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. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and 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.
- This full-time position supports the Farm & Garden Manager and Supervisors in all aspects of production and operation of the Farm and Garden.
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Harvest a variety of crops and wash/pack (2-3 times per week)
Harvest Manage on a rotating schedule. Which includes recording the weights, transport, and organization of our produce within the kitchen. Serves as a Kitchen liaison.
Compost, including mechanized turning
Bed preparations and plantings
Soil cultivation and weeding
Irrigation of annual and perennial crops at both the farm and garden. Irrigation maintenance.
Perennial crop pruning and care
Nursery management, including weekly sowings and daily watering
Mechanical cultivation with tractor implements
Support production of value added Farm & Garden products; which may include fermented foods, herbal teas and herbal medicines.
Leading and directing crews ranging from 2-8 people with a wide range of experience and backgrounds, from one-time volunteers with little to no experience to residential students.
Support land stewardship through consistent weed whacking and lawn mowing across the Farm & Garden grounds.
Demonstrates general maintenance abilities, including basic repairs and small building projects as needed.
Supports weekly cleaning and organization in the common garden spaces. Including the golf carts, garden kitchen, wash station, and tool shed.
Supports where it is needed in the seasonal Esalen Farm and Garden workshops
Supports pest management efforts in the Farm and Garden spaces
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At least 6 months experience working in a production garden or equivalent training.
Experience overseeing and directing work crews.
An understanding of sustainable gardening principles and practices including soil health and fertility, irrigation systems, composting techniques, pest control, weed control etc.
Working knowledge of organic crop production, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs, native and perennial crops.
Working knowledge of creating and cultivating value added products such as; fermented foods and herbal medicines.
Skilled in clear and authentic communication, including ability to share in and support personal sharing circles.
- Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to maneuver on uneven ground, drive golf carts, often carry and lift up to 50 pounds, handle and use tools and machinery, and ability to do physical garden/farm work including harvesting, hoeing, stake pounding/pulling, digging, weed whacking, and lawn mowing. Many of the activities require bending over, kneeling and sitting on uneven ground during cold/rainy and hot/ sunny weather conditions. There is some exposure to dust, fumes, gas and chemicals.
- 3 Month position
- Wage range $18.50-$22/hour
- Full Time - 40 Hours/week
- Housing available on-site (residential fee charged)
- All meals provided
- The pay for this position is commensurate with experience. Esalen gives teammates access to an extensive range of daily experiential classes (yoga, dance, tai chi, and meditation), and ongoing in-house education and training programs. In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.
The pay for this position is commensurate with experience and internal equity.
Esalen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
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.
