Current Openings | Southern Dharma Retreat Center

Southern Dharma Retreat Center is a rural mountainous retreat center, where staff and volunteers live and work together. Full-time staff benefits include medical coverage, a monthly salary, two weeks of paid time off, housing, food and the opportunity to sit in on retreats. Staff support one another along the Path through spiritual community and friendship, operate and maintain the Center, provide for guests, and conduct retreats.

Southern Dharma is committed to creating an inclusive community of individuals of different backgrounds, gender identities, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages.

If you are interested in applying for a staff position and you have not sat a retreat at Southern Dharma, we ask that you visit the site either in person or virtually so that we can get to know one another. Please email info@southerndharma.org for more information about this option.

In accordance with Southern Dharma’s current vaccination policy, all staff must provide documentation of full and up-to-date Covid-19 vaccination (including a first booster) prior to beginning employment.

Staff Positions

Full-time, Residential, Salaried Position

Facilities Lead

This is a full-time (32-40 hours/week) salaried position that includes on-site room and board, paid leave, support for retreat attendance, and medical insurance.

Starting Date: Flexible start date between February 15 - March 15, 2023

The Facilities Lead is responsible for overseeing the management and routine maintenance of property owned by Southern Dharma Retreat Center, as well as the Center’s buildings, infrastructure, and vehicles.

Compensation: $1,600-$2,000 per month, plus room and board (estimated value of $950 per month) and benefits as described below

Benefits:

Full premium paid in group health insurance plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield NC);
Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 days, plus Thanksgiving and 3 floating holidays per year;
Participation in ongoing staff training opportunities;
One complimentary Southern Dharma retreat of up to 5 days per calendar year;
On the anniversary of each full year of service in a full-time staff position, employees are awarded $750.00 toward expenses associated with attending one pre-approved retreat at any location of their choosing;
Employees accrue ½ day of post-employment retreat time per month of employment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Oversees the functioning of all facilities on the main campus, as well as a 3-bedroom residence located a mile down West Road, with support from a skilled Handyman
Helps troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical and plumbing systems
Manages seasonal tasks including winterizing plumbing systems, breaking down/setting up canvas tents
Lawn mowing, weed whacking, brush cutting, raking, composting, and general grounds maintenance
Supervises the maintenance of our road, parking areas, and trails
Felling small trees; chipping, cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood
Manages wood burning stoves and firewood supply
Assigns tasks and supervises retreat volunteers during working meditation periods, coordinates work crews of ten or more participants at least four times per year
Designs and installs outside signage
Collects recyclables and garbage for transport to county sanitation facility as needed
Manages a program budget
Supervises relevant part-time staff, long and short-term volunteers, in addition to outside contractors
Tracks utilities consumption, suggesting conservation, and sustainability measures
Helps guests park and move luggage to and from guest rooms; transports guests as needed between Southern Dharma and other locations
Assists with in-person and remote programs, supporting on-site guests and retreatants
Participates in organizational outreach and communications efforts, including social media
Supports and protects silent retreat environment

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
2 or more years of relevant work experience
Good to excellent driving record
Basic knowledge of Buddhist teachings and practice
Multi-day meditation retreat experience, ideally in a number of different contemplative practice traditions
Desire to live in intentional community with fellow practitioners and a commitment to personal development
Strong management skills, ability to appropriately assign or delegate work and authority to others
Reading, writing, and oral proficiency in English required, must be comfortable with communicating with staff, retreatants, and teachers professionally
Ability to handle stressful situations with kindness, calm, and focus
Computer skills, including knowledge of the Google Suite,and/or video conferencing software
Must be open to and have respect for diverse spiritual traditions and cultures
Active interest in the integration of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into the workplace and the Dharma teaching & learning ecosystem
Willingness to work weekends and holidays
Must obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 30 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications

Prior work experience in construction, maintaining buildings and grounds or other life experience in these areas
Experience designing and completing basic landscape design, carpentry and painting projects
Knowledge of native and adaptive landscaping methods appropriate to a Southern Appalachian mountain property
Experience with safe operation of various machines and power equipment, including chainsaws, table saws, lawn mowers, grass trimmers, wood splitters, snow blowers, pick-up trucks, utility vehicles
Basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills
Basic knowledge of motor vehicle and equipment maintenance
Experience with a large tractor or a willingness to learn
Conflict resolution skills and knowledge of NVC (nonviolent communication) tools

How to Apply:

Send resume and cover letter to info@southerndharma.org; include “Facilities Lead” in the subject line

In your cover letter, please be sure to state why you are interested in this position and what gifts and talents you would bring to our workplace. We would also like to know about your background with Buddhist practice, meditation retreats, and/or your experience with communal living.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.

