Open Staff Positions | Ananda Ashram

Spring 2026 Update

Opportunities to live and work at the Ashram may be available for those committed to deepening their spiritual practice.
Currently seeking applicants for the following positions:

Part-Time Fractional HR Generalist
Location: Remote with occasional on-site support as needed at Ananda Ashram, Monroe, NY. Ananda Ashram is a yoga and meditation retreat welcoming guests for overnight stays, as well as visits during the day. The ashram has permanent residents, paid staff and volunteers.

Hours: Approximately 5 hours per week with additional hours at the onset of employment, as needed.

Compensation: $35/hr
Ananda Ashram is seeking a thoughtful, experienced, and values-aligned HR Generalist to provide part-time fractional support. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys meaningful work within a mission-driven spiritual community and can offer steady, practical HR guidance in a flexible capacity.

Position Overview
The HR Generalist will support the Ashram’s leadership with foundational human resources functions, ensuring policies, processes, and employee relations are handled with professionalism, fairness, and care. This role averages approximately 5 hours per week, with flexibility depending on organizational needs.

Key Responsibilities
Policy & Compliance
• Review and update employee handbook and HR policies
• Ensure alignment with current employment laws and best practices
• Advise leadership on risk mitigation and compliance matters
Recruitment & Hiring
• Support job description development
• Assist with candidate screening and interviewing
• Provide hiring recommendations and guidance
Onboarding & Offboarding
• Oversee onboarding processes and documentation
• Ensure proper offboarding procedures and documentation
• Support leadership with transition planning as needed
Employee Relations
• Provide guidance on performance concerns and workplace dynamics
• Conduct harassment or workplace investigations if and when needed
• Recommend appropriate documentation and follow-up actions
Qualifications
• 3+ years of experience in an HR Generalist or similar role
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
• Experience conducting workplace investigations
• Excellent communication skills and discretion
• Ability to work independently in a fractional capacity
• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven environments preferred

Ideal Candidate
The right person brings sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to balance compassion with clarity. They are comfortable working in a small organization, offering practical solutions while honoring the values of a spiritual community.
To apply, please submit a resume and brief statement of interest to: Sharadaklein@gmail.com.

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Lead Chef – Vegetarian/Vegan Kitchen (2 positions) - Dining Hall & Corner Café
Ananda Ashram is seeking Lead Chefs to prepare nourishing and healthful vegetarian and vegan meals for our residential and retreat community with a focus on wholesome ingredients and locally sourced, organically grown seasonal produce.

Compensation:
$800/month stipend plus room and board or $20/hr for off-site living

Time Commitment:
24–30 hours/week - Includes meal shifts, co-management and optional product preparation for sale

Meal Service Schedule
7 lunches | 2 dinners (Friday and Saturday) | 2 breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday)
This totals about 16 hours per chef. Additional shifts will be required during retreats, holidays, and special events.

Additional Responsibilities and Hours
Additional hours will be spent preparing staple foods from scratch (ex. yogurt, nut milks and butters, fresh cheese, bread, etc.) along with managerial and administrative duties. Any hours remaining can be used to prepare foods for sale in the Corner Café, guided by the Café Coordinator. These hours will be unpaid for hourly workers.

Kitchen and Management Responsibilities
The Lead Chefs are responsible for the functioning of the Ashram Kitchen and small Dining Room, where complimentary self-serve basics are offered. Responsibilities include:

• Cooking and maintaining consistent food quality and nutrition
• Upholding food safety standards
• Utilizing garden produce
• Budgeting and minimizing food waste
• Jointly managing food sourcing and ordering
• Shopping and produce pick-up
• Menu planning
• Scheduling work-study cleaning shifts

Incentives & Benefits

• Participation in a shared incentive pool funded by 10% of Dining Hall meal revenue
• Access to daily meditation programs, yoga classes, and special events at Ananda Ashram
• Immersion in a well-established spiritual community focused on service and mindful living.
• Opportunity to work in a contemplative, health-driven kitchen environment

Weekly Time Summary
Meal shifts, prep work, administrative coordination, and food product creation for the Corner Café total approximately 30 hours per week for each position.

Application
All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Baking skills are a plus. Experience working in a spiritual community kitchen is a plus. Please email your resume and a brief letter of interest to anandaashramkitchen@gmail.com. Start date by Feb 25, 2026.

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Sous Chef/Kitchen Support (2 positions) - Dining Hall & Corner Café
Ananda Ashram is seeking Sous Chefs / Kitchen Support staff members to assist in the preparation of nourishing and healthful vegetarian and vegan meals for our residential and retreat community. At Ananda Kitchen, our focus is on utilizing wholesome ingredients and locally sourced, organically grown seasonal produce.

Time Commitment: 30 hours/week

Meal Service Schedule
Meal service operates daily, in approximately 3-hour shifts and currently covers:
7 lunches | 2 dinners (Friday and Saturday) | 2 breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday)

Additional shifts will be required during retreats, holidays, and special events.

Compensation:
$600/month stipend plus room and board or $16/hr for off-site living

Responsibilities
Sous Chefs / Kitchen Support staff members will assist with food preparation, meal service, and kitchen operations. The role supports Lead Chefs during scheduled meal shifts and helps ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and compliant with sanitation standards.

Kitchen responsibilities include prep work, service assistance, daily cleaning, and maintenance of the small dining room adjoining the kitchen, where complimentary basic foods are offered, self-serve.

Incentives & Benefits