Type: unpaid/volunteer with meals, accom., modest stipend, more (see below)
Organization: Yasodhara Ashram
Location: Kootenay Bay, British Columbia
The Yasodhara Ashram Garden Learning Residency is intended for individuals who want
to broaden and deepen their understanding of organic sustainable agriculture
and the practice of Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga is the practice of selfless service,
and is an essential part of lif
Located in the rural community of Kootenay Bay, this full-time, 6-7 month
internship (end of October or mid-November) provides hands-on experience from
field to table. Emphasis is placed on the full cycle of food production,
including plant care, pest management, soil amendment and bed preparation, crop
rotation, succession and companion planting, greenhouse work, composting, seed
saving, beekeeping, and more. There will be an opportunity to work with garden
design and construction. As well, the Ashram is experimenting with four-season
harvesting, making use of our 1,000 square foot mobile hoop house.
Some gardening experience and familiarity with organic production methods is
helpful. Important qualities are an open mind, a positive disposition and
interest in living and learning within a spiritual community.
Students in education, agriculture, environmental sciences, and related fields
are encouraged to apply.
Commitment:
This is a 6-7 month position. The intake dates for this position are:
April 18th (preferred), May 4th or May 30th, 2016.
HELPFUL SKILLS & ABILITIES
• A curiosity and openness to explore living in a spiritual community
• Ability to multi-task, oversee big picture and day to day tasks
• Communication skills for reporting, cooperation and instruction
• Ability to prioritize and adjust plans easily
• Organizational skills (records, tools, people, plants)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in a changing environment
• Keen observation
• A desire to bring care into all actions
• Knowledge of plants, soil, compost and insect pest management an asset
• Interest and knowledge about food and sustainability
GARDEN SPECIFIC Skills & Abilities
• Embodiment of spirit of Karma Yoga and ability to create atmosphere for
reflection through meaningful work and spiritual practice
• Ability and ease of working with a team to prioritize and oversee daily,
weekly and seasonal activities (weeding, planting, harvesting, record keeping)
• High level of personal motivation and self-management
• Ability and ease to lead karma yogis with daily projects or tasks (planning,
preparing, overseeing, checking in and follow through until completion)
• Ability to work hard physically outdoors in all seasons (heat, sun, rain,
cold)
• Knowledge and proficiency to support overall fertility and plant management
(e.g. crop rotation, amendment application, companion planting)
• Knowledge and proficiency in greenhouse management (seeding, planting and
transplanting)
• Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with Food Flow areas
(summer kitchen, orchard, kitchen) during a busy season
• Ability to maintain on-going open communication with Garden Manager
Remuneration
Our learning residencies are a blend of spiritual and career/life development
opportunities. Learning Residents receive meals and accommodations for the
length of their stay, a value of $1200 per month. A modest stipend is also
available to cover incidentals.
To apply and for more information, please check out all our website:
www.yasodhara.org/karma-yoga/learning-residencies/Â
or email:
servicelearning@yasodhara.org
