WiserEarth Group Support

Big Sur, Ca

 
About Esalen
Esalen Institute, renowned for its healing natural hot springs, has long been recognized as a world leader in alternative and experiential education. Dramatically situated on the Big Sur cliffs over the Pacific Ocean, the sacred beauty of the land—clear air, pulsing sea, garden path and waterfall, steaming mineral water bubbling up from deep within the earth—is itself transformative. Now in its fifth decade, Esalen offers more than 500 public workshops and seminars a year, accenting personal growth and social change, in areas traditionally neglected by mainstream institutions. A non-profit educational foundation, Esalen is also known for its research initiatives, invitational conferences, residential work-study programs, and long-term internships. Part pioneering lab and college for alternative practices, magical restorative retreat, and creative think-tank for the emerging world culture, Esalen is dedicated to exploring work in the humanities and sciences that furthers the full realization of the human potential.
 
Once home to a Native American tribe known as the Essalen, Esalen today is home to a thriving community of residents and staff and is situated on 27 acres of spectacular Big Sur coastline with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising sharply behind.
 
We are looking for people who want to experience the Esalen communal life while working in a thriving non-profit organization. Applicants for the Farm and Garden Apprenticeship are to be open and flexible, energetic, comfortable in groups of people, and able to manage a broad diversity of challenges at once. A good sense of humor, positive and enthusiastic attitude, and willingness to learn are essential attributes of prospective apprentices.
 
 
Terms of the Apprenticeship

In exchange for 32 hours of work per week, and 8-16 hours of Educational time, Esalen provides shared and private accommodations for the 6 month position. Use of the baths - including showers and hot pools as well as the rest of the site - is included. (no pets are allowed.)

 Tuition for the 6 months is $1500. This can be paid for in installments of $250 per month to cover educational aspects of this dynamic and unique opportunity.  We pay for all utilities and your food costs;   All meals are shared by the entire community and those attending workshops in our main lodge which serves healthy, and when possible local and organic meals 3 times a day.
 
In your free time, you can take advantage of the facilities and opportunities that exist at Esalen in our residential educational program and workshops that don’t conflict with the apprenticeship schedule and as space permits. Apprentices are also eligible for scholarships, discounts and specific privileges that exist for this type of residency at Esalen.
 
 
The Esalen Institute offers four apprenticeship positions in our 40 year old Biointensive organic farm and garden: A 12-month position from March 15th  2009 to February 14th 2010,  two 9-month positions from April 1st  2008 to December 20th 2009, and a 6 month position from May 10th to Nov. 22. Apprentices work a farmer’s schedule of 6-8 hours a day 5 days a week, with flexibility, every day starts with a harvest at 7 am and many conclude before lunch at 1:15. Afternoon educational sessions, group process sessions and special projects constitute for other time outside of this most morning schedule. In addition all apprentices and Farm and Garden Staff will be participating in the two month 90 hour Permaculture Design Certification Course from April 15th till June 7th that is offered through the work scholar program. The 6 month apprentice will join the Permaculture course halfway through the course and will make up the first month in a integrated learning method.
 
THE 6 MONTH POSITION IS STILL OPEN FOR 2009.
 
Prior gardening experience is helpful but not necessary. However, a desire to learn and a keen interest in hands-on gardening are essential. We are looking for motivated, self-starting people who can be comfortable occasionally working alone. Farm and Garden apprentices are involved in all aspects of farming and gardening, including propagation and greenhouse work, watering, bed preparation, composting, transplanting, sowing, weeding, harvesting, seed saving and processing. Physical stamina is a must. We work outside rain, fog or shine!
 
To be considered for the apprenticeship program, you need to attend at least one Garden Volunteer Day at Esalen. To be a Garden Volunteer you need to schedule this in advance with the farm and garden manager, and can be scheduled Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and include lunch at 12:30 pm. You need not stay all day.
 
To Apply
 
Please fill out the Residential Education application Form and send a cover letter and resume to the Farm and Garden supervisor.  In the cover letter tell us about yourself, your interests and experience, and what you hope to get out of your time at Esalen that are specific to the Farm and Garden Dept. If you have been here before, tell us about your experience. Please include work and personal references with day and evening phone numbers, if possible. The apprenticeship is open until filled. If you would like more general information about Esalen before submitting an application, feel free to call our main office and they will be happy to answer any questions. Please contact the farm and garden department for question that are specific to these positions.
 
Applications, resumes and cover letters must be submitted to the Farm and Garden Program supervisor, Benjamin Fahrer (email : farm@esalen.org, phone: (831) 667-2376)
 
After initial selection of potential candidates, we require another 1/2-day working on-site interview. This interview will be scheduled in April.
 
We look forward to hearing from you!