Odiyan Country Center

Current Job Openings

    Organic Farm

    Farm Manager - Resident Volunteer at rural Buddhist center

    $200.00 / month
    Odiyan Buddhist Retreat Center

    We are seeking a committed  resident volunteer with 1+years of farming experience to support our mission through hands-on participation in our  farm. This is a mentored manager position for  where you can learn farm management. 

    Mentored by our Head Farmer you  will: 

    • Coordinate daily tasks

    • Lead and train other resident volunteer farm workers

    • Help plan crop planting and harvest

    Physical demands:  Lifting and weather exposure

    Farm size: 4 acres

    Crops grown: vegetables, berries and fruits

    We provide:

    • Housing

    • Daily meals / produce

    • $200/month stipend (support for expenses)

    • Advanced training in non-profit farm management

    A Unique Work-Study Experience

    This is more than just a farming opportunity—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in learning, mindfulness, and community living.  You can also choose to take part in our Buddhist study and practice program.

    Details:

    • Commitment for Farm manager position :  6 months

    • Start Dates:  April, May and June 2026

    Ready to Dig In?  See our Garden page  for more details and our application.

    Or use this direct link to the Application here. 


    Foundry

    Bronze Sculpture

    $200.00 / month
    Odiyan Buddhist Retreat Center

    Resident Volunteer in rural Buddhist center

    Bronze Sculpture Foundry crew members needed! 

    Odiyan is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to join our foundry team. We produce large and small scale bronze statues, often with additional gold-plating.  The work is fine detail on wax models, making molds, pouring molten bronze, break-out, welding, and finishing.

    Benefits:

    • Free housing and vegetarian meals

    • Monthly stipend of $200, $300 after one year

    • Classes, practice, and study in Buddhism

    • Hands-on training in a variety of skills, including traditional arts, trades, and vegetarian cooking

    Your skills: previous experience working physically  with hand tools in any trade 

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • Physically strong, able to do manual work for hours each day, including repeated lifting, bending, kneeling

    • Foundry work or metal fabrication experience is preferred.

    • Experience working with tools and small machines

    Work-Study & Commitment:

    We welcome applicants with a sincere interest in our program of Buddhist classes and study. 

    • Program Length: Preferred commitment of 8 months, with a minimum of 6 months.

    • Start Dates: Anytime in April through June, 2026 

    Learn more and apply at our Foundry page. 

    Or direct link to our Application.

    Construction

    Build Something Real — Join Our Construction Team at Odiyan

    Odiyan Buddhist Retreat Center

    Resident Volunteer in rural Buddhist center

    Are you someone who enjoys working with your hands, being outdoors, and creating something meaningful?

    At Odiyan, construction is more than a job — it’s a chance to learn practical skills, work alongside a supportive team, and contribute to a place dedicated to reflection, beauty, and purpose.

    We are looking for motivated individuals to join our construction team.  This is a good fit for people with hands-on skills and strong physical work capacity—former athletes, tradespeople,  those with solid use of hand and machine tools from previous work, hobbies, or family background.  Construction, welding, plumbing, foundry, industrial sewing, farming, mechanical, roofing or any other trade experience is welcomed.

    What we offer:

    • Hands-on training and skill-building

    • A collaborative and respectful work environment

    • Meaningful projects that serve a larger vision

    • Opportunity to grow with the team

    Your skills: previous experience working physically with hand or machine tools in any trade.

    🔹 Free housing + vegetarian meals
    🔹 Buddhist classes
    🔹 Monthly stipend $200 ($300 after one year)
     

    • Program Length: Preferred commitment of 8 months, with a minimum of 6 months.

    • Start Dates: Anytime after April 1, 2026

    If you’re looking for work that is both grounded and purposeful, see more details and the application on our Volunteer Experience page. 

    Or use this  direct link to our Work-Study Volunteer application.

    Sacred Art

    Tibetan Art Sewing Project

    Odiyan Buddhist Retreat Center

    Resident Volunteer in rural Buddhist center.

    We are looking for resident volunteers to support a unique and meaningful project dedicated to preserving the rich tradition of Tibetan textile art.

    All levels of experience are welcome — whether you are an experienced craftsperson, a beginner eager to learn, or simply someone who loves working with your hands.

    What You’ll Receive:

    • single private room 

    • vegetarian meals

    • stipend ( $200 per month)

    • opportunity to learn and study Buddhism

    • live and work in a sacred mandala of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

    Your presence and participation will make a difference.

    Let’s weave together tradition, creativity, and community!

    Program Details:

    • Commitment: 6 months

    • Start Dates: February - Sept 2026

     See our Sewing Project page  for more details and our application.

    Or use this direct link to the Application here. 

    Landscape and Gardens

    Vegetable Garden worker

    $200.00 / month

    Resident Volunteer in rural Buddhist center

    Hands-On Farming & Food Preservatiion

    Do you love working outdoors, getting your hands in the dirt, and learning the full cycle of growing, cooking, and preserving home-grown food? Join us at Odiyan, where you’ll help maintain and develop our two-acre vegetable garden, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable farming and food preparation.

    Skills you have:  previous experience in gardening or farming, or other labor intensive work using tools. 

    What You’ll Receive:

    • single private room 

    • vegetarian meals

    • stipend ( $200 per month)

    • opportunity to learn and study Buddhism

    • live and work in a sacred mandala of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

    What You’ll Do:

    • Tend to a diverse mix of vegetables and herbs alongside our experienced head gardener, who has been feeding our community for over a decade.

    • Engage in all aspects of growing food, from planting and harvesting to cooking and preserving.

    • Work physically each day, including bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs, and using hand tools and small machines for manual labor.

    A Unique Work-Study Experience

    This is more than just a farming opportunity—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in learning, mindfulness, and community living. Volunteers take part in Buddhist study , as well as hands-on traditional arts, trades, and vegetarian cooking.

    Program Details:

    • Commitment: Preferably 6 months, with a minimum of 2 months.

    • Start Dates:  April, May and June 2026

    Ready to Dig In?  See our Garden page  for more details and our application.

    Or use this direct link to the Application here. 

    Human Resources, Sacred Art

    Volunteer Office Assistant/Sacred Buddhist Art printing

    $200.00 / month
    Odiyan Buddhist Retreat Center

    Odiyan Buddhist Country Center | Rural Northern California
    🧘 Live, learn, and serve in a Buddhist community
    💵 $200/month stipend + free housing & meals

    Looking for variety in your day? The Volunteer Office Assistant role blends office work (outreach, communication, social media, advertising ) with hands-on Buddhist art projects, and outdoor work in gardens. 

    Seeking an unusual combination of office skills PLUS experience working with your hands in art, fabrication or crafts. Office skills:  photography and video for social media posts and advertising, researching  and placing ads, and administrative skills. Experience with working with your hands creating/fabricating/ arts and crafts.

    🔹 Free housing + vegetarian meals
    🔹 Buddhist classes
    🔹 Monthly stipend $200 ($300 after one year)
     

    • Program Length: minimum of 6 months.

    • Start Dates: Anytime April through June. 

    Bring your energy, flexibility, and sincere interest in Buddhist community life.

    👉 Take the first step – More details and the application on our Work-Study Volunteer program page here. 

    Or use the direct link to our Application.

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