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

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager at Tara Mandala plays a key role in nourishing our retreat participants by providing delicious organic vegetarian meals in our vibrant Colorado Center. While seasonal, this is a full-time role. You will manage a dedicated kitchen team, design menus that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences, and oversee kitchen operations to ensure quality, cleanliness, and adherence to health codes. Your compassionate leadership will help create a supportive, harmonious environment where both staff and guests can thrive. Enjoy the benefits of on-site housing, meals, and competitive compensation.

Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

• Meal Preparation & Planning: Lead the preparation of two organic, delicious vegetarian meals per day for 50 -100+ retreatants, accommodating dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.
• Kitchen Leadership: Oversee kitchen operations, manage and train kitchen staff, and ensure a harmonious, efficient, and compassionate working environment.
• Menu & Recipe Creation: Develop weekly menus and daily prep lists, creating recipes that are both nourishing and mindful of the retreatants specific diets.
• Inventory & Budgeting: Manage food ordering, inventory, and budgeting, ensuring cost-effective practices while minimizing waste.
• Adherence to Standards: Ensure compliance with health codes, sanitation practices, and Tara Mandala policies.
• Community Engagement: Foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, collaborating with the community to enhance dining experiences. Works with staff to improve whenever possible
• Schedules and holds weekly meetings with kitchen staff during retreat season.

Skills & Experience:

• At least three years of kitchen management and cooking experience in a similar setting.
• Experience with vegetarian cooking
• Experience with ordering large quantities of food, menu planning and budgeting
• Ability to lead with compassion, equanimity, and flexibility, especially during high-pressure times.
• Strong communication skills
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to hear and appreciate other points of view, including those of a diverse and cross-cultural nature.
• Organizational skills with the ability to manage a kitchen and team effectively
• Comfort with technology, including Google Suite, Excel, and web-based systems.
• A passion for Buddhist teachings and retreat environments is highly preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must have a regular and committed meditation practice 
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; strong connection to the lineages at Tara Mandala preferred
• Excitement about community living
• Strong understanding and demonstrated ability to work in an organization professionally while upholding Buddhist values and conduct
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct, and acts as a role model

Compensation

• This is a full time, non-exempt, seasonal position. 
• The position begins April 1st and goes through September 30th
• The estimated weekly work hours for Head Chef/Kitchen Manager during retreat season is 40 hours.  
• Salary: $22,000 for the 6 month retreat season
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, a vast library, morning meditation practice outdoors on “Prayer Flag Ridge” and afternoon group practice in the Temple (on days off), free online self-paced Tara Mandala Teachings 
• Build lasting relationships with retreat center staff, volunteers and and other Interns
• Meet many wonderful Buddhist practitioners from around the world

• Organic vegetarian meals provided
• On-site housing
• 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

Kitchen Support Staff

The Kitchen Staff provide essential support to the Chef/Kitchen Manager, contributing  their passion for nourishing, organic vegetarian food, to ensure the hearth of our Colorado Center thrives! While seasonal, this is a full-time role. Kitchen Support Staff function as members of a dedicated kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that accommodate a variety of dietary needs, assisting kitchen operations to ensure quality, cleanliness, and adherence to health codes. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to serve the Dharma and be part of a deeply connected community. If you have a passion for organic food, a commitment to Buddhist principles, and a desire to serve with heart, we would love for you to join our team.

Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

• Meal Preparation: Assist in the preparation of two vegetarian meals per day for 50 – 100+ retreatants, accommodating dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.
• Teamwork: Contribute as an efficient and effective team member with friendliness and gentleness to help create a compassionate working environment.
• Take Direction: Carefully follow the directions of the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager in food preparation, cleaning serving areas, and work areas.
• Communication: As part of an team you communicate with teammates, other staff, and retreat participants in a kind and friendly manner
• Adherence to Standards: Ensure compliance with health codes, sanitation practices, and Tara Mandala policies.
• Emotional stability and maturity in moments of stress or conflict
• Attends weekly meetings with Kitchen Manager and kitchen staff during retreat season.

Skills & Experience:

• At least one year of kitchen prep and cooking experience in a similar setting.
• Ability to work with others with compassion, equanimity, and flexibility, especially during high-pressure times.
• Strong communication skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to hear and appreciate other points of view, including those of a diverse and cross-cultural nature.
• Ability to take direction and accept feedback from the Kitchen Manager.
• Comfort with kitchen tools and equipment. Good and safe knife skills.
• A passion for Buddhist teachings and retreat environments is highly preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must have a regular and committed meditation practice 
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; strong connection to the lineages at Tara Mandala preferred
• Excitement about community living
• Strong understanding and demonstrated ability to work in an organization professionally while upholding Buddhist values and conduct
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct, and acts as a role model

Compensation

• This is a flexible full-time hourly, non-exempt, seasonal position. The estimated weekly work hours for this position are 30 – 40 hours as Kitchen Support Staff during retreat season. 
• Position begins May 1st – September 15th
• $16 hourly wage
• 40 hours a week
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, a vast library, morning meditation practice outdoors on “Prayer Flag Ridge” and afternoon group practice in the Temple (on days off), free online self-paced Tara Mandala Teachings 
• Build lasting relationships with retreat center staff, volunteers and and other Interns

• 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

The Housekeeping/Accommodations Manager at Tara Mandala, Colorado plays an important role in ensuring our guests are comfortable in their accommodations while on retreat.
As the Housekeeping/Accommodations Manager you will oversee the small lodge of 19 rooms, three large Yurts and 8 Glamping Tents. Your skillful and compassionate leadership will guide staff, hired cleaners, and volunteers to assist in daily tasks. You will also collaborate with the Tara Mandala Center Retreat Manager to ensure that guests and their bags are matched with the correct room. Enjoy the benefits of on-site housing, meals and the opportunity to contribute to participants’ Retreat experience.

Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

• Kind and compassionate leadership skills to guide others in the cleaning and laundry schedules during and between retreats. Professional cleaners will assist in the lodge between scheduled retreats under your direction.
• Hosting guests requires listening to and accommodating their needs, and when needed communicating additional needs to the Retreat Manager. A warm and open demeanor towards guests is necessary to support the retreat experience.
• Work together with the Retreat Manager to ensure correct placement of retreatants in the appropriate rooms, ensuring their needs are met for comfort and accessibility.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the laundry room. Ensure the continuous flow of laundering sheets and towels, folding and storing in the appropriate spaces. 
• Maintain the neatness and organization of linens in the linen closet and cleaning supplies in the supply storage closet. Communicating ordering of supplies as needed.

• In collaboration with the Land and Facilities Crew, oversee the upkeep of rooms, ensuring they are kept clean, stocked, and functioning properly for each new retreatant.
•  Periodically check emergency radio for proper charge and function, as well as first aid kits in the hall. Report any unsafe areas, fixtures, or activities in the lodge area.
• Always acting with integrity to ensure the safety of guests and their belongings.

Skills & Experience:

• At least one year of experience in a similar role. 
• Ability to lead and work with others with kindness and warmth.

• Excellent command of English and good communication skills
• Self-motivated to see what needs to be done and taking action. 
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills and good time management.
• Ability to respond quickly and skillfully to problems during a program and coordinate with team members including Center Director and Center Retreat Manager during an emergency
• Team player that is level-headed, flexible, and compassionate
• High level of dependability, integrity, and honesty

Other Requirements

• Must have a regular and committed meditation practice 
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; strong connection to the lineages at Tara Mandala preferred
• Excitement about community living
• Strong understanding and demonstrated ability to work in an organization professionally while upholding Buddhist values and conduct
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct, and acts as a role model

Compensation 

• Position begins May 1st – September 30th
• $16 hourly wage
• 35 hours weekly
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, a vast library, morning meditation practice outdoors on “Prayer Flag Ridge” and afternoon group practice in the Temple (on days off), free online self-paced Tara Mandala Teachings 
• Build lasting relationships with retreat center staff, volunteers and and other Interns
• 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

Solo Retreatant Care
A Sacred Role in Supporting Deep Practice

Tara Mandala offers retreatants a rare opportunity to experience profound solitude and deep spiritual practice in our remote mountain cabins. The Solo Retreatant Care role is essential in ensuring that each practitioner’s retreat is supported with the utmost care and attention. As a member of our team, you will be responsible for processing applications and managing placements in the retreat cabins. Your role also involves providing ongoing support by shopping for retreatants food, providing water, and other necessities, as well as overseeing the cleanliness of the cabins. When possible, you will additionally assist the Tara Mandala Center Retreat Manager in other aspects of group retreat coordination. This role requires a compassionate and detail-oriented individual who is dedicated to creating an environment of peace, solitude and spiritual focus for each practitioner.

Essential Job Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

• Process solo retreat applications 
• Manage the Solo Retreat schedule and placement of retreatants in the appropriate cabins

• Provide weekly care for retreatants, including shopping for food, water, delivering mail and other essentials, ensuring they have everything they need for their retreat.
• In collaboration with the Land and Facilities Crew, oversee the upkeep of retreat cabins, ensuring they are kept clean, stocked, and in pristine condition for each new retreatant.
• Monitor cabin supplies and update first aid kits
• Collect and file Solo Retreatant feedback forms
• Assist the Tara Mandala Center Retreat Manager in supporting group retreats when time and resources allow.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience in a similar role or open to training
• Kindness and warmth with staff and guests
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written) and good communication skills

• Self-motivated, responsible, and able to work independently
• Proficient with Google Suite
• Ability to respond quickly and skillfully to problems during a program and coordinate with team members including Center Director and Center Retreat Manager during an emergency
• Team player that is level-headed, flexible, and compassionate
• Highly organized and resourceful with ability to prioritize, problem solve, and take initiative. 
• High level of dependability, integrity, and honesty
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality in regard to customers’ information and other sensitive matters

Other Requirements

• Must have a regular and committed meditation practice 
• Dedicated Buddhist practice; strong connection to the lineages at Tara Mandala preferred
• Excitement about community living
• Strong understanding and demonstrated ability to work in an organization professionally while upholding Buddhist values and conduct
• Upholds Tara Mandala Leadership Values and Code of Conduct, and acts as a role model

Compensation 

• Position begins May 1st – September 30th
• $16 hourly wage
• 35 hours weekly
• Room and board included

Additional Benefits

• Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, a vast library, morning meditation practice outdoors on “Prayer Flag Ridge” and afternoon group practice in the Temple (on days off), free online self-paced Tara Mandala Teachings 
• Build lasting relationships with retreat center staff, volunteers and and other Interns
• 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.

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:  10-11AM 1 hr.
              Retreatant coming out of a cabin – assist them: 10AM – 12PM up to 2  hr.
              Retreatant going into a cabin – assist them: 2-5PM up to 3 hrs.                    

Tues:    Retreat Shopping in Town and mail run: 9AM – 3PM up to 6 hr.

Wed:    Deliver Groceries: 9:30-10:30AM 1 – 2  hrs. 

Fri:       Checking boxes (Red flag run: 10AM 1 hr.) 
              Retreatant coming out of a cabin – assist them: 10AM – 12PM up to 2  hr.
              Retreatant going into a cabin – assist them: 2-5PM up to 3 hr.