Work Scholar Program

Esalen Institute • Contract • Big Sur, California • 48m ago

WHY?

At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential — both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. Over 60 years ago, Esalen co-founders, Michael Murphy and Richard Price, imagined a place inspired by Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities,” the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.

Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.

WHAT?

The Work Scholar program is a service-minded, 3-month stewardship experience designed to support our Kitchen, Housingkeeping/CABinS, and Farm & Garden teams with their work loads, while empowering participants with new skills.

WHO?

The Work Scholar participants have the opportunity to contribute three months of service, while simultaneously exploring their human potential in partnership with the majesty of the Esalen campus.

This program is ideal for those who are…

In a life transition and/or seeking purposeful opportunities to serve
Already grounded in emotional regulation and self-awareness and ready to give back
Capable of contributing and self-regulating in physically and socially demanding environments
Drawn to community living, selfless devotion and the stewardship of sacred space

This program is not for those who are…

In acute emotional or mental health crisis or deep burnout
Intentionally seeking healing or a therapeutic retreat
Resistant to feedback, teamwork, or physical labor

HOW?

As a Work Scholar, you’ll contribute through focused, physically engaged roles that support the guest experience and the living ecosystem of Esalen.

Your tasks may include:

Changing over guest rooms and cleaning with care and attention
Washing dishes and stewarding the heart of our kitchen spaces
Chopping vegetables, following recipes, and assisting with meal prep
Folding laundry and supporting the flow of sacred guest spaces
Planting, weeding, harvesting, and tending to the land in the Farm & Garden
Supporting operational flow with mindfulness, rhythm, and precision
Participating in daily rhythms of purposeful action, accountability, feedback, and shared intention

Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.

DURATION

Esalen co-founder Dick Price described his experience of living and working at Esalen as part of life’s cosmic journey, viewing Esalen as a mere stop along the cosmic bus line. This 3-month opportunity to work in service at Esalen Institute allows a great number of individuals to contribute to our mission and vision, then take the experience back out into the world, where they can affect cultural change.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties in your assigned department, each Work Scholar participant must be able to to work in a physically demanding environment; maneuver on uneven ground, stand for long periods of time, often carry and lift up to 50 pounds, carry, bend, push/pull, tolerate exposure to changes in temperature, and be able perform daily repetitive hand movements.

COMPENSATION, HOUSING & MEALS

In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, Work Scholar Participants are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.
Each Work Scholar Participant will be paid $16.50/hour.
Live in shared accommodations.
All meals will be provided.

$16.90 - $16.90 an hour

Pay is commensurate with experience and internal equity.

Applicants are encouraged to provide your LinkedIn page, links to video resumes/professional websites, and include a cover letter of 500 words or less describing why the program would be beneficial to you.

Due to the overwhelming amount of applications being received for this unique program, the response timeline varies. Please do not email and call requesting to know your status and when you will hear back. We will contact you for an interview if interested.

The Work Scholar Program is a seasonal model. Applications are reviewed during the 3 months prior to the start date of the cohort you select. If you select more than one of the seasonal cohorts, your application might be held in the queue for future consideration.

*Please note: to keep the program accessible to as many different participants as possible, we do not allow graduates to repeat the program.

Thanks for your patience and we appreciate your interest in our Work Scholar Program!

Esalen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.