Applications for 2025 are now closed. Check this page again in August to access the 2026 application portal.
Program Administration Internship
Are you interested in learning how to run a successful retreat and education center? Join us as a Program Admin Intern to support a wide range of OAEC’s internal programs (retreats, permaculture design courses, events, and organic nursery) through our … Read more
Facilities Internship / Retreat Assistant
The Facilities Internship tackles the usual array of facilities related work that maintains and improves the infrastructure at OAEC. The facilities intern works in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, woodworking and forest management. Tasks vary from simple, quick repairs … Read more
Garden Internship
Explore the world of organic gardening through OAEC’s annual Garden Internship in our 50-year-old biointensive gardens—a rich setting for experiential learning. Work closely with our Garden Manager, engaging in all aspects of gardening. We are seeking passionate individuals excited about … Read more
Internships Overview
Each year, OAEC hires a cohort of enthusiastic interns to live and learn at OAEC. Internships are approximately 24 hours per week. In exchange for their work, all interns are given a private, cozy place to live, community meals, and use of all OAEC facilities (hot tub, swimming pond, etc.) Interns also receive free participation in the OAEC Permaculture Design Course, a $500 monthly stipend, and generous vacation and sick leave. Interns take part in the life of the residential community and participate in community cooking and chore rotations.
More Information
OAEC seeks individuals who embrace living simply in a semi-rural community while working in a thriving nonprofit organization. Applicants should be flexible, energetic, comfortable in groups, and able to manage a diversity of challenges. A good sense of humor, communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn are essential attributes of prospective interns.
Each internship is intended for one person, as we cannot accommodate spouses, children or families. Due to the sensitivity of our natural environment, pets are not allowed.
Internship length: Depending on the year, most internships begin in late January and end in mid-December.
Intentional community: Interns participate as members of the residential community while at OAEC sharing the land, meals, and facilities. All community members have collective responsibilities including participation in scheduled cooking, cleaning and chore rotations (which are in addition to OAEC intern work hours). We celebrate non-sectarian diversity and are fully committed to maintaining a pluralistic, supportive, and honest working and living environment. Without interns, the resident community comprises approximately 16 people, aged in their teens to their 70’s . Please note: There are not regularly scheduled all-resident community meetings, however, the intern cohort is supported by a community liaison.
The land: OAEC is located in western Sonoma County on 80 acres of organic gardens, meadows and forest of oak, fir and redwood. During free time, interns are encouraged to take advantage of the facilities, which include:
- backcountry trails
- swimming pond
- library/meeting room
- industrial kitchen and pantry
- hot tub
- cedar sauna
Housing: Intern housing is provided, with each intern having their own cabin that is completely private and free-standing. Each of the units vary in regards to size and amenities, but all are rustic and conducive to a simple lifestyle. Interns share access to the community bathhouse and hot showers.
Course participation: Interns participate in our Permaculture Design Certification course as a component of their internship.
Meals: A highlight of living at OAEC is the food! Produce is sourced largely from the Center’s renowned gardens, and other high quality, locally sourced ingredients are available for personal meals. When there are no retreats scheduled, all residents participate in a cooking rotation, taking turns cooking dinner for the community each night. Breakfast and lunch are ad-hoc or on your own with full use of the kitchen and pantry ingredients. During OAEC retreats and courses, 3 meals a day are cooked by professional chefs. OAEC maintains a primarily vegetarian communal kitchen, though it should be noted that most residents are not vegetarians and meat is occasionally served on special occasions.
Other Benefits: Interns receive a monthly stipend of $750 and are given generous vacation and sick leave.
Hourly Paid Work Opportunities: All Interns are encouraged to participate in hourly paid work on-site. Interns will be trained as retreat hosts and have the opportunity to take off-hour shifts as retreat hosts when retreats are on-site. There are other paid opportunities in our kitchen, beauty way, and landscaping departments as well. Hourly paid work is arranged with the given department once you arrive.
To Apply:
- Applications for 2025 are now closed. Applications for 2026 will open sometime in August.
- Questions regarding internship applications can be directed to
OAEC does not discriminate against applicants because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.
