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Current Vacancies / Current Opportunities
We have a number of opportunities for long term residents at Sunyata.
During the winter period we’re hoping to have a team of around 4 long term residents to help support the monastic presence and running of the centre.
Minimum commitments of around a month would work well, but longer would be better. There may be the opportunity for a resident to extend their stay into the spring and summer if things go well.
Specifically, we’re looking for someone confident in taking on the kitchen coordinator role, taking care and managing the Sunyata kitchen.
Previous experience staying at other Ajahn Chah monasteries or Sunyata would be helpful.
Volunteer Kitchen Coordinator
About the Role –
Sunyata Centre is a Buddhist retreat and practice community dedicated to simplicity, mindfulness, and compassionate service.
We are seeking a Volunteer Kitchen Coordinator to care for the day-to-day running of our small kitchen — a quiet and vital space at the heart of community life.
This role involves preparing one wholesome vegetarian meal daily, served at 10:00 a.m., for 3–10 people, including resident monastics and long- and short-term volunteers.
As the community lives in accordance with the Eight Precepts, only one main meal is taken each day; therefore, this position mainly requires morning hours, leaving the afternoons free for personal practice and reflection.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and prepare one nutritious vegetarian meal each day in a calm and mindful way
- Coordinate food stock, weekly orders, and grocery shopping (driving licence an advantage but not required)
- Distribute dāna (donations), especially perishable goods, with care and gratitude
- Coordinate meal offerings when supporters bring cooked food for the monastic community, in keeping with the Theravāda tradition
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment, following health and safety guidelines
- Practise mindful waste control, ensuring efficient use of ingredients, composting of food waste, and environmentally responsible kitchen management
- Support and guide kitchen volunteers in a spirit of cooperation, awareness, and loving-kindness
Requirements
- Experience in vegetarian cooking for groups (preferred)
- Ability to plan meals, manage supplies, and maintain organisation
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Awareness of, or sincere interest in, Buddhist practice and mindful living
- Previous experience in a Theravāda monastery or meditation centre (preferred)
- HACCP certification an advantage (training can be arranged during stay)
- Driving licence
What We Offer
- Room and board in a peaceful rural setting
- Time and space for meditation, study, and personal practice
- A meaningful opportunity to live and serve within a peaceful, contemplative community
- Training provided, including orientation to Sunyata’s kitchen routines, health standards, and mindful cooking approach
Minimum stay: 2 months (up to six months is preferred)
How to Apply
If you feel inspired to offer your time and skills in service of the community, please contact us at guests@sunyatacentre.org for more details.
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