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Join us for a week of work and community, transitioning our remote community from one season to the next! Whether this is your first visit or your fiftieth, Holden invites you to lend your time and talents for community projects and summer or winter preparations. All arrivals will be on Monday with departures on Sunday with no exceptions. Space is limited, so please apply early. Apply to join us for one or both weeks.

This position is open June through August. The Art Studio Assistant supports the Art Studio Technicians in welcoming guests into creative spaces and maintaining art studio spaces. The Art Studio Assistant also supports Technicians in class offerings and may offer classes or art programs as appropriate.

Works with Garbologist to manage and facilitating the processing, recycling, reuse of and removal of solid waste from the village, including compost, recycling and landfill. Assists Garbologist with rotating teams of Village community members in collecting and sorting waste.

This position is open mid July-August. Provides hospitality through the preparation and provision of espresso drinks and the cultivation of a fun and inviting atmosphere, at the Beanies coffee cart! This position requires early morning shifts and part-time work in the kitchen to complete the rest of their work hours.

This position is open in June through August to assist on the porch project and year round for very experienced carpenters to assist our long term carpenter.

This position is open June-August for three to six week stints, with some opportunities during peak winter times. The Ceramic Studio Assistant supports the Ceramic Studio Technician in welcoming guests into the Ceramic Studio and maintaining Ceramic Studio spaces. The Ceramic Studio Assistant also supports the technician in class offerings and may offer classes or art programs as appropriate.

This position is open year round. The Services Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Services Associates helping to maintain Village cleanliness by assisting with housekeeping and laundry tasks in the Village.

Responsible for the safe and appropriate operation of Holden’s heavy equipment, buses, and other vehicles.

This position is open June through August. The Hike Haus Assistant supports the Hike Haus Head in the management and upkeep of the Hike Haus, Holden Village’s outdoor adventure hub and equipment rental facility. The assistant also supports the Hike Haus Head in the implementation of outdoor adventure and safety programming through provision of basic outdoor skills classes and equipment demonstrations.

Kitchen assistants support Head & Seasonal Cooks in the tasks of daily kitchen operation, including but not limited to: food preparation; cooking and baking; Dining Hall upkeep; sanitation tasks; cultivating an inviting and caring atmosphere both inside the kitchen and in the Dining Hall.  This position can be physically demanding, with multiple hours spent on your feet and the necessity of carrying things up and down stairs.  The kitchen is also a very social environment, so those who prefer social work environments will find this position particularly satisfying.  Depending on the time of year and the length of the stay at Holden, there may be opportunity for this position to guest Chef or work on special projects. Kitchen Assistants work under the supervision of year-round Head Cooks, Seasonal Cooks, and Food Services Lead.

This position is open May through October. Lawns & Gardens Assistant works under the supervision of the Lawns & Gardens Head to help maintain the grounds of Holden Village. This year, we are especially interested in short term lawns and gardens assistants who are interested in stays of a six weeks or more.

Performs a variety of tasks throughout the village that involve manual labor! Helps keep the village safe and functioning in so many ways! Responsible for transportation of luggage and freight, production of firewood, and manual snow removal, moving supplies, and support for various village tasks as needed. High awareness of and emphasis on safety.

The Media Assistant supports the Media Associate in providing Audio Visual (A/V) support and training to Holden staff and teaching faculty, recording, and editing teaching sessions, assisting with the development of the audio archive.

This position is available mid June-August The Middle School/High School Assistant supports the Middle School/High School Head in implementing summer programs for guests aged 12 to 17 years old. The assistant supports age-appropriate programming focusing on leadership and social skills development while encouraging fun and hilarity. The assistant should be flexible, creative, responsible, patient, and collaborative.

This position is open mid June-September. The Narnia Assistant supports the Narnia Head in implementing summer programs for guests aged 4- and 11-years old. The assistant supports age-appropriate programming that inspires fun and creativity while supporting children’s physical, mental, and social development. The assistant should be flexible, creative, responsible, patient, and collaborative.

Hiring Now Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and improvements of Holden’s plumbing systems, water distribution system, hydronic boiler & heating systems, fire sprinkler piping systems and any piping that caries fluids, compressed air, or fuels.

This position is open May-September. The Pool Hall Assistant is responsible for management, preservation, and staffing of Holden Village’s historic pool hall and bowling alley located in the Village Center. Built in the 1930s, the Pool Hall has four lanes with semi-automatic pin-setters, five pool tables, ping pong, foosball, board games and a jukebox. During the summer months, the Pool Hall serves candy and popcorn to visitor and holds events like bowling nights and ping-pong tournaments.

The trail crew works under the supervision of the Trails Crew Coordinator. Goes on periodic trips to maintain and repair hiking trails in Railroad Creek Valley. Love of the outdoors is essential. Work involves lifting, sawing, and hiking miles to work sites carrying heavy gear.

