Residential Caretaker

OVERVIEW

This position is part of Spirit Rock’s Resident Staff Dharma program which allows participants to work, practice and live at Spirit Rock. This provides opportunities to grow in spiritual understanding and wisdom, and to learn how to practice living the teachings of the dharma in work and community.

• This position is a 12 month term
• This position is a commitment to extended service.
• Positions may be extended upon invitation by Spirit Rock.

Accepting Applications now until 09/30/26 for anticipated positions opening in July, September, and November

JOB SUMMARY

Resident Caretakers (“Caretakers”) are cross-trained for a wide range of custodial duties in support of the care and cleanliness of the Spirit Rock campus. Caretakers play a critical role in creating a welcoming and beautiful retreat/event experience for all. The position provides support for the safety and care of staff, teachers, and practitioners on site. An essential duty is sharing responsibility for carrying and answering the cell phone used to respond to emergency needs around campus (day and night) as well as admitting visitors as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support of retreat operations including:
  • retreat openings/closings,
  • housekeeping and hospitality services for the entire campus,
  • and responding to the day-to-day needs typical for a meditation retreat center.
• Stocking and distributing janitorial supplies around campus.
• Pick-up of Spirit Rock mail
• Coordinating parking onsite for retreats and events.
• Training and working along-side other team members, volunteers, and retreat practitioners on the duties of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Two - four years experience in one or more of the following: hospitality, housekeeping and/or custodial work.
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks/projects on time and to specifications.
• Flexible and service-oriented
• Excellent communication skills; this position interfaces with others in all areas of Spirit Rock including staff, teachers, volunteers, and practitioners attending both residential and non-residential retreats.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs.
• Open and pleasant attitude, with work values of dependability, honesty and integrity.
• Current driver’s license with a clean driving record as this position does require driving for work, urgent situations, and occasionally with practitioners on board.

The following qualifications pertain to the position’s residential nature:

• A strong interest in service and community living
• The ability to live harmoniously in shared housing
• An established daily meditation practice
• Experience with at least one silent retreat, preferably completed at Spirit Rock.

Working Conditions

• This is an on-site residential staff position. Caretakers are provided housing on campus in the staff village
• The regular hours for the position are 37.5 hours/week but there will be overtime hours and regular days off are coordinated with the other Caretakers to ensure coverage seven days each week.
• Physical qualifications include the ability to:
  • Be comfortable working outdoors including frequent exposure to seasonal weather conditions.
  • Sit, walk and stand for extended periods including walking up and down steep hills and stairways.
  • Lift, carry, push or pull objects up to 40 pounds.
  • Perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks.
  • Drive a golf cart.
  • Communicate clearly on a telephone and walkie-talkie
  • This position will be exposed to chemical substances that are typical for maintenance, janitorial and landscaping work.
  • Must be able to regularly speak and write in English
  • Specific vision abilities required are close vision, middle distance vision and color vision

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS

In addition to submitting a resume and cover letter and also answering the application questions, this process will include multiple interviews during which a candidate’s capacity to do the job and their compatibility with living in community will be assessed.

Employment Status : Full time (37.5 hours/week) / non-exempt;

Schedule : Fully on-site and residential

Compensation: $16.90 /hr plus meals and lodging provided (valued at $45,700/year)

Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, Spirit Rock retreat benefits

Additional Benefits: Participation in the Spirit Rock Residential Staff Dharma program with regular access to residential retreat dharma talks, guided meditations, online programming, and regular morning residential community sits

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Spirit Rock is an equal opportunity employer, and we place a high value on workforce diversity; qualified candidates who self-identify as a Person of Color and/or are part of the LGBTQIA+ community are encouraged to apply.

Please note, our organization is unable to support visa sponsorship at this time.

We are unable to accommodate pets in residence.