Join Our Team
Once in a Lifetime Experience
Volunteer/Work
Throughout its history, Holden has operated through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers annually. Some share their time and talents for just two weeks, and others serve for multiple years. Holden also hires a limited number of skilled employees who provide consistent leadership and supervision.
If you have a few weeks, months, or years to experience something new, we have a place for you.
Whether you join our staff for two weeks or an extended period of time, many of the benefits are the same:
- You’ll live in the midst of stunning scenic wilderness, just a few minutes’ walk to work.
- You’ll have access to amazing hiking opportunities, community activities, learning sessions, art studios and other educational opportunities!
- You’ll join a caring community rooted in Christian values, welcoming people of all spiritual, faith, and wisdom backgrounds.
- You’ll enjoy a simpler, ‘less-plugged-in’ lifestyle in the wilderness (and still have access to wifi to stay connected).
- You’ll have time and opportunity to explore new interests and learn new things.
- You’ll be invited to contribute to community life, and be more than your job assignment.
- You’ll have fun! Traditions of ‘Holden Hilarity’ have been passed down through our staff for generations.
Are you thinking that time on staff at Holden Village might be right for you? The first thing to decide is how long you would like to serve:
If you would like to volunteer at Holden for just one week, we invite you to join us for a Work Week, with two week-long options each spring and fall. Help the Village transition from one season to the next while enjoying community and recreation. Learn more about upcoming Work Weeks and apply here.
Fall 2022 Work Week Dates
- Week 1: Monday, October 3, 2022 – Sunday, October 9, 2022
- Week 2: Monday, October 10, 2022 – Sunday, October 16, 2022
If you can serve for at least two weeks up to several months, we invite you to come as a short-term volunteer. You’ll receive free lodging and meals and some additional benefits depending on your length of stay. Short-term volunteers are welcome throughout the year but critical in our busiest seasons from June through August and during the holidays in November and December.
Open Short Term Volunteer Opportunities
- CDL Driver
- Electrician
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Housekeeping Services Assistant
- Kitchen Assistant
- Maverick (outdoor physical labor)
- Plumber
If you can commit to serve for three to four months (typically between May and September), you may be eligible for a seasonal leadership role. People hired in these positions receive a small stipend along with room and board.
Open Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities
- Head Cook
- Housekeeping Services Associate
We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available for people who commit for one year. These positions receive a stipend, room, board, insurance, and other benefits. Long term volunteers serve in many areas of the Village: administration, arts, building maintenance, programming, and more.
High Priority Long Term Volunteer Positions
- CDL Driver
- Communications & Development Coordinator
- Head Cook
- Housekeeping Services Associate
- Medic
- Medic – Backup
- Registrar
Other Open Long Term Volunteer Opportunities
- Administrative Assistant
- Art Studio Coordinator
- Business Team Floater (Registrar, Store, Post Office)
- Carpenter
- Donor Relations & Database Coordinator
- Electrician
- Fire System Technician
- Grant Writer
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Housekeeping Services Associate
- IT/Media Associate
- Mechanic
- Mechanic Apprentice
- Plumber
- Purchasing Coordinator
- Repair Associate
- Utilities Assistant
Holden Village has many opportunities for skilled workers in leadership and supervisory positions. Requiring at least a two-year commitment, Holden employees receive a salary, room, board, insurance, and other benefits.
Open Employee Positions
- Community Services Manager
- Communications & Development Lead
- Housekeeping Services Lead
- HR/Staff & Volunteer Manager
- HR/Staff & Volunteer Lead
- Partnership & Recruitment Lead
- Risk & Safety Lead
- Utilities Lead
How to Apply
Once you decide how long you want to be at Holden Village, we can help you find the right role. Often, your assignment will be based on your own preferences balanced by the Village’s needs. You may be using existing skills or have the chance to try something new. Please fill out our application to start the process.
1. Complete and email to staffing@holdenvillage.org:
2. Complete and email to medic@holdenvillage.org:
3. Send the Reference Form to the individuals you listed in your Staff Application and ask them to email their completed form staffing@holdenvillage.
4. If applying for a Summer Seasonal Head, Long-Term or Employee position, please also email your Resume to staffing@www.holdenvillage.org.
Once we have received all your application materials, we will notify you that your application is complete. Applications 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@www.holdenvillage.org.
Fall 2022 Work Weeks
Join us for a week of work and relaxation, transitioning our remote community from one season to the next! Whether this is your first visit or your fiftieth, Holden invites you to lend your time and talents for community projects and summer or winter preparations. All arrivals will be on Monday with departures on Sunday with no exceptions. Space is limited, so please apply early. Apply to join us for one or both weeks.
Week 1: Monday, October 3, 2022 – Sunday, October 9, 2022
Week 2: Monday, October 10, 2022 – Sunday, October 16, 2022
How to Apply
1. Complete and email to staffing@holdenvillage.org:
Work Week Application
Release Waiver & Code of Conduct
Staff Agreement
2. Complete and email to medic@holdenvillage.org:
Why Holden?
Read More
The Best of All Worlds: Traveling, Volunteering and Working in Retirement by Barbara J. Tuttle in Next Avenue, July 22, 2022
Holden Village: Walking the ‘all are welcome’ talk by Cheryl Murfin in Seattle’s Child, July 17, 2022