Responsible for high quality skilled painting of all village facilities. Includes both exterior and interior painting. Applicants should possess painting knowledge and skill with tools and methods, and have neat and careful work habits.

Help with the production of firewood at the direction of full-time staff members. Includes operating wood processing equipment and being part of the rigging crew to yard firewood logs. Must be physically fit and eye for safety.

This position is open now! The Holden mechanic maintains, operates and repairs Holden's fleet of vehicles and equipment.

This Position is open May-September. The Education Assistant supports the Education Lead in hosting the summer teaching faculty. This individual is an energetic “people person” with a desire to foster a warm sense of welcome and belonging for all faculty and guest musicians. The Education Assistant helps connect faculty to Village resources, assists with session preparation, and has the unique opportunity of attending sessions as part of their daily work.

This position is Open. Responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of village electrical systems as well as remodel and new construction capital projects. Scope of work may include work on the village's hydro-generation system and backup generator, medium voltage distribution, commercial work spaces as well as residences. Works closely with Projects Lead and other villagers to coordinate work.

This position is accepting applications for Spring 2024 and beyond. Under the direction of the Food Services Lead, a Head cook is responsible for providing shift leadership in the Holden Village Kitchen and Dining Hall. During scheduled shifts, a Head Cook is responsible for: the safe and sanitary preparation of food served both throughout the day and at specific times (i.e. menu meals and snacks, Holden bread and granola, etc.); coordinating and training kitchen volunteers in various food preparation, sanitation, and restocking tasks; promoting a kitchen  atmosphere that balances grace and humor with the need for efficiency and timely food production; cultivating an inviting atmosphere in the Dining Hall for all through general upkeep and personal interaction. Head Cooks are also expected to dedicate some of their work time to projects of a particular focus, designated by and designed with the Food Services Lead. This position can be physically demanding, with multiple hours spent on your feet and the necessity of carrying things up and down stairs.

This position is open Summer 2025. Responsible for high quality skilled painting of all village facilities. Includes both exterior and interior painting. Applicants should be self-starters with good organizational leadership skills, possess painting knowledge and skill with tools and methods, have neat and careful work habits, and have the ability to direct and oversee volunteer painters.

This position is open May-September. The Hike Haus Head is responsible for the management and upkeep of the Hike Haus, Holden Village’s outdoor adventure hub and equipment rental facility. The head is also responsible for the implementation of outdoor adventure and safety programming through provision of basic outdoor skills classes and equipment demonstrations.

This position is open May- September. This person will work to maintain the Sauna and the Hot Tub. They will supplement their Jacuzzi Tech responsibilities by working as a Maverick or Operations Floater. Individuals interested in this position must posses the required technical knowledge and skills.

This position is open May-September. The Middle School/High School Head is responsible for planning and implementing summer programs for guests aged 12 to 17 years old. The head is tasked with developing a curriculum to develop leadership and social skills while encouraging fun and hilarity. The head should be flexible, creative, responsible, patient, and collaborative.

This position is open May-September. The Narnia Head supervises, plans, and leads programs for guests aged between 4- and 11-years old Monday-Thursday 9 AM – 12 PM. The Narnia Head is responsible for implementing summer programs that inspire fun and creativity while supporting children’s physical, mental, and social development. The head should be flexible, creative, responsible, patient, and collaborative.

This position is open May-September.  The Naturalist is both a student and teacher of nature. The Naturalist is responsible for leading educational sessions for all ages on a variety of topics relating to the Railroad Creek Valley ecosystem and Holden’s current and historical relationship to the environment. The Naturalist also supports Holden’s Hike Haus in providing programs relating to outdoor skills and responsible recreation.

This position is open Summer 2025. The Trails Crew Coordinator works with the U.S. Forest Service to plan and implement trail maintenance projects in the Railroad Creek Valley and Glacier Peaks Wilderness. The Trail Crew Coordinator leads and supervises the members of the Trail Crew. The Trail Crew is responsible for maintaining and repairing hiking trails. Occasional overnight trips will be required for more remote destinations.

This position is open May-September. The Youth Program Coordinator is responsible for the direction and oversight of Holden Village’s Summer Youth Program for youth and kids ages 4-17 years. The focus of the coordinator is development a youth program philosophy and curriculum that embodies the mission, vision, and values of Holden Village as well as the summer theme. The coordinator is responsible for supervising and supporting the Narnia Head (ages 4-11) and Middle School/High School Head (ages 12-17).

This position is open March 2025. The Art Studio Technician is responsible for promoting and supporting arts programs in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of Holden Village. The studio tech is primarily responsible for planning and teaching classes for various age groups and experience levels. The technician is also responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere in the art studio and facilitating a space where all can explore their creativity through visual arts.

HIRING FOR FALL 2024. This role is a part-time role that involves additional job placement. The primary role of the Backup Medic is to provide health care for villagers on an on-call basis, within the bounds of established policies and protocols and within the guidelines of their professional licensure. Further, the Medic provides education to the staff