Job Opportunities

Seven Oaks Retreat Center – Madison, VA

A Project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW)

• Kitchen Cook duties include creating & cooking meals and directing kitchen staff
• Garden Steward duties include design, planting, and general care and maintenance of the organic vegetable and fruit garden.
• Direct garden volunteers in various tasks

Reports to: Kitchen Manager

Compensation is $16-22/hour, based on experience, Room & Board, RV hookup option (See below)

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Kitchen Staff team member to join our culinary team for employment. As a Kitchen Staff team member, you will play a key role in supporting the kitchen, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities, and providing excellent food service to our customers. The ideal candidate should be eager to learn, have a positive attitude, and be willing to assist in various tasks.

A Kitchen Staff team member supports kitchen operations by assisting with food preparation, cooking, and serving, while maintaining a clean and organized workspace and ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met. Key responsibilities include following recipes, preparing ingredients, washing dishes, managing inventory, and collaborating with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.

As a Garden Steward member you will be responsible for stewarding the growing of food in our organic garden for use by the kitchen to feed retreat participants. This includes designing the garden, clearing, planting, maintaining, picking, and processing the food. As steward you will be responsible for directing and guiding volunteers in support of the garden. 

Why Join Our Team?

We offer the opportunity to be part of a supportive, professional team that plays a key role in food service for contemplative-based retreats. You’ll work alongside a chef, and team, who are passionate about healthy food, plant-based cuisine, hospitality, education, and professional development. For the right candidate, this position can be a great entry point into future culinary roles and growth within our team. You will have meals provided for every shift and also have the opportunity to attend Insight Meditation retreats. 

What You’ll Do:

• Cook and collaborate with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.

• Assist with cleaning, restocking supplies, and assisting with basic prep and food service.

• Maintain a safe and sanitary work environment in line with health standards.

• Operate dishwashing equipment to clean and sanitize dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils.

• Create and maintain the community garden

What We’re Looking For:

• A dependable team player who enjoys working in an environment that at times is high-energy.

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while staying positive.

• Willingness to learn and grow in a professional kitchen.

• Flexibility for daytime and early evening shifts, both during the week and on weekends.

Required Skills / Abilities:

• License/Certification: ServSafe (Preferred), or willingness to obtain certification once hired.

• Detail-oriented and thorough, can understand and follow directions independently.

• Ability to understand and meet food service standards for health, sanitation, safety, and excellence.

• Ability to work quickly and efficiently.

• Ability to work well as part of a team.

• Ability to remain alert and focused in an environment that can be noisy and fast-paced.

• Ability to work quietly for the entire shift during silent retreats.

 Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and/or holidays as needed.

• Prolonged periods walking or standing.

• Must be able to lift, carry, and place up to 60 pounds at a time.

Site & Amenities:

• RV site included; water, power, and dump service (septic) 
• Wi-Fi Internet included
• Access to:
  • 127 acres of property with river, pond, & trails
  • Showers available in retreat lodging house

Position Details:

• March to November desired arrangement. 
• Paid work, based upon experience and skills
• Property actively host retreats, including silent retreats where no noise is allowed on grounds or in buildings,
• No children
• No sub-renting or additional guests
• Not permanent housing

Ideal Candidate:

• Prior workamping, retreat work, or farm stay experience preferred
• Spiritual, self-directed, reliable, and respectful
• Comfortable in a quiet rural setting

To Apply:

Please email: [email protected] 

Relevant experience or reference
Brief introduction
Role preference 
RV type and length

Seven Oaks Retreat Center – Madison, VA

A Project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW)

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Kitchen Staff team member to join our culinary team for seasonal employment, 12-25 hours per week. As a Kitchen Staff team member, you will play a key role in supporting the kitchen, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities, and providing excellent food service to our customers. The ideal candidate should be eager to learn, have a positive attitude, and be willing to assist in various tasks.

A Kitchen Staff team member supports kitchen operations by assisting with food preparation, cooking, and serving, while maintaining a clean and organized workspace and ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met. Key responsibilities include following recipes, preparing ingredients, washing dishes, managing inventory, and collaborating with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.

