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Once in a Lifetime Experience

Holden Village Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

If you seek meaningful work, caring community,  and life in unity with beautiful mountain scenery, then working at Holden Village may be right for you.  Throughout its history, Holden has operated through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers annually.  Some share their time and talents for just a couple weeks, and others serve for many years. 

All staff receive full room and board at Holden as well as access to community events and programing sessions. 

PROSPECTIVE Staff Packet
Open Positions

Ways To Work At Holden

There are various available roles in operations, kitchen, guest services, programming and the business side of the Village. The scope of a given position is based on the length of one’s stay and the necessity of the role. Read more about the benefits associated with different roles.

Family Option

Work Week

Short Term (2+ Weeks)

Seasonal (3+ Months)

Long Term (1+ Year)

Employee (2+ Years)

Open Positions

The following positions are open opportunities to work at Holden.

Back-Up Medic  |  volunteer

This position is open now! This role is a part-time role that involves additional job placement. The primary role of the Backup Medic is to provide first aid for villagers on an on-call basis, within the bounds of established policies and protocols and within the guidelines of their professional licensure. Further, the Backup Medic helps the Primary Medic in providing education to the staff and guests about health and safety. The Medic manages all aspects of the First Aid Station and is sometimes involved in recruiting, maintaining, and training of the Holden Village First Response Team.

Art Studio Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open June through August. This position is open as a short-term volunteer position (2+ weeks). The Art Studio Assistant supports the Art Studio Technicians in welcoming guests into creative spaces and maintaining art studio spaces. The Art Studio Assistant also supports Technicians in class offerings and may offer classes or art programs as appropriate.

Associate Garbologist  |  volunteer

Works with Garbologist to manage and facilitating the processing, recycling, reuse of and removal of solid waste from the village, including compost, recycling and landfill. Assists Garbologist with rotating teams of Village community members in collecting and sorting waste.

Back-Up Medic  |  volunteer

This position is open now! This role is a part-time role that involves additional job placement. The primary role of the Backup Medic is to provide first aid for villagers on an on-call basis, within the bounds of established policies and protocols and within the guidelines of their professional licensure. Further, the Backup Medic helps the Primary Medic in providing education to the staff and guests about health and safety. The Medic manages all aspects of the First Aid Station and is sometimes involved in recruiting, maintaining, and training of the Holden Village First Response Team.

Barista/Kitchen Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open mid July - August. Provides hospitality through the preparation and provision of espresso drinks and the cultivation of a fun and inviting atmosphere, at the Beanies coffee cart! This position requires early morning shifts and part-time work in the kitchen to complete the rest of their work hours.

Carpenter Helper  |  volunteer

This position is open in June through August to assist on the porch project and year round for very experienced carpenters to assist our long term carpenter.

Ceramic Studio Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open June-August for three to six week stints, with some opportunities during peak winter times. The Ceramic Studio Assistant supports the Ceramic Studio Technician in welcoming guests into the Ceramic Studio and maintaining Ceramic Studio spaces. The Ceramic Studio Assistant also supports the technician in class offerings and may offer classes or art programs as appropriate.

Guest Services Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open year round. The Services Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Services Associates helping to maintain Village cleanliness by assisting with housekeeping and laundry tasks in the Village.

Hike Haus Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open June through August. The Hike Haus Assistant supports the Hike Haus Head in the management and upkeep of the Hike Haus, Holden Village’s outdoor adventure hub and equipment rental facility. The assistant also supports the Hike Haus Head in the implementation of outdoor adventure and safety programming through provision of basic outdoor skills classes and equipment demonstrations.

Kitchen Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open year-round. Kitchen assistants support Head & Seasonal Cooks in the tasks of daily kitchen operation, including but not limited to: food preparation; cooking and baking; Dining Hall upkeep; sanitation tasks; cultivating an inviting and caring atmosphere both inside the kitchen and in the Dining Hall.  This position can be physically demanding, with multiple hours spent on your feet and the necessity of carrying things up and down stairs.  The kitchen is also a very social environment, so those who prefer social work environments will find this position particularly satisfying.  Depending on the time of year and the length of the stay at Holden, there may be opportunity for this position to guest Chef or work on special projects. Kitchen Assistants work under the supervision of year-round Head Cooks, Seasonal Cooks, and Food Services Lead.