House Lead

Compensation: $1,600 per month, plus room and board (estimated value of $950 per month) and benefits as described below

Benefits:

Full premium paid in group health insurance plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield NC);
Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 days, plus Thanksgiving and 3 floating holidays per year;
Participation in ongoing staff training opportunities;
One complimentary Southern Dharma retreat of up to 5 days per calendar year;
On the anniversary of each full year of service in a full-time staff position, employees are awarded $750.00 toward expenses associated with attending one pre-approved retreat at any location of their choosing;
Employees accrue ½ day of post-employment retreat time per month of employment.

Job Summary: The House Lead is responsible for overseeing the upkeep and cleanliness of Southern Dharma’s living, eating, and practice spaces in all property owned by Southern Dharma Retreat Center, as well as serving as a primary contact for guests and teachers on site. The House Lead handles a variety of housekeeping and office-related tasks, supports the smooth running of retreats, assists with kitchen operations, and participates as a member of Southern Dharma's residential staff community.

This individual must have superior communication and interpersonal skills, performing general office duties, welcoming guests as they arrive, overseeing the process from initial inquiry onward, informing guests about the center and volunteer opportunities. Our ideal candidate is an adaptable self-starter with the ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks and maintain strict confidentiality. This individual will also possess high attention to detail, strong computer skills and the ability to resolve issues in a timely manner.

Education:

High school diploma or GED required
Bachelor's degree preferred

Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversees housekeeping of Lodge, Meditation Hall, Teacher’s Cottage, kutis (single cabins), and outdoor facilities to maintain cleanliness, comfort, and aesthetics
Manages the guest check-in and orientation process, including the preparation of registration packets
Assigns tasks and supervises volunteers during working meditation periods
Responds to yogi needs of hospitality, comfort, and safety via the message board during retreats
Oversees the preparation and serving of breakfast on retreat days
Prepares hard-boiled eggs and some side dishes (granola, hummus, sauces, salad dressings, etc) using recipes
Picks up weekly food and other orders in Asheville by car (2 hours roundtrip)
Purchases and maintains adequate inventory of housekeeping items and supplies for the Meditation Hall including linens, cleaning supplies, paper products, over-the-counter medications, disposable toiletries, cushions and zabutons, benches, chairs, decor, unscented candles, low/no-smoke incense, and other altar/meditation supplies as needed
Assists in the operation of the office—e.g., with filing, record-keeping, and phone
Performs light duty maintenance tasks (e.g. changing light bulbs)
Collaborates with other staff to propose and implement environmental sustainability measures to minimize harm, improve the quality of the experience for guests, and conserve resources.
Assists with all in-person and remote programs as needed

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Physically ability to operate cleaning equipment such as: vacuum cleaners, brooms, spray bottles
Proficiency in the Google suite applications (Google Drive, Mail, Docs, Sheets, Forms) in a collaborative work environment
Ability to track credit card/receipts and submit reports in a timely manner.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills – able to communicate clearly with a pleasant, warm, and personable demeanor, remaining patient even with difficult people
Excellent organizational and time-management skills with ability to multitask
Excellent follow-through and attention to detail
Willingness to accept supervision and take direction when asked
Self-starter able to see what needs to be done and do it
Experience using standard kitchen equipment and preparing basic foods
Physically able to live and work in steep and rugged terrain in a rural Appalachian community
Good to excellent driving record

Preferred:

1-2 years experience working in a retreat center or other hospitality environment
Knowledge of environmentally friendly cleaning agents and procedures
Prior experience preparing simple meals for groups of 25-30
Working knowledge of any of the following platforms: WordPress, Retreat Guru, Neon
Volunteer management and special events planning skills and experience
Experience with conflict management approaches, including but not limited to NVC (Nonviolent Communication)

Other requirements:

Willing to work weekends (March - New Year’s)
Willing to work and live cooperatively with a small community of resident staff and participate in daily communal meditation practice
Must obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 30 days of employment
Must pass a criminal background check
Must have experience with personal meditation practice, Buddhist retreats, and contemplative spiritual practice

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, handle tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Work environment:

Works in clean, well-lighted, heated and ventilated buildings. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

How to Apply:

Send resume and cover letter to info@southerndharma.org; include “House Lead” in the subject line

Application materials will be accepted on a rolling basis, position is open until filled.

