Join Our Staff

Drala Mountain Center is a 600-acre mountain valley retreat nestled at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. Surrounded by native forests, gentle meadows and rocky peaks, this powerful land has been tamed by decades of use as a contemplative retreat center. For more than 40 years, extraordinary people have gathered here to experience Buddhist teachings and partake in over 100 year-round programs that include meditation, indigenous wisdom traditions, body awareness practices, contemplative arts, mindful living, and other paths of personal transformation.

Providing a safe and supportive container for exploring paths to deepen awareness, personal wellbeing and societal transformation, DMC retains a year-round core staff of approximately 45 people, many of whom live on our land. Between April and September, scores of volunteers join us to support our core staff in providing exemplary service to thousands of guests through life-changing programs that cultivate personal development and spirituality.

At Drala Mountain Center, you will encounter your mind and it will be challenging – and rewarding. Being on staff here requires the willingness to cultivate sense of humor, wakefulness, cheerfulness and discipline. You will get the most out of your experience if you have a clear intention, willingness to feel intense emotions – both positive and negative, a sense of what it means to be genuine, and the aspiration to use whatever arises as an opportunity to cultivate compassion and wisdom. Please see the “what we’re looking for” section below for more information.

Drala Mountain Center staff in The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya on Shambhala Day 2015. Photo by Lauretta Prevost

What we’re looking for in prospective applicants:

  • Physical, mental and emotional stability and resiliency
  • An established meditation practice, or a strong intention of establishing a meditation practice
  • A commitment to engage in community meditation practice
  • A commitment to uphold Our Values and Code of Conduct
  • A desire to live in rustic living conditions, rugged terrain and isolated location – we are one hour away from physical and mental health care, and there is no regular shuttle service or public transportation. We cannot accommodate pets at this time.
  • The desire and ability to make and fulfill a long-term commitment (minimum of one year for core staff positions)
  • Authorization to work in the US, even for volunteers
  • A commitment to participate in community life through weekly service shifts (washing dishes, cleaning shared spaces), events, meetings, and classes
  • The strength and flexibility to cope with the inevitable intensity of living and working in a small, dynamic community
  • The ability to adapt to prepared meals: we typically provide omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan/wheat-free options. We cannot accommodate severe food sensitivities or allergies beyond those noted above.
  • You must be at least 18 years or older by your prospective date of arrival. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childcare or accommodate children at this time.
  • Above all, we’re looking for a willingness to work with your mind and all that arises with cheerfulness, discipline and a sense of humor!

Apply Below: