About Us

Karmê Chöling is a Shambhala Buddhist meditation center located in Barnet, Vermont. Established in 1970, Karmê Chöling offers mindfulness programs in a welcoming community setting for both new and experienced practitioners in Buddhist meditation. Our 460-acre property includes trails, retreat cabins, an organic garden, and a main building that hosts up to 60 residents and participants. Residential staff form the heart of our community and commit to:

• 28 hours per week, plus 4-6 additional hours of community-related tasks, including attending weekly staff & community meetings and periodic staff trainings
• Participating in daily meditation practice and cultivating a culture of kindness and mindfulness

Overview of the Role

Karmê Chöling’s 35-year old organic garden grows on one acre of rich, enthusiastic soil that hugs a gentle bend on the Stevens River. It feeds our community and supplies our local farm stand. 

The Garden Assistant will work closely with the Garden Manager to grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, shiitake mushrooms, and berries. This role is for someone with gardening experience, and a desire to live and work in a mindful, community-centered environment. This is a seasonal, full-time position from April through October. 

Responsibilities 

• seeding and transplanting plants
• soil preparation, weeding, and irrigation
• turning and distributing compost
• harvesting and washing produce 
• contributing to a welcoming atmosphere in the garden

Qualifications

• Some gardening experience
• Eager to learn and deepen one’s understanding of regenerative-organic gardening methods
• Ability to work well independently as well as in a team 
• Comfortable with physical labor and repetitive tasks
• Interest in spirituality and regular meditation practice
• Flexibility with work hours, including some weekend availability

Compensation and Benefits

• Monthly stipend, commensurate with experience
• Room and board, daily meals, and access to shared spaces
• 28 personal days annually
• Free access to qualifying meditation programs and retreats
• Dedicated support for meditation practice, including a personal Meditation Instructor

• Generous guest policy

   

Position starts April 1, 2025.