Located in the rural community of Kootenay Bay, this three-month program offers participants an opportunity to practice selfless service and gain professional skills and experience for their future. The program is based on experiential and self-led learning within a guided mentorship. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your skill-set as you offer service and expand your own self-understanding. Learning Residents participate in Karma Yoga five days a week and receive the support of an Ashram liaison person, in addition to your area mentor. Weekly workshops, daily reflection, morning yoga classes, and evening satsangs enrich this program.
You will spend 75% of your time in our Garden where you will gain knowledge and experience of small-scale organic agriculture. Under the leadership of both the Garden Lead and the Garden Manager you will learn the basics of farming how to seed, transplant and harvest crops.
You will also learn about how to best support soil fertility and practice crop rotation, seed saving, companion planting, composting and green manures. In addition to learning to grow food, Learning Residents also practice management skills that include record keeping, leadership, marketing produce, time management, communication and planning.
Remuneration
While these are not paid staff positions, they are spiritual and career/life development opportunities. Learning Residents receive meals and accommodation for the length of their stay, at a value of $1200 per month. Seasonal and primarily locally sourced meals are provided, with our kitchen able to cater to numerous dietary requirements.
Commitment
This is a three month position, with the opportunity to extend.
Skills and Abilities
Some gardening experience and familiarity with organic production methods is preferred but not essential.
- Knowledge to support overall fertility and plant management (e.g. crop rotation, amendment application, companion planting)
- Greenhouse management (seeding, planting and transplanting)
- Experience with tools and machinery would be helpful
Important qualities are an open mind, a positive disposition and interest in living and learning within a spiritual community.
- Ability to work with a team to prioritize and oversee daily, weekly and seasonal activities (weeding, planting, harvesting, record keeping)
- Ability to work hard physically outdoors in all seasons (heat, sun, rain, cold)
- High level of personal motivation and self-management
- Ability to lead karma yogis with daily projects or tasks (planning, preparing, overseeing, checking in and follow through until completion)
- Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with Food Flow areas (preserving kitchen, orchard, kitchen) during a busy season
- Ability to maintain ongoing open communication with Garden Lead and Manager
- An attitude of service, a positive disposition and an interest in living and learning within a spiritual community.
Benefits
- A ‘day away’ each month (after the first month is completed)
- A weekend course to be taken after three months (or within the third month)
Dates
Mar 31 – Jun 22
May 26 – Aug 17
Jul 21 – Oct 12
How To Apply
To apply, please fill out and submit the application form:
Download Learning Residency Application
Applications are accepted any time, please call if you have any questions: Shakti 250-227-9224