WANGAPEKA EDUCATIONAL TRUST – LAND CARETAKER POSITION
The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre is a small, remote centre located at the beginning of the Wangapeka Track. It is 150 wooded acres on a hillside with lovely views up and down the valley. Some 18 buildings are connected by tracks and trails. A candidate for the Land Caretaker position would be taking on a pivotal position that requires many skills and qualities. But mostly, the perfect candidate would welcome the opportunity for service in this beautiful and peaceful place. More than a job, this position is a lifestyle choice that you take on in order to deepen the practices you have in your own life.
Skills:
1. Landscaping- able to use a lawnmower, weedeater, hedge trimmer
2. Tractor operation
3. Forestry – felling small trees, chainsaw operation, log splitting, and fire wood
4. Ability to maintain or “light service” small engine machines a plus but not necessary
5. Renovation – ability to operate power tools to maintain and repair building infrastructure
Qualities:
1. Healthy and fit.
2. Must have initiative and be able to work independently. Highly motivated.
3. Mature and self reliant. Ability to solve problems.
4. Confident in abilities, but doesn’t take unnecessary risks. Safety management.
5. Ability to prioritize the work load.
6. Good communication skills.
7. Interest in living by the Buddhist 8 Fold Path and participating in the teachings as given by teachers on the retreats.
8. Service
Tasks:
1. Building Maintenance
2. Landscaping
3. Road and Drainage
4. Systems Maintenance: which involves water system, solar hot water, heating
5. Firewood
6. Preparing for arrival of Retreatants and overseeing Dana to the Land
Prerequisites:
1. New Zealand citizenship, Permanent Residency, or a Work 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 Pierre Mitchell Trustee at pierre.m@xtra.co.nz