may be considered for advancement to Server, or Bartender roles in future seasons.
Work in a stunning island setting, surrounded by an experienced team that values professionalism, tradition, and the pursuit of excellence in every detail.
Retail Associate/ Member Services Specialist
Exclusive private island resort located on Harsens Island, MI has vacant positions for a retail sales associate / member services specialist. The right candidate will be interfacing with members, staff, and the public and must be member-service orientated at all times. Responsibilities include inventory management of a newly developed pro shop selling assorted apparel, grab and go items and light food and beverages. Other responsibilities include high volume reservation management and general clerical duties. Computer savvy candidates with office experience are encouraged to apply.
Weekends, holidays, and evenings are required. The club operates seasonally from May through September. Competitive wages are offered to the right candidate. Free housing is available to qualified candidates. A typical workweek is 40-50 hours with 8-10 hour shifts. Lunch and dinner is provided daily for all employees. End of season bonus opportunities are available.
Maintenance
Position Summary:
The General Maintenance Worker is responsible for maintaining and repairing the Club’s facilities, harbor, and grounds throughout the operating season (April through October). This includes work on buildings, docks, landscaping, some basic plumbing and electrical, and other infrastructure to ensure the property remains safe, functional, and well-presented.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Required Skills and Abilities:
Education and Experience:
Physical Requirements:
Contact Info
- Magen Smalley
- tochiring@yahoo.com
- www.theoldclub.com
