Learn about plants and experience rural living in paradise on the San Juan Islands of the USA

Details

• 

  Description

  We are a rustic resort and retreat center in the San Juan Islands in Washington State with 30 cabins, 10 yurts and domes and 29 camp-sites. Located on 35 acres of coastal property on Orcas Island, our community serves as the cultural and social hub of the Eastern side of the island.
  
  The cafe garners a reputation in the region for delicious seasonal and local fare and is a unique gathering place for local islanders, folks from the Pacific Northwest, and guests from around the U.S. and the world. We maintain a burgeoning seed to table program from our on-site garden that provides many of the ingredients for the menu served in our Cafe.
  
  Located on a bluff above Otter's Cove our creek-side, clothing optional spa with soaking tubs are the warm heart of our place and people travel from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond to soak in our waters. Please note that during the pandemic the Soaking Tubs are not open to the public but we do offer a weekly staff soak.
  
  We also hosts several music festivals and are a year-round music venue for musicians from all over the country and region.
  
  While many of our employees are island locals, we also have a summer on-site staff of up to 15 people. This group of people is comprised of hardy Northwesterners as well as people from all over the country and the world. Lifetime friendships are frequently forged and no one forgets their time here.
  
  Orcas Island has much to offer those with an adventurous spirit and a love of the great outdoors. Orcas is home to Moran State Park - the largest park in the San Juan Islands and the fourth largest state park in Washington. With over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails and four lakes that are great for trout fishing and swimming, Moran offers a host of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Widely considered one of the world's best panoramic views, Moran also contains Mt. Constitution - the highest point in the San Juan Islands.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Workawayers will learn new skills, make new friends and memories, and will live in one of the most beautiful places in the world!
  
  This place and Orcas Island produce and embrace cultures unique to the United States. We call going back to the mainland "Going to America," and pride ourselves on having a one of a kind island culture and lifestyle that is completely unique to the San Juan Islands. Its hard to explain unless you have been here!
  
  Many of our workers travel from afar to be here and so you get a sort of cross-section of people from across the country and beyond who work here. We are also a short day trip to the border of Canada and the beautiful city of Vancouver British Columbia, where a whole different national culture awaits.

• 

  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

• 

  Help

  We are looking for someone to live and help from early August through the rest of the growing season and into late September. All work is outdoors in all kinds of weather but Summers are very mild on the island. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE DURING THIS TIMEFRAME.
  
  The duties would be as follows:
  
  o Plant, water, weed, prune, and harvest vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants.
  o Assist with soil preparation, composting, and organic pest control.
  o Maintain gardening tools, equipment, and workspaces.
  o Collaborate with the Garden Manager to implement sustainable gardening practices.
  o Ensure the gardens remain a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space for guests and the community.
  
  c) Knowledge and skills - all of these are helpful but not necessarily required for the right candidate
  o Some understanding of organic gardening and sustainable farming practices.
  o Some familiarity with planting, pruning, weeding, and harvesting techniques.
  o Ability to safely use and maintain gardening tools and equipment.
  o Strong teamwork and communication skills for collaborative projects.
  o Physical stamina to perform outdoor, hands-on tasks in various weather conditions.
  
  The ideal candidates are open to the work described above but also flexible to help where needed. We would never ask anyone to do work above their skill level or work we wouldn't do ourselves.
  
  This role is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, rugged hands-on work, and being part of a positive, eco-conscious team.
  
  Perks include: 25% discount at our store and restaurant, access to our soaking tubs on staff nights, access to the yoga studio and friends and family discounts on lodging. Pay is $17.13/hr. for this position.
  
  MANY OF OUR WORKAWAY PARTICIPANTS GO ON TO TAKE LONG TERMED POSITIONS.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

• 

  Accommodation

  From October through Housing included in either our private staff studio cabins or resort rooms with shared kitchen and bath, depending on availability. Couples who can share housing are encouraged. Photos can be provided.
  
  From June through September - Housing will be provided in either our private staff studio cabins or 10x10 canvas tents with bed and mattress, place for storing personal items and a loveseat. Photos can be provided.
  
  We have an indoor staff kitchen for onsite employees. All kitchen cookware and utensils are provided.
  
  Staff share a showerhouse in our Staff Valley living area. The showerhouse is a newer duplex building with shower, hand wash sink and toilet in both rooms. Staff in resort rooms share our Lower Bathhouse.
  
  We are happy to send photos of our spaces and provide all the information needed for you to make the right decision.

• 

  What else ...

  Length of stay:
  
  Workawayers may stay a minimum of 2 weeks and up to 5 months. Work visa required.
  
  Ethics
  
  All workawayers are expected to maintain a strong work ethic. - In making your decision to partake in the program, it is expected that you treat it with the same responsibility as being employed. We are happy and appreciative to host you and help you create your experience, but ultimately the decision to work is yours. We have a zero tolerance attitude towards sexual harassment, stealing, or verbal abuse. If you feel at any time that you have had a negative experience reflecting a lack of tolerance, we expect you to report the incident immediately to management.
  
  Orcas Island:
  
  Orcas Island is a very rural place and yet we are lucky to have some cultural attractions, as well, including: The Orcas Center, Seaview Theatre, the Orcas Island Historical Museum and the whole retail sector of the Village of Eastsound offer shopping, amazing restaurants and bakeries as well as art galleries and many other services.
  
  If you like services that are offered 24 hours a day and cool night-life this is not the place for you. While islanders like to live it up this is a quiet community and the town closes early. Night life is sharing drinks with friends around a fire pit.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  We have a robust wifi network.

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a couple spots where we can accommodate camper-vans.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  My animals / pets

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+8

Feedback (15)