Job Openings Core Staff

If you are interested in coming to live and work at Dechen Chöling, please get in touch with us, even if you do not see a vacancy that would suit you. The team structure here is not set in stone, people sometimes move departments, so let us know if you think you would fit into our community. 

We are recruiting for the following long-term positions, which are paid and require a 1-3 year commitment: 

 Technical Support camping

In this position you organize and overview the set-up and take-down of the big tents in spring and fall, plan together with related departments for overall set up/take down of the various programmes that we host, support moving of materials and particular infrastructure needed for retreats and other events, as well as provide assistance to maintenance, if needed.

Necessary knowledge, skills, abilities:

• Experience in Project Management and all aspects of facilities, operations and management
• Ability to schedule tasks over the day/month/season
• Crew management (people's skills needed in order to explain and supervise tasks, providing both patience and motivation.)
• Experience with heavy construction equipment (especially tractor)
• 6 months commitment required.

Head of Operations

• In this crucial role you supervise all operations at Dechen Chöling on a daily basis and coordinate the various departments like household, kitchen, facility management and front office.
• You need both excellent French and English language skills.
• In this position you need to facilitate meetings, work out work flows and strengthen the communication between people. Ideally you are someone who combines discipline and practicability with gentleness and the ability to involve others.
• Background with the Shambhala Tradition and a commitment of 2 years are required.

  Head of Boutique

• In this role you manage all activities for running our Boutique and Café: dealing with customers, ordering and managing stock/inventory, decorating the space, and developing ingenious new ideas.
• You are particularly busy with research for products, negotiation with suppliers and calculation of pricing and cash flow. You are in charge of the budget and income, work closely with our bookkeeper, and report regularly to the management (forecasts, results).
• In that position you need both excellent French and English language skills. Knowledge of any other languages is a plus.
• Strong experience with bookkeeping and good computer knowledge of all office applications (excel) are a must.
• Background with the Shambhala Tradition and the path, and a commitment of at least 1 year are required. Level of Rigden Abisheka is an advantage.

 Fundraising Manager

• In this function you plan and organise different fundraising activities, ranging from local events to online campaigns.
• You like to be in touch with people, help to establish a network of supporters for Dechen Chöling and be the contact person for major donors.
• The position is also in charge of the administrative and legal issues on donations.
• You have a good background with the Shambhala Buddhist tradition.
• Commitment at least for one year required.

 Head of Household

• Responsible for the care and cleaning of all household facilities (housing, programme and community spaces), coordination of work chores and preparation of guest rooms. This position also oversees and organises laundry cleaning and storing.
• You can organise your work independantly, communicate well with other departments and co-workers as well as enjoy beautifying and uplifting the place for our guests, participants and ourselves.
• at least 1 year commitment required.

Contact personnel@dechencholing.org or apply directly online.

Please be aware that you need a visa/work permit for the EU in case you are not an EU citizen.

Staff conditions

The working day is varied and depends on your role and department. Staff have the opportunity for at least two hours of personal practice per day, regular teachings by local and visiting teachers, community celebrations, study classes and, in the summer, the Dechen Chöling tradition of swimming in the near-by River Vienne.

The day starts at 9am with morning meditation, followed by the “daily gathering”, where work and other issues are discussed.

• All staff participate on a rota to do household jobs.
• Practice times are in the morning before the daily gathering and in the evening from 6-7 pm.
• There are two days off per week
• All staff have a meditation instructor and the opportunity for regular interviews.
• All staff go through a probationary period for the first month to see if they and Dechen Chöling are happy with the arrangement before making a longer term commitment.
• Staff receive 5 weeks holiday per year.