Experienced Cook at Buddhist Retreat Center

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We are a volunteer-run organization looking for an experienced cook to assist our kitchen team and create delicious vegetarian meals for our retreat guests and staff. Located in the beautiful coastal redwoods of Sonoma County in Northern California, this year-round residential work-study opportunity will allow your skills and enthusiasm to flourish. We are located in a remote area among the redwoods.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Working with a team to prepare buffet-style vegetarian meals for 20-50 guests and staff for daily lunch and dinners and weekend breakfasts to include hot and cold entrees and salads, desserts, brunch, etc
• Food prep
• Cooking
• Cleaning of station, kitchen, and dishes used for cooking
• Buffet set-up
• Some ordering & inventory management

Desired Qualifications:

• Past experience working in a kitchen is a plus
• Appreciation for vegetarian cuisine
• Reliable and hard-working
• Organized with attention to detail
• Experience with International Cuisine is great
• Baking skills are always welcome!
• Creative and flexible in a rapidly changing environment
• Open-mindedness and understanding of multiple dietary needs and restrictions
• Willingness to work as part of a team and patience with volunteer staff
• In addition to Cook, other part-time help may be needed: marketing, gardening, maintenance, grounds keeping. Please visit our website for more information and to apply.

As a volunteer in our work-study program, you will receive:

• $150 monthly stipend
• Free housing (you may have a roommate)
• Free laundry facilities and supplies, Wi-Fi and domestic local and long distance phone calls
• Free vegetarian meals
• Free classes in a variety of Buddhist studies: meditation, mantra, skillful means (work practice), Buddhist history and philosophy, Kum Nye (Tibetan yoga), and yoga
• Opportunity to engage in Buddhist community's ceremonies, celebrations and practices
• Opportunity to engage in an environment where meaningful work and self-development are valued
• Clean, fresh air, wide-open spaces, natural beauty, close proximity to hiking trails and the Pacific Ocean
• The support of a caring, actively engaged conscious community that encourages building meaningful interpersonal relationships

Our weekly schedule is rigorous - 6 days a week and rewarding! Our work is our practice. This is a unique opportunity to get away from the daily grind, and live surrounded by nature, with little to no cell service but an array of books, quiet spaces, and more stars at night than you can count.

The minimum commitment for consideration is 6 months. No religious affiliation required, however, we are seeking those who have a sincere interest in Buddhism, a volunteer spirit and exploring work as a path to inner freedom. Couples are welcome to apply.