Lawns & Gardens Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open May - October. Lawns & Gardens Assistant works under the supervision of the Lawns & Gardens Head to help maintain the grounds of Holden Village. This year, we are especially interested in short term lawns and gardens assistants who are interested in stays of a six weeks or more.

Maverick  |  volunteer

Performs a variety of tasks throughout the village that involve manual labor! Helps keep the village safe and functioning in so many ways! Responsible for transportation of luggage and freight, production of firewood, and manual snow removal, moving supplies, and support for various village tasks as needed. High awareness of and emphasis on safety.

Plumber  |  contractor

This position is open now! Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and improvements of Holden’s plumbing systems, water distribution system, hydronic boiler & heating systems, fire sprinkler piping systems and any piping that caries fluids, compressed air, or fuels.

Pool Hall Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open May - September 2025. The Pool Hall Assistant is responsible for management, preservation, and staffing of Holden Village’s historic pool hall and bowling alley located in the Village Center. Built in the 1930s, the Pool Hall has four lanes with semi-automatic pin-setters, five pool tables, ping pong, foosball, board games and a jukebox. During the summer months, the Pool Hall serves candy and popcorn to visitor and holds events like bowling nights and ping-pong tournaments.

Snack Bar Assistant  |  volunteer

Under the supervision of the Snack Bar Head, operates the Holden Village Snack Bar as a central place of welcome and hospitality for guest and staff.

Trails Crew Member  |  volunteer

This position is open May - September 2025. The trail crew works under the supervision of the Trails Crew Coordinator. Goes on periodic trips to maintain and repair hiking trails in Railroad Creek Valley. Love of the outdoors is essential. Work involves lifting, sawing, and hiking miles to work sites carrying heavy gear.

Village Painter  |  volunteer

This position is open now! Responsible for high quality skilled painting of all village facilities. Includes both exterior and interior painting. Applicants should possess painting knowledge and skill with tools and methods, and have neat and careful work habits.

Wood Production Helper  |  volunteer

This position is open May - October 2025. Help with the production of firewood at the direction of full-time staff members. Includes operating wood processing equipment and being part of the rigging crew to yard firewood logs. Must be physically fit and have an eye for safety.

Youth Program Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open mid June - September 2025. Youth Program Assistants support the Narnia Head (working with guests aged 4- and 11-years old) or the Middle School/High School Head (working with guests 12- and 17-aged old) in implementing summer programs . The assistant supports age-appropriate programming that inspires fun and creativity while supporting children’s physical, mental, and social development. The assistant should be flexible, creative, responsible, patient, and collaborative.

Back-Up Medic  |  volunteer

This position is open now! This role is a part-time role that involves additional job placement. The primary role of the Backup Medic is to provide first aid for villagers on an on-call basis, within the bounds of established policies and protocols and within the guidelines of their professional licensure. Further, the Backup Medic helps the Primary Medic in providing education to the staff and guests about health and safety. The Medic manages all aspects of the First Aid Station and is sometimes involved in recruiting, maintaining, and training of the Holden Village First Response Team.

Carpenter  |  volunteer

This position is open in August. Responsible for maintenance, repair, and general construction projects in the Village. Is responsible for supervising others using woodworking equipment and the general organization and cleaning of the shop.

Diesel Mechanic  |  employee

HIRING NOW | This position is open now! The Holden mechanic maintains, operates and repairs Holden's fleet of vehicles and equipment. It is open as a seasonal position (3+ months), a long-term volunteer position (1 year) or an employee position (2 years).

