Join The Team

We warmly invite those who live by Buddhist principles, are passionate about community, love supporting the Dharma, and are ready to embrace the gifts of mountain wilderness and meditation. Tara Mandala Retreat Center rests on 700 acres of pristine wilderness, anchored by the magnificent three-story Tara Temple, the center provides a space for meditation, teachings, and spiritual exploration. Tara Mandala is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all people to explore the teachings of the Buddha, and we are committed to cultivating a community that values diversity and inclusion.

“Tara Mandala was created to bring people together to support each other, practice, and do retreat in order to reach realization.” – Lama Tsultrim Allione

Co-Retreat Manager
2026 Retreat Season

The Co-Retreat Managers work collaboratively with the Retreat Center Director, Program Manager, Accommodations Manager, Registrar, Temple Manager, Kitchen, and other Tara Mandala staff to ensure that all retreats and programs are well-organized, well-supported, and held with a high degree of care.

This role oversees retreat preparation, organization, and the day-to-day flow of each retreat; maintains respectful and clear communication with teachers and participants; and supports the creation of a harmonious, safe, and compassionate retreat environment.

As a co-manager, this position shares the full cycle of responsibilities for planning, executing, and concluding retreats throughout the season.

Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

General Oversight & Collaboration

• Works in partnership with the Co-Retreat Manager, with clearly defined and mutually agreed-upon areas of responsibility that support a harmonious, seamless management flow and ensure clarity and efficiency in all retreat operations.
  
• Reports to the Retreat Center Director and works closely with the Programs Manager.
  
• Supports all on-site retreats and collaborates with staff, Living Dharma Program participants, and assistant retreat staff.
  
• Communicates proactively with retreat teachers regarding practical needs, schedules, and special requests.
  
• Finalizes retreat schedules in collaboration with teachers and distributes them to staff and participants.
  
• Leads retreat orientation sessions (5:00–6:00 pm on opening day).
  
• May transport teachers to/from Durango Airport when needed.
  
• Serves as the primary contact for retreatant questions, concerns, and support throughout retreats.
  
• Works with Communications and Registrar to ensure smooth retreat operations.
  
• Tracks retreat numbers and communicates food needs with the Kitchen.
  
• Handles retreatant emergencies, communicates with the Director, and completes incident reports within 24 hours.
  
• Assists with on-site fundraisers and community social events during retreats.
• Works with Accommodations staff to resolve lodging issues.
  
• Collects, organizes, and submits retreat feedback forms.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of one year of retreat management, event coordination, or related experience.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with compassion, equanimity, and adaptability, especially during high-pressure periods.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen deeply and appreciate diverse and cross-cultural perspectives.
  
• Demonstrated customer service experience and a supportive, service-oriented approach.
  
• Ability to receive direction and integrate feedback from teachers and leadership.
  
• Genuine passion for Buddhist teachings, contemplative environments, and holding space for retreat practice.

Other Requirements

• A regular and committed meditation practice.
  
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; strong resonance with Tara Mandala’s lineages preferred.
  
• Enthusiasm for living and collaborating within a retreat-center community environment.
  
• Ability to work professionally within an organizational structure while upholding Buddhist values, ethics, and conduct.
  
• Consistently upholds Tara Mandala’s Leadership Values and Code of Conduct, serving as a positive and grounded role model for staff, teachers, and retreatants.

Compensation

• Position runs mid-April through September 30th
  
• $18 – $20 hourly wage
  
• 35+ hours per week
  
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, a vast library, “Prayer Flag Ridge” morning meditation, and afternoon group practice in the Temple (on days off).
  
• Complimentary access to Tara Mandala’s online self-paced teachings.

• Build lasting relationships with staff, volunteers, interns, and retreat participants from around the world.
  
• Organic vegetarian meals provided.
  
• On-site rustic housing included.
  
• Monthly hot springs pass to the world’s deepest hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, along with vibrant outdoor community activities.
  
• References and recommendations available upon successful completion of the retreat season.

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager
2026 Retreat Season

The Head Chef/Kitchen Manager plays a central role in nourishing retreat participants by preparing delicious, organic vegetarian meals that support deep practice. This full-time seasonal role oversees kitchen operations, leads a compassionate and efficient kitchen team, develops mindful menus, and ensures that all meals meet Tara Mandala’s standards of quality, cleanliness, and care. This is a heart-centered leadership position in a collaborative community environment.

Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

Meal Preparation & Planning

• Lead the preparation of two organic vegetarian meals daily for 30–100 retreatants, accommodating vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets.
• Create weekly menus and daily prep lists that align with retreat needs and seasonal availability.
• Develop nourishing recipes that support retreatants’ well-being.