Full-time/Part-time, Residential/Non-residential, salaried

Kitchen Lead

Compensation: $1,800 - $2,200 per month for full-time work, in addition to room and board (estimated value of $950 per month) benefits as described below:

Participation in ongoing staff training opportunities;
Full premium paid in group health insurance plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield NC);
Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 days, plus Thanksgiving and 3 floating holidays per year;
Up to 8 weeks of optional unpaid leave between January 7 and March 15 annually;
Transferable voucher for 12 complimentary retreat nights at Southern Dharma per calendar year;
On the anniversary of each full year of service in a full-time staff position, employees are awarded $750.00 toward expenses associated with attending one pre-approved retreat at any location of their choosing;
Employees accrue ½ day of post-employment retreat time per month of employment.

Job Summary: The Kitchen Lead is responsible for preparing vegetarian/vegan meals, maintaining inventory, ensuring proper food handling and storage, and mentoring the performance of kitchen appliances, sharpening knives, establishing cleaning protocols, and safety standards. They supervise long and short-term volunteers, and set up kitchen working meditation tasks during retreats. They are responsible for light administrative tasks including routinely checking emails, uploading recipes to our online databases, and attending weekly meetings.

Education:

High school diploma or GED required
Bachelor's degree preferred

Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepares and serves one to two healthy, delicious, and seasonable vegetarian/vegan meals daily during retreats for 25-35 people
Serves all meals on time as scheduled; punctuality of service is critical
Establishes and implements sanitary, healthy, and efficient work practices and procedures in the kitchen, pantry, and serving areas of the dining room
Supervises the work of volunteers, retreat participants, and other staff who assist in the kitchen
Ensures maintenance of silence in the kitchen during retreats
Ensures wise stewardship of stock and food inventory and leftovers to minimize waste
Provides appropriate dietary options for retreat participants, staff members, and teachers with disclosed food allergies and sensitivities
Documents menus served, recipes, kitchen procedures, suppliers and sources
Responsible for compliance with all health and sanitation codes, providing overall quality assurance in the kitchen while ensuring culinary excellence at all times.
Manages the maintenance of kitchen equipment and appliances from routine upkeep to arranging annual servicing of major appliances by outside contractors
May assist in the pick up of produce and orders in Asheville by car as needed (~ 2 hours roundtrip)
Assists in other projects as requested by the Manager
Participates in daily staff meditation practice

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience planning, preparing, and serving balanced, vegan/vegetarian meals on time to large groups of people
Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills with ability to plan, coordinate, and meet strict deadlines
Ability to organize, teach, and supervise as many as five volunteers working in the kitchen simultaneously
Ability to function effectively under pressure and to solve problems with minimal supervision
Proficiency in the Google suite applications (Google Drive, Mail, Docs, Sheets, Forms) in a collaborative work environment
Physically able to lift up to 50lbs and to live and work in steep, rugged mountain terrain.
Willingness to accept supervision and take direction when asked
Commitment to a personal, contemplative spiritual practice and willingness to participate in staff meditation sessions
Must possess a valid, US state issued driver's license, a good to excellent driving record. Must obtain a NC driver’s license within 30 days of employment.

Preferred:

Experience with commercial kitchen operations
Experience with menu planning, purchasing, inventory and equipment management, quality control, sanitation, and staff supervision
Experience managing food purchasing budget
Interest in integrating personal spiritual practice with kitchen management practice
Desire to work and live at a remote silent retreat center in cooperation with three other full-time staff members
Experience with conflict management approaches, including but not limited to NVC (Nonviolent Communication)

Physical demands:

Work environment:

How to Apply:

Send resume and cover letter to info@southerndharma.org; include “Kitchen Lead” in the subject line

Application materials will be accepted on a rolling basis, position is open until filled.