Electrician  |  employee

This position is open now! Responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of village electrical systems as well as remodel and new construction capital projects. Scope of work may include work on the village's hydro-generation system and backup generator, medium voltage distribution, commercial work spaces as well as residences. Works closely with Projects Lead and other villagers to coordinate work. It is open as a seasonal position (3+ months), a long-term volunteer position (1 year) or an employee position (2 years).

Head Cook  |  volunteer

This position is open now! Under the direction of the Food Services Lead, a Head cook is responsible for providing shift leadership in the Holden Village Kitchen and Dining Hall. During scheduled shifts, a Head Cook is responsible for: the safe and sanitary preparation of food served both throughout the day and at specific times (i.e. menu meals and snacks, Holden bread and granola, etc.); coordinating and training kitchen volunteers in various food preparation, sanitation, and restocking tasks; promoting a kitchen  atmosphere that balances grace and humor with the need for efficiency and timely food production; cultivating an inviting atmosphere in the Dining Hall for all through general upkeep and personal interaction. This position can be physically demanding, with multiple hours spent on your feet and the necessity of carrying things up and down stairs.

Seasonal Store Assistant  |  volunteer

The Holden Store Assistant assists the Business Lead in managing the third largest revenue center for Holden Village and promoting the organization’s mission through an online and in-person store.

Snack Bar and Beanies Head  |  volunteer

This position is open May - September 2025. The Snack Bar and Barista Head is responsible for the management of the Village’s Snack Bar, a central gathering place for staff and guests during the summer months; as well as the Village’s espresso cart “Beanies”. This role is responsible ensuring the Snack Bar and Beanies operations in ways that promote welcome and hospitality, sanitation and safety, and positive volunteer experiences for its staff. This position trains, schedules and oversees Snack Bar Assistants and Baristas (both adult and teen short-term volunteers).

Trails Crew Coordinator  |  volunteer

This position is open May - September 2025. The Trails Crew Coordinator works with the U.S. Forest Service to plan and implement trail maintenance projects in the Railroad Creek Valley and Glacier Peaks Wilderness. The Trail Crew Coordinator leads and supervises the members of the Trail Crew. The Trail Crew is responsible for maintaining and repairing hiking trails. Occasional overnight trips will be required for more remote destinations.

Administrative Assistant  |  volunteer

This position is open in August. The Administrative Assistant reports to the Executive Directors as part of the Administrative Team. This role collaborates with the Executive Directors, other managers, and program staff to coordinate tasks, create efficiencies, and design, deliver, and embed a sustainable annual plan that advances the strategic priorities of Holden Village. The Administrative Assistant assists the directors and business manager in presenting and maintaining a hospitable, organized, welcoming presence within and outside the Village.

Back-Up Medic  |  volunteer

This position is open now! This role is a part-time role that involves additional job placement. The primary role of the Backup Medic is to provide first aid for villagers on an on-call basis, within the bounds of established policies and protocols and within the guidelines of their professional licensure. Further, the Backup Medic helps the Primary Medic in providing education to the staff and guests about health and safety. The Medic manages all aspects of the First Aid Station and is sometimes involved in recruiting, maintaining, and training of the Holden Village First Response Team.

Carpenter  |  volunteer

This position is open in August. Responsible for maintenance, repair, and general construction projects in the Village. Is responsible for supervising others using woodworking equipment and the general organization and cleaning of the shop.

Creative Technician  |  volunteer

This position is open now. The Communications & Development Coordinator helps conceptualize, write and design Holden Village publications and online communications in a creative and visually exciting presentation that informs readers, in word, picture, and audio, about activities and opportunities to experience and live into the mission, vision and values of the Village. Applicants should have expertise in two, or more, of the following areas: copywriting and content creation, social media management, photography, videography, website content management, podcast production and graphic design.

Diesel Mechanic  |  employee

HIRING NOW | This position is open now! The Holden mechanic maintains, operates and repairs Holden's fleet of vehicles and equipment. It is open as a seasonal position (3+ months), a long-term volunteer position (1 year) or an employee position (2 years).