Kitchen Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and guide kitchen staff with compassion, clarity, and warmth.
• Maintain an organized, efficient, and harmonious kitchen environment.
• Schedule and lead weekly kitchen staff meetings during retreat season.

Inventory & Budgeting

• Manage food ordering, inventory, and cost-effective purchasing.
• Ensure proper storage, rotation, and minimal food waste.

Adherence to Standards

• Ensure compliance with all sanitation practices, health codes, and Tara Mandala policies.
  
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in food preparation, serving, and storage areas.

Community Engagement

• Foster a welcoming, supportive experience for staff and retreatants.
  
• Collaborate with other departments to enhance meal service and hospitality.

Skills & Experience

• At least three years of kitchen management and cooking experience, preferably in a retreat, café, or institutional setting.
  
• Experience with vegetarian cooking and preparing food for large groups.
  
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead with equanimity and kindness.
  
• Ability to work with diverse individuals in a compassionate, collaborative way.
  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
• Experience with menu planning, ordering, and budgeting.
  
• Comfort with technology (Google Suite, Excel, web-based systems).
  
• A passion for Buddhist teachings and retreat environments is highly preferred.

Other Requirements

• A regular and committed meditation practice.
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; strong resonance with Tara Mandala’s lineages preferred.
• Excitement about community living and collaborative work.
• Ability to uphold Buddhist values, ethics, and conduct within a professional setting.
  
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct, serving as a role model.

Compensation

• Seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position
  
• April 1 – September 30
• $24,000 salary for 6-month season
• Room and board included
• Approximately 40 hours per week

Additional Benefits

• Full access to meditation spaces, a large library, and group meditation opportunities.
  
• Free access to Tara Mandala’s online self-paced teachings.
  
• Organic vegetarian meals provided.
  
• On-site housing included.
  
• Monthly hot springs pass to Pagosa Springs.
  
• Opportunity to form meaningful connections with staff, interns, and retreat participants.
• References and recommendations offered upon successful completion of the season.

Kitchen Support Staff
2026 Retreat Season

Kitchen Support Staff provide essential support to the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager, helping to prepare nourishing vegetarian meals for retreatants and maintaining a clean, organized, and harmonious kitchen environment. This is a heart-centered service role within a collaborative community dedicated to Dharma practice.

Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

Meal Support

• Assist in preparing two vegetarian meals per day for 30–100 retreatants and staff.
  
• Accommodate dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options.
  
• At times, lead the preparation and execution of a full meal service.

Team Collaboration

• Work as a kind, efficient, and friendly team member to support a compassionate kitchen culture.
  
• Communicate respectfully with the Head Chef, staff and participants.
  
• Receive instruction from the Kitchen Manager and follow through with clarity and care.

Kitchen Maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness in food prep, serving, and dishwashing areas.
  
• Follow sanitation standards and Tara Mandala policies.
  
• Attend weekly kitchen meetings and support shared responsibilities.

Emotional Stability

• Remain grounded, flexible, and calm when working in a fast-paced retreat environment.

Skills & Experience

• At least one year of kitchen preparation and cooking experience in a similar setting.
  
• Ability to work with compassion, equanimity, and flexibility.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to take direction and integrate feedback.
  
• Safe knife skills and familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment.
  
• Passion for Buddhist teachings and retreat environments is preferred.

Other Requirements

• A regular and committed meditation practice.
  
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; alignment with Tara Mandala lineages preferred.
  
• Enthusiasm for community living.
  
• Professionalism aligned with Buddhist ethics, values, and conduct.
  
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct.

Compensation

• Flexible full-time, hourly, seasonal position
  
• May 1 – September 15
  
• $16/hour
• 35–40 hours per week
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Access to meditation spaces, library, and group practice opportunities.
  
• Free Tara Mandala online teachings.
  
• Organic vegetarian meals provided.
  
• On-site rustic housing included.
  
• Monthly hot springs pass to Pagosa Springs.
  
• Meaningful connections within a vibrant retreat community.
  
• References available upon successful completion of the season.

• Meet many wonderful Buddhist practitioners from around the world
• Organic vegetarian meals provided
• On-site “rustic” housing provided
• Monthly hot springs passes provided to the world’s deepest hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Co. in addition to other outdoor community activities
• References and recommendations provided upon successful completion of the Retreat Season

Housekeeping/Accommodations Manager
2026 Retreat Season

The Housekeeping/Accommodations Manager ensures the comfort, cleanliness, and well-being of retreat guests by overseeing lodging spaces including 19 lodge rooms, a large dorm yurt, and 8 glamping tents. This role combines compassionate leadership with strong organizational skills to support the flow of retreats and the quality of participants’ experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Coordination

• Lead, guide, and support staff, cleaners, and volunteers in daily cleaning and turnover between retreats.
  
