WORK SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Esalen Institute; California (MO); On-site; USD 22,730; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Shared accommodations

All meals provided

Personal and professional development programs

Job summary

A transformative learning organization in California is seeking Work Scholar participants for a 3-month stewardship experience. This role supports various teams, including Kitchen, Housekeeping, and Farm & Garden, fostering personal development alongside service. Candidates should be emotionally regulated and ready to contribute in physically demanding environments. The position offers $16.50 per hour, housing, and meals, creating a unique opportunity for those looking to make a difference.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work in a physically demanding environment.
• Capable of maneuvering on uneven ground and standing for long periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support Kitchen, Housekeeping, and Farm & Garden teams with their workloads.
• Contribute through focused, physically engaged roles.
• Participate in daily rhythms of purposeful action and accountability.

Skills

Emotional regulation

Self-awareness

Physical labor

Community living

Job description

At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential — both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. Over 60 years ago, Esalen co‑founders, Michael Murphy and Richard Price, imagined a place inspired by Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities,” the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society. Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.

WHAT?

The Work Scholar program is a service‑minded, 3‑month stewardship experience designed to support our Kitchen, Housingkeeping/CABinS, and Farm & Garden teams with their workloads, while empowering participants with new skills.

WHO?

The Work Scholar participants have the opportunity to contribute three months of service, while simultaneously exploring their human potential in partnership with the majesty of the Esalen campus.

Ideal Candidates

• In a life transition and/or seeking purposeful opportunities to serve
• Already grounded in emotional regulation and self‑awareness and ready to give back
• Capable of contributing and self‑regulating in physically and socially demanding environments
• Drawn to community living, selfless devotion and the stewardship of sacred space

Not for You

• In acute emotional or mental health crisis or deep burnout
• Intentionally seeking healing or a therapeutic retreat
• Resistant to feedback, teamwork, or physical labor

HOW?

As a Work Scholar, you’ll contribute through focused, physically engaged roles that support the guest experience and the living ecosystem of Esalen.

Your Tasks May Include

• Changing over guest rooms and cleaning with care and attention
• Washing dishes and stewarding the heart of our kitchen spaces
• Chopping vegetables, following recipes, and assisting with meal prep
• Folding laundry and supporting the flow of sacred guest spaces
• Planting, weeding, harvesting, and tending to the land in the Farm & Garden
• Supporting operational flow with mindfulness, rhythm, and precision
• Participating in daily rhythms of purposeful action, accountability, feedback, and shared intention

DURATION

This 3‑month opportunity to work in service at Esalen Institute allows a great number of individuals to contribute to our mission and vision, then take the experience back out into the world, where they can affect cultural change.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties in your assigned department, each Work Scholar participant must be able to work in a physically demanding environment; maneuver on uneven ground, stand for long periods of time, often carry and lift up to 50 pounds, carry, bend, push/pull, tolerate exposure to changes in temperature, and perform daily repetitive hand movements.

Compensation, Housing & Meals

• Work Scholar Participants are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.
• Each Work Scholar Participant will be paid $16.50 per hour.
• Live in shared accommodations.
• All meals will be provided.

Pay Is Commensurate With Experience And Internal Equity.

Application Details

Applicants are encouraged to provide your LinkedIn page, links to video resumes/professional websites, and include a cover letter of 500 words or less describing why the program would be beneficial to you. Due to the overwhelming amount of applications being received for this unique program, the response timeline varies. Please do not email and call requesting to know your status and when you will hear back. We will contact you for an interview if interested. The Work Scholar Program is a seasonal model. Applications are reviewed during the 3 months prior to the start date of the cohort you select. If you select more than one of the seasonal cohorts, your application might be held in the queue for future consideration. Thanks for your patience and we appreciate your interest in our Work Scholar Program!

Esalen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.