We are looking to fill the Office Caretaker Position

Work in one of the most beautiful places in the world

We are looking for an enthusiastic, energetic office caretaker to join the community at the Wangapeka Study and retreat Centre ideally starting September 2016. You must be a NZ resident or have permission to work in NZ and have computer skills and office work experience. We are particulary interested to hear from experienced dharma students / practitioners  who see being of  service at a thriving dharma centre an exciting opportunity to deepen their practice. However, any one who is open, flexible and wanting to be of service will be considered. Caretakers receive $145 per week with accomodation and food provided.

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OFFICE CARETAKER POSITION

The office caretaker position at the Wangapeka Educational Trust is a full and rewarding position requiring a number of different tasks to be performed both inside and outside. The job requires a certain level of physical fitness as the centre is located on the side of a fairly steep hill and there is no vehicle access to several of the living structures and water source which may require maintenance. A love of the outdoors, an ability to communicate clearly and patiently over the phone and internet, familiarity with accounting principles and book keeping, and willingness to pitch in and do whatever needs to be done to keep the Centre running smoothly are all important qualities. Above all, flexibility is the key. The Centre, though an enclave of peace and tranquility, has aging buildings, equipment, and systems. Often something comes up and a smile and a deep breath go a long way to helping you maintain equilibrium and be happy in your work.

Tasks:

  1. General office duties
  2. Booking Retreats
  3. Corresponding with retreatants, Retreat managers, Board of Trustees, Teachers and other interested parties
  4. Bookkeeping
  5. Housekeeping, cleaning and minor repairs
  6. Food inventory and shopping for retreats

Skills:

  1. Bookkeeping and Accounting (knowledge of QuickBooks accounting software a plus)
  2. Computer competency – Word, Excel, Email Correspondence, Online Accounting
  3. Phone and Email Etiquette

Qualities:

  1. Organised and takes initiative
  2. Clear Communicator
  3. Flexible
  4. An understanding of service and willingness to be in a service role
  5. Patience
  6. Reasonable level of physical fitness /stamina / ability to work hard
  7. Ability to work alone and as part of a team
  8. Some kind of ongoing spiritual practice or interest in the teachings

Prerequisites:

  1. New Zealand citizenship, Permanent Residency, or a Working Visa
  2. Current Driver’s License

This is a minimum one year position with a maximum of two years.

The ideal candidate would abide by the 5 Ethical Precepts while living at the centre:

    1. To refrain from harming others
    2. to refrain from stealing
    3. to refrain from sensual misconduct
    4. to refrain from unskillful speech
    5. to refrain from taking substances that cloud the mind and hide the openness of the heart.

Please email CV and Cover Letter to Jane Hobday Trustee at jane.hobday@clear.net.nz