The work of sustaining a sanctuary for contemplative practice includes an ever-changing medley of basic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, the setup of spaces, carpentry, gardening, wood splitting, building maintenance, and roadwork. With the following aptitudes and values listed below, you can be expected to enjoy a successful and rewarding experience of helping out at Sea to Sky Retreat Centre:
For all full time volunteers, we provide private accommodations, vegetarian meals, a living allowance, and instruction in karma yoga practice. A fulltime volunteer commitment includes ample time for personal meditation practice and study.
For a summary of the current status of SSRC, a well–established mountain retreat centre that is financially self-sufficient and environmentally sustainable, click here to view the SSRC Status page
To see what SSRC volunteer life looks like, please click here to view our photos on Facebook.
2026 Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Sea to Sky Retreat Centre (SSRC). We hope some of the volunteer roles briefly described below inspire you. After reading through, please complete the application form at the bottom of the page.
1. Retreat Cook (Volunteer)
Overview
SSRC is committed to providing fresh, healthy vegetarian food for those that reside on the land. Volunteer cooks are encouraged to take inspiration from the Zen Master, Dogen, when approaching an offering of Karma Yoga practice in the kitchen. This work is ideal for someone who loves feeding the community and coordinating with diverse volunteers.
Core Responsibilities
Plan menus for upcoming retreats and prepare shopping lists in advance
label food for those with identified allergies
Lead kitchen volunteers during meal prep
Manage leftovers
Follow food-safety systems
Useful Skills & Qualities
Experience cooking for groups (10–30 people)
Confidence with vegetarian cuisine
Enjoys collaborating with volunteers of diverse backgrounds
Comfortable living off-grid in the mountain wilderness
Inspired to live sustainably and follow sustainable practises
2. Facilities Assistant (Volunteer)
Overview
SSRC exists completely off-grid and is supported entirely through volunteer effort. Those that reside here are well accustomed to living within the resources that exist naturally here and that have been built with sustainability in mind. We aspire to continuously live in harmony with the natural world. Please read our sustainability plan online to learn more about how we manage our micro-hydro and solar power, the fresh mountain spring water; our heat sources, our recycling, compost and waste methods and maintenance of buildings and grounds. A good fit for someone who enjoys hands-on, physical work, problem-solving, and helping support group and individual retreats in a wilderness setting.
Core Responsibilities
Assist with maintenance of buildings and cabins
Assist with infrastructure tasks as needed (water system, solar and micro-hydro power systems, heating, recycling)
Support outdoor work: forestry tasks, firewood, trail upkeep, snow shoveling
Step in to help other roles as needed (within capacity)
Preferred Skills & Qualities
- Comfortable working with tools and performing basic maintenance
- Follows safety practices in variable weather conditions
- Flexible with shifting operational needs
- Enjoys living off-grid and in the forest
- Driving
3. General Volunteer
Overview
Supports day-to-day operations across the retreat centre. Ideal for someone who enjoys variety, learning new tasks, and contributing broadly to the retreat environment.
Core Responsibilities
Kitchen assistance (prep, dishes, simple meal tasks)
Housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, room resets)
Light gardening depending on season
Community tasks such as recycling, firewood, or assisting retreatants
Support other roles when needed (within capacity)
Preferred Skills & Qualities
Flexible, willing to learn, comfortable shifting tasks
Collaborative and steady in a retreat-based environment
Enjoys living off-grid, and in the forest.
How to Apply
Please click the “Apply to Volunteer” button below to complete the Application Form.
After submitting the form, kindly send a short notification email to [email protected].
Your application will be reviewed by the SSRC team and we will then follow up.
Please note: All volunteer placements begin with a 4-week trial period to ensure a mutually supportive fit.
