Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Apr 2024
Reply rate
92.1 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
31
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (2)
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
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Elderly Companionship
Teaching
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Help
WE CURRENTLY HAVE TWO SHORT TERMED POSITIONS FOR THE SPRING/SUMMER 2024
We are looking for a couple people to assist and learn new skills in our Facilities Department. If you are eager to learn and confident that you can use tools safely you may be our candidate. This position could lead to a long termed position for the right person.
What you can expect:
Typically you will be assigned to unskilled work like, weeding, digging, raking, mowing, weed-trimming, hauling and spreading mulch and very minor repairs for those who feel up to it.
We will never ask you to do anything unsafe or anything that we wouldn't do ourselves.
Sorry, pets are not allowed in staff areas and accommodations.
Perks include: 25% discount at our store and restaurant, access to our soaking tubs on staff night, access to the yoga studio, live music every week at Open Mic Night, and friends and family discounts on lodging. Pay is $16.28 for short term but up to $21 if you get hired for long term. Housing is provided.
WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WORKAWAYERS TO TAKE FULL TIME, LONG TERMED POSITIONS. PLEASE ASK US ABOUT THAT.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Depending on the season, we offer workers a private room in one of our rental cabins with shared bath and kitchen or a camping spot in summer with the same shared amenities. We have various cabins, trailers and campsites all located in the northern portion of the resort property.
Our indoor spaces are furnished. At minimum you can expect: a bed, a heater, clothing storage.
Our camping sites are raised wooden platforms. dimensions are 12x12
We have two staff kitchens, one is indoors and one is outdoors. All kitchen cookware and utensils are provided.
Staff who do not have their own bathrooms share a showerhouse in our Staff Valley living area. The showerhouse is a brand new duplex building with shower, hand wash sink and toilet in both rooms.
We are happy to send photos of our spaces/campsites 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?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours per day
Feedback (14)
Don't hesitate to take on… read more
We have hosted many Workawayers over time and Nathan is one of my favorite!
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Don't hesitate to take on… read more
We have hosted many Workawayers over time and Nathan is one of my favorite!
Working here was a dream. The people in their employ were helpful, friendly, and kinder than any other people I've ever met. The type of work was new for me, but everyone made sure I was fully informed and they taught… read more
*The hours were very fair, I loved that you could choose 3 or 5 day options.
*Mike was a flexible and understanding boss and the rest of the maintenance… read more
Is an excellent worker and a great person. We enjoyed having her here and would have like to have more time to get to know her better. She always worked hard without complaint even when the weather was miserable. Camille would be a great addition to any team!
So I came out there in November of 2016, the plan was only to stay for 4 weeks, but that plan changed and I couldn't be happier! I came out here for an adventure, and for never being away from home this experience has been life changing. I have not only grown as a person, but I have made some incredible friends.
The staff here is… read more
The help required itself was pretty… read more
Thanks Sammy
1. Aman has an incredibly diverse skill set -- he's… read more
If you're needing a workaway couple, these are your folks. And they even made us a key lime pie, too!
Thanks Sara & Martin!!!
-justin