We offer the opportunity to be part of a supportive, professional team that plays a key role in food service for contemplative-based retreats. You’ll work alongside a chef, and team, who are passionate about healthy food, plant-based cuisine, hospitality, education, and professional development. For the right candidate, this position can be a great entry point into future culinary roles and growth within our team. You will have meals provided for every shift and also have the opportunity to attend Insight Meditation retreats. 

Duties:

• Assist with cleaning, restocking supplies, and assisting with basic prep and food service.
• Collaborate with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary work environment in line with health standards.
• Operate dishwashing equipment to clean and sanitize dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils.
• Keep kitchen spaces organized, stocked, and running smoothly.
  

What We’re Looking For:

• A dependable team player who enjoys working in an environment that at times is high-energy.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while staying positive.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a professional kitchen.
• Flexibility for daytime and early evening shifts, both during the week and on weekends.

Qualifications:

• License/Certification: ServSafe (Preferred), or willingness to obtain certification once hired.
• Detail-oriented and thorough, can understand and follow directions independently.
• Ability to understand and meet food service standards for health, sanitation, safety, and excellence.
• Ability to function well during stressful situations.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain personal hygiene.
• Ability to remain alert and focused in an environment that can be noisy and fast-paced.
• Ability to work quietly for the entire shift during silent retreats.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and/or holidays as needed.
• Prolonged periods walking or standing.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and place up to 60 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and frequently immerse hands in water 
• Must be able to work in a hot and damp or cold environment.

Pay & Perks

• Compensation is $17-21/hour, based on experience.  

To Apply

Contact: Rissa Stiefel [email protected] for interview. 

Drug, alcohol, and smoke-free workplace.

Seven Oaks Retreat Center – Madison, VA

A Project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW)

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Kitchen Staff team member to join our culinary team for seasonal employment, 30-40 hours per week. As a Kitchen Staff team member, you will play a key role in supporting the kitchen, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities, and providing excellent food service to our customers. The ideal candidate should be eager to learn, have a positive attitude, and be willing to assist in various tasks.

A Kitchen Staff team member supports kitchen operations by assisting with food preparation, cooking, and serving, while maintaining a clean and organized workspace and ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met. Key responsibilities include following recipes, preparing ingredients, washing dishes, managing inventory, and collaborating with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.

We offer the opportunity to be part of a supportive, professional team that plays a key role in food service for contemplative-based retreats. You’ll work alongside a chef, and team, who are passionate about healthy food, plant-based cuisine, hospitality, education, and professional development. For the right candidate, this position can be a great entry point into future culinary roles and growth within our team. You will have meals provided for every shift and also have the opportunity to attend Insight Meditation retreats. 

Duties:

• Assist with cleaning, restocking supplies, and assisting with basic prep and food service.
• Collaborate with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient service and high-quality food delivery.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary work environment in line with health standards.
• Operate dishwashing equipment to clean and sanitize dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils.
• Keep kitchen spaces organized, stocked, and running smoothly.
  

What We’re Looking For:

• A dependable team player who enjoys working in an environment that at times is high-energy.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while staying positive.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a professional kitchen.
• Flexibility for daytime and early evening shifts, both during the week and on weekends.

Qualifications:

• License/Certification: ServSafe (Preferred), or willingness to obtain certification once hired.
• Detail-oriented and thorough, can understand and follow directions independently.
• Ability to understand and meet food service standards for health, sanitation, safety, and excellence.
• Ability to function well during stressful situations.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain personal hygiene.
• Ability to remain alert and focused in an environment that can be noisy and fast-paced.
• Ability to work quietly for the entire shift during silent retreats.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and/or holidays as needed.
• Prolonged periods walking or standing.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and place up to 60 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and frequently immerse hands in water 
• Must be able to work in a hot and damp or cold environment.

Pay & Perks

• Compensation is $17-21/hour, based on experience.  

To Apply

Contact: Rissa Stiefel [email protected] for interview. 

Drug, alcohol, and smoke-free workplace.