Click on department pages below to see job descriptions and links to application portals. Applications for 2027 internships open on September 1st, 2026, and close at 5pm on October 16th, 2026.
Program Administration Internship
Are you interested in learning how to run a successful retreat and education center? Join us as a Program Administration Intern to support a wide range of OAEC’s internal programs through our admin, retreats, operations, and communications departments. The Program … Read more
Facilities Internship
The Facilities Internship involves a diverse array of work maintaining and improving the buildings and infrastructure at OAEC. The facilities intern works in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, and forest management. Tasks vary from simple, quick repairs to … Read more
Garden Internship
Explore the world of organic gardening through OAEC’s annual Garden Internship in our over 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 looking for passionate individuals … Read more
Internships Overview
Each year, OAEC hires a cohort of 5 enthusiastic interns to live and learn at OAEC for approximately 11 months (early February through mid-December). In exchange for 24 hours per week of 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 receive a $825 monthly stipend and generous vacation and sick leave. Interns take part in the life of the residential community and participate in community cooking 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.
The Garden and Facilities Departments hire 2 interns, and the Program Administration Department hires 1 intern. Each internship position 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, internships begin in late January or early February 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 and cleaning (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 20’s 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. Outside of work hours, 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.
Meals: A highlight of living at OAEC is the food! Produce is sourced largely from OAEC’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. It should be noted that most residents are not vegetarians, and meat is served regularly during retreats.
Other Benefits: Interns receive a monthly stipend of $825 and are given generous vacation and sick leave. Interns may attend the various theater performances, small concerts, talks, and celebrations happening on site throughout the year. We welcome visits from family and friends.
Hourly Paid Work Opportunities: All interns are encouraged to participate in hourly paid work on-site. Interns will be trained as retreat hosts and typically become the support retreat hosts outside of intern hours when groups are on-site. There are other paid hourly opportunities in our kitchen, beauty way, and landscaping departments as well. Hourly paid work is arranged with the given department upon intern arrival.
To Apply:
- Click on department pages above to see job descriptions and links to application portals. Applications for 2027 internships open on September 1st, 2026, and close at 5pm on October 16th, 2026.
- Questions regarding internship applications can be directed to [email protected].
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. At this time, we are unable to assist in obtaining work visas for applicants.