Electrician  |  employee

This position is open now! Responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of village electrical systems as well as remodel and new construction capital projects. Scope of work may include work on the village's hydro-generation system and backup generator, medium voltage distribution, commercial work spaces as well as residences. Works closely with Projects Lead and other villagers to coordinate work. It is open as a seasonal position (3+ months), a long-term volunteer position (1 year) or an employee position (2 years).

Guest Services Associate  |  volunteer

This position is open now. Under the guidance of the Housekeeping Services Lead, Services Associates play a crucial role in upholding the Village’s mission of hospitality and teamwork. This role is cross-trained in both housekeeping and laundry, allowing for flexibility and a comprehensive understanding of the Village's operations. When the Guest Services Lead is off, the Services Associate takes charge, leading daily meetings and overseeing the team’s activities to ensure seamless operations.

Head Cook  |  volunteer

This position is open now! Under the direction of the Food Services Lead, a Head cook is responsible for providing shift leadership in the Holden Village Kitchen and Dining Hall. During scheduled shifts, a Head Cook is responsible for: the safe and sanitary preparation of food served both throughout the day and at specific times (i.e. menu meals and snacks, Holden bread and granola, etc.); coordinating and training kitchen volunteers in various food preparation, sanitation, and restocking tasks; promoting a kitchen  atmosphere that balances grace and humor with the need for efficiency and timely food production; cultivating an inviting atmosphere in the Dining Hall for all through general upkeep and personal interaction. This position can be physically demanding, with multiple hours spent on your feet and the necessity of carrying things up and down stairs.

Head Driver  |  volunteer

This job is open now! Responsible for coordination of the transportation program, including driver training, fleet oversight, and level 1 vehicle maintenance. Experience driving manual transmission vehicles required. Must be good at logistics, be detail-oriented, and have a very strong safety ethic. As a driver, you are the first and last person guests see during their stay at Holden Village. A strong sense of hospitality is essential for this position.

Head Maverick  |  volunteer

This job is open in August! Performs a variety of tasks throughout the village that involve manual labor. Helps keep the village safe and functioning in so many ways! Responsible for transportation of luggage and freight, production of firewood, and manual snow removal, moving supplies, and support for various village tasks as needed. Supervises a crew to accomplish these tasks. Good people and organizational skills are required. Be able or learn to operate chainsaws, large trucks. High awareness of and emphasis on safety

IT/Media Associate  |  volunteer

This position is open now! The IT Associate works under the direction of the IT Lead to perform desktop and audiovisual (AV) support to Holden Staff and Teaching Faculty.  This role functions as the "IT Help Desk", while also coordinating the audio/visual needs for day-to-day use and special events.

Purchasing and Accounting Associate  |  volunteer

This position is open in late August. The Holden Village purchasing clerk facilitates the procurement of materials and services by the organization to ensure quality, fiscal responsibility, and timely receipt of orders. This position works closely with the Accountant Lead to complete accounting tasks and may support other areas of the business team such as registration or the store as needed.

Registrar Associate  |  volunteer

HIRING NOW | This position is open now. The Registrar promotes the organization’s mission of welcome by serving guests with high-customer focus through the reservation process, welcoming those arriving at Holden Village, and serving as an information resource for guest’s questions and concerns during their stays.

Store/Business Associate  |  volunteer

This position is open now. The Holden Store/Business Associate assists the Business Lead in managing the third largest revenue center for Holden Village and promoting the organization’s mission through an on-line and in-person store.

Diesel Mechanic  |  employee

HIRING NOW | This position is open now! The Holden mechanic maintains, operates and repairs Holden's fleet of vehicles and equipment. It is open as a seasonal position (3+ months), a long-term volunteer position (1 year) or an employee position (2 years).

