Residential Caretaker

Spirit Rock Meditation Center; California; On-site; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Spirit Rock retreat benefits

Access to community talks and meditations

Job summary

A meditation retreat center in California seeks Resident Caretakers to support custodial duties and retreat operations on-site. This full-time position includes a commitment to community living and responsibilities such as housekeeping, emergency response, and assisting visitors. Candidates should have experience in hospitality or housekeeping, excellent communication skills, and a dedication to service. The role offers a pay rate of $16.90/hour plus meals and lodging, with additional benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and access to residential dharma programming.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in hospitality, housekeeping, or custodial work.
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks/projects on time.
• Open and pleasant attitude with values of dependability and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Support retreat operations including housekeeping and hospitality services.
• Stock and distribute janitorial supplies around campus.
• Coordinate onsite parking for retreats and events.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Housekeeping skills

Communication skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Flexibility and service-oriented attitude

Tools

Google Docs

Driving

Job description

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

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 supports 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
  • 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 alongside other team members, volunteers, and retreat practitioners on the duties of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

General Qualifications:

• Two to four years of experience in 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; interfaces with 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 (required for driving for work, urgent situations, and occasionally with practitioners on board).

Residential‑Nature Qualifications:

• Strong interest in service and community living.
• Ability to live harmoniously in shared housing.
• 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.
• Regular hours: 37.5 hours/week; overtime and days off coordinated with other caretakers to ensure coverage seven days each week.
• Physical qualifications:
  • Comfortable working outdoors, including frequent exposure to seasonal weather.
  • Sit, walk, and stand for extended periods; walk 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.
  • May be exposed to typical chemical substances found in maintenance, janitorial, and landscaping work.
  • Regularly speak and write in English.
  • Vision requirements: close vision, middle distance vision, and color vision.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Full time, 37.5 hours/week, non‑exempt.

Schedule: Fully on‑site and residential.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation: $16.90 /hr plus meals and lodging (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.

EEO STATEMENT

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.