• Collaborate closely with the Retreat Manager to ensure correct room assignments for all retreatants.
  
• Maintain a warm, open, and service-oriented presence for guests.
  

Facility Care

• Oversee cleanliness and organization of the laundry room, linens, and supply closets.
  
• Ensure rooms remain clean, stocked, functional, and ready for new retreatants.
  
• Communicate supply needs and coordinate with Land & Facilities for repairs or upkeep.

Safety & Integrity

• Periodically check first aid kits, and lodge safety conditions.
  
• Report any unsafe conditions or concerns promptly.
  
• Ensure guest safety and maintain integrity around guest belongings.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum one year of experience in accommodations, housekeeping, or a similar role.
  
• Kind, compassionate leadership and teamwork skills.
  
• Strong English communication skills.
  
• Self-motivated with the ability to identify and complete needed tasks.
  
• Strong organizational skills and time management.
  
• Ability to respond skillfully during problems or emergencies.
  
• High level of dependability, integrity, and honesty.

Other Requirements

• A regular and committed meditation practice.
  
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; resonance with Tara Mandala lineages preferred.
  
• Enthusiasm for community living.
  
• Ability to uphold Buddhist values and professional standards.
  
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct.

Compensation

• May 1 – September 30
• $18/hour
• 35 hours per week
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Access to meditation spaces, library, and group practice opportunities.
  
• Free Tara Mandala self-paced online teachings.
  
• Organic vegetarian meals provided.
  
• On-site rustic housing included.
  
• Monthly hot springs pass to Pagosa Springs.
  
• Deep community connections and meaningful service opportunities.
  
• References available upon successful completion of the season.

Solo Retreatant Care
A Sacred Role in Supporting Deep Practice
2026 Retreat Season

The Solo Retreatant Care role supports retreatants engaging in deep solitary practice in Tara Mandala’s remote and sacred mountain cabins. This role ensures that each practitioner’s retreat is cared for with attentiveness, respect, and compassion. Responsibilities include managing applications, preparing cabins, delivering supplies, and offering logistical support. The role may also support group retreats when time allows.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Solo Retreat Support

• Process all solo retreat applications.
  
• Manage scheduling and placement of retreatants into appropriate cabins.
  
• Provide weekly care including food shopping, water delivery, mail, and essential supplies.
  
• Ensure cabins are clean, stocked, and in excellent condition for each retreatant.
  
• Monitor supply lists and refresh first aid kits.
  
• Collect and file retreatants’ feedback forms.

Collaboration

• Work with Land & Facilities to maintain cabins and grounds.
  
• Assist the Center Retreat Manager in group retreat operations as available.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience in a related role or willingness to train.
  
• Warm, kind, and grounded presence with staff and guests.
  
• Strong English communication skills (spoken and written).
  
• Highly responsible, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
  
• Proficiency with Google Suite.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and skillfully in emergencies.
  
• Organized, resourceful, and capable of prioritizing multiple tasks.
  
• High integrity, honesty, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Other Requirements

• A regular and committed meditation practice.
  
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; resonance with Tara Mandala lineages preferred.
  
• Enthusiasm for community living.
  
• Professionalism aligned with Buddhist values, ethics, and conduct.
  
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct.

Compensation 

• May 1 – September 30
  
• $18/hour
  
• 35 hours per week
  
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Access to meditation spaces, library, and group practice opportunities.
  
• Free Tara Mandala self-paced online teachings.
  
• Organic vegetarian meals provided.
  
• On-site rustic housing included.
  
• Monthly hot springs pass to Pagosa Springs.
  
• Deep relationships with staff and practitioners.
  
• References available upon successful completion of the season.

An example of the Solo Retreatant Care schedule
(hours vary depending on how many people are in solo retreat, additional hours for processing applications, scheduling and cleaning Retreat Cabins).

Mon:    Pick up trash and grocery lists:  10:30-11:30AM 1 hr.
              Retreatant coming out of a cabin – assist them: 10AM – 12PM up to 2  hr.
              Retreatant going into a cabin – assist them: 2-4PM up to 2 hrs.                    

Tues:    Retreat Shopping in Town: 10AM – 2PM up to 4 hr.

Wed:    Deliver Groceries: 10:30AM 1 – 2  hrs. 

Fri:       Checking boxes (Red flag run: 10:30AM 1 hr.) 
              Retreatant coming out of a cabin – assist them: 10AM – 12PM up to 2  hr.

*Cleaning and restocking cabins during the week