Director for Advancement  |  employee

This job is OPEN NOW! The Director for Advancement oversees all fundraising, outreach, and communications efforts, manages a team of five or more to execute the work, and collaborates with staff across departments. The Director for Advancement works with the Board of Directors, particularly the Advancement Committee, to determine priorities, cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors and supporters, and actively engage in acquiring gifts. The Director for Advancement is a member of the senior leadership team and participates in making strategic decisions about Holden Village. More than 6,000 people visit and/or volunteer each year. Holden Village is a 501C-3 non-profit organization. Sixty percent (60%) of our operating budget is derived from fees paid by guests; forty percent (40%) is derived from annual donations.  To build Advancement strength and momentum, this position is currently posted as an in village position, we would consider augmenting compensation for the appropriate candidate to work remotely. Please contact the staffing office if you are interested in applying for this position as a remote worker.

Electrician  |  employee

This position is open now! Responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of village electrical systems as well as remodel and new construction capital projects. Scope of work may include work on the village's hydro-generation system and backup generator, medium voltage distribution, commercial work spaces as well as residences. Works closely with Projects Lead and other villagers to coordinate work. It is open as a seasonal position (3+ months), a long-term volunteer position (1 year) or an employee position (2 years).

Food Services Lead  |  employee

This position is open June 2025. The Food Services Lead is responsible for the management of Holden Village’s food service operation, which includes: the central kitchen and dining hall, the central “dishpit,” the “snack bar,” and Beanie’s Espresso Cart.  This responsibility includes supervision of volunteer staff, administration (scheduling, ordering/vendor relationships, menu, training coordination), the demonstration of community-wide hospitality via food and dining practice, and ensures all food service areas operate in compliance with regulatory standards.  The Food Services Lead aims to provide healthy, delicious, and diverse meals for all through intentional and sustainable menu planning & practices; order ingredients from economical and socially responsible suppliers; maintain a clean, safe and fun working environment; and develop and implement a food philosophy that revolves around the concept of “lavish simplicity” — good food, well and mindfully prepared, and served with joy. The Food Services Lead seeks interesting and meaningful ways to embed the Village’s shared “food life” within the larger themes and topics of Village life and program.  In addition, the Food Services Lead is also a Head Cook.  This position can be physically demanding, with multiple hours spent on your feet and the necessity of carrying things up and down stairs. Multi-year commitment preferred.

Guest Services Lead  |  employee

This position is open September. If you are enthusiastic about fostering a culture of hospitality and teamwork, and if you thrive in an environment where every detail contributes to making guests and residents feel at home, we invite you to bring your talents to our Village. Together, we will continue to create memorable experiences and a vibrant, welcoming community.

Physical Plant Lead  |  employee

This position is open August 2025. Responsible for maintaining the physical plant of Holden Village, from historic buildings to a picturesque landscape. Must be willing to supervise many volunteers at once while also doing independent work. Ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work as well as administrative tasks.

Risk and Safety Lead  |  volunteer

This position is open in August. The Risk and Safety Lead is a full-time risk management and safety job in a remote, North Cascades retreat center accessible only by foot or by boat. We are seeking candidates with a desire to live full-time in Holden Village and help us develop, maintain, and implement widespread risk management systems in the village for staff and guests alike. This role requires technical knowledge of workplace safety standards as well as creativity and passion for making staff and guest experiences safe in the context of remote wilderness. This role will be responsible for establishing safety goals and metrics, coordinating trainings and safety initiatives, maintaining and managing emergency plans, and advising on departmental safety including occupational, recreation/wilderness travel, transportation, hazardous materials, medical safety, mental health, fire safety, and more. Safety in the village is not driven just by policy, but also by training and culture, and this role will be a leader and role model in sharing learning from incidents and near-misses.

Utilities Lead  |  employee

HIRING NOW | This position is open now! Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of our water filtration plant, water distribution system, septic/sewage systems, building plumbing, hydronic heating systems, and the Jacuzzi.  Also responsible for all things electrical including hydro generation (on-site training provided), power distribution system, all building service and wiring, low voltage wiring.

Director for Advancement  |  employee

This job is OPEN NOW! The Director for Advancement oversees all fundraising, outreach, and communications efforts, manages a team of five or more to execute the work, and collaborates with staff across departments. The Director for Advancement works with the Board of Directors, particularly the Advancement Committee, to determine priorities, cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors and supporters, and actively engage in acquiring gifts. The Director for Advancement is a member of the senior leadership team and participates in making strategic decisions about Holden Village. More than 6,000 people visit and/or volunteer each year. Holden Village is a 501C-3 non-profit organization. Sixty percent (60%) of our operating budget is derived from fees paid by guests; forty percent (40%) is derived from annual donations.  To build Advancement strength and momentum, this position is currently posted as an in village position, we would consider augmenting compensation for the appropriate candidate to work remotely. Please contact the staffing office if you are interested in applying for this position as a remote worker.

How to Apply

The following steps are required to apply to be on Holden staff.

1. Complete the staff application form.

Staff Application

2. Complete the health form and release waiver, then email the form to medic@holdenvillage.org.

Health and Release form

3. Send the reference form to the individuals you listed in your application and ask them to email their completed form staffing@holdenvillage.org.

Reference Form

4. If applying for a Summer Seasonal Volunteer, Long-Term Volunteer or Employee position, please email your resume to staffing@holdenvillage.org. If you are returning to the Village on short-term staff, you do not need to submit a new application if you have sent one in the last 5 years.

We do require the following paperwork on an annual basis:

  • Release Waiver & Code of Conduct
  • Staff Agreement
  • Health and Wellness Form (emailed to medic@holdenvillage.org)
  • An email with the dates you hope to come and position preference

 

Once we have received all your application materials, we will notify you that your application is complete. Your process may include a phone or video interview. It normally takes 3-4 weeks for a decision to be made about short-term positions and longer for positions with long-term commitments. If you have any questions or concerns please email staffing@holdenvillage.org 

Holden Village is an equal employment opportunity employer, and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with a known protected disability assuming the accommodation does not cause undue hardship or direct threat to health and safety.

Staff Testimonial

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about working at Holden that aren’t answered in these FAQs, email staffing@holdenvillage.org.

Yay! We’re excited that you’re interested in volunteering at Holden. You will need to fill out the online staff application form. You will also need to fill out a health and wellness form/ release waiver and email it to medic@holdenvillage.org. Short-term volunteers need one reference to fill out the reference form and email it to staffing@holdenvillage.org. Seasonal volunteers need two references, and long-term volunteer and employee applicants need three references. 

All qualified applicants, including seasonal volunteers, long-term volunteers, and employees, will be invited for an interview process, typically conducted by a video call. 

There are many different ways to be part of the Holden community!

Short-term volunteers come to the Village for a minimum stay of two weeks. In exchange for their work, they receive room and board.

Seasonal volunteers come for at least three months during the summer season (between May-September) and play a leadership role in the Village. They receive room and board, as well as a $350 stipend each month. Volunteers in “short term” positions who stay for 3+ months are not eligible for a stipend. Only those in specific “seasonal” positions can be eligible for this stipend. 

Long-term volunteers serve in the Village for a year. They fill a large range of essential roles in the Village, and receive room and board, along with receiving a $550 stipend each month and other benefits such as boat tickets and friends and family days. Volunteers also have the opportunity to opt into healthcare. 

Employees serve in the Village for a minimum of two years. They receive room, board, boat tickets, friends and family days, a salary, the option to opt into health care health care, as well as other benefits. Employees bear responsibility for supervising other staff, managing portions of the budget, and fulfilling critical safety functions.

Staff at Holden work 40hrs/week that consist of 36 hours spent in one’s assigned role as well as 4 hours spent doing work of the Village. Staff is expected to work five (5) days on and two (2) off. 

During the non-summer season Holden also has “Stop Days” which are an additional monthly Village-wide day off where the Village takes a day of recreation and rest. “Stop Days” are not scheduled during the summer due to the high responsibility for Village function and programming rigor. 

There are a few other ways to volunteer as well. For those with children, consider the Family Option. For those interested in being in the Village for a week and helping the Village transition between summer to winter or winter to summer, sign up for Spring or Fall Work Weeks! 

Short-term staff will typically be assigned to live in one of the lodges. These are dormitory-style housing arrangements with communal living spaces and communal bathrooms. Most short-term summer volunteers will have roommates due to the high number of people in the Village, while volunteers during the off-season may have a room to themselves. 

Long-term staff normally live in a chalet. These are houses shared with 3 to 11 other long-term staff members. Long-term staff will have their own rooms, and share living spaces, including a living room and kitchen. Pending space availability, long-term staff may have the option to shift housing during their term of service.

Volunteering at Holden Village with your family is welcome! If you and your family are interested in fulfilling roles at Holden for a year or longer, please email staffing@holdenvillage.org to learn more about this possibility! 

If you are able to serve for two weeks in the summer, read more about the Family Option and complete an application here.

Half-work half-pay allows people to come to Holden for a reduced cost in exchange for working in the Village. This option exists in the off-season (September-May) and excludes the month of January and major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and President’s Day). Consider half work/half pay if the full cost of registration is prohibitive, if you have physical limitations that prevent volunteering full time, or if you are planning a sabbatical. 

To apply, please complete the form. If you are eligible, we will contact you with the necessary applications, and if you are not, we will reach out with more information about full time staff and guest options. 

Work weeks are two 2-week periods in the Spring and Fall where volunteers come up for a week or two to help transition the village facilities between summer and winter operations. Learn more about Work Weeks.

Alumni weekend is an annual event for former long-term Holden staff to return for a service weekend at a discounted rate. Learn more about Alumni Weekend.

There is no cell service in the Railroad Creek valley. Staff in the Village 2+ weeks are provided WiFi access during their stay for use only in private spaces. Guests at Holden are not provided WiFi access. They may use the computer terminal in the Library for brief Internet access. Many people come to Holden to disconnect from their devices, so staff are encouraged to not use the Internet in guest-facing areas.

Not at all. The mission statement of Holden Village calls us to “welcome all people into the wilderness.” This means everybody! Holden Village welcomes and embraces people of all races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. While Holden is rooted in the Lutheran Christian tradition, all faith traditions are celebrated and welcomed into this community. Non-Christians can feel comfortable in an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and conversation. We celebrate the unity and diversity of the church, all humanity, and all creation. All are welcome! Learn more about our mission, vision, and values.

No… the wilderness setting and plentiful mountain creatures pose serious threats to domesticated pets.

Work of the village is a set of responsibilities shared among all members of the community (with some exceptions). These tasks include dish team (cleaning and restocking dishes and kitchen equipment), garbology (sorting recycling and assisting with compost management), as well as stoking in the colder months (starting and tending fires in the Village boilers). Other forms of work of the village include chaining wood or food, scooping ice cream in the Holden snack bar, or cleaning the Dining Hall after meal times. This work is performed on a volunteer basis and is not scheduled by the Village.

Multiple times a year the Village focuses programming on staff enrichment. Limited number of guests are allowed during these weeks that feature leadership development, wellness and resilience, vocational discernment, community building and transition.

Learn about the journey of getting to Holden. If travelling by car, staff are allotted free parking at Field’s Point. Seasonal, long-term, and employee roles are also allotted a certain number of boat tickets to and from Lucerne as part of their compensation.

Dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Learn more about the Holden kitchen.

Yes. Staff participation in all programming, especially faculty sessions, is encouraged as part of the benefits provided to every Villager. Some art activities or specialized retreats may limit participation. Staff are encouraged to allow guests to fill those spots first. Other options may be arranged.

Education

Holden Village is a community where your questions are valued and encouraged. Most programs led by visiting teaching faculty occur during the summer months. However, Holden also invites faculty to teach sessions for special events and retreats throughout the rest of the year.
View upcoming summer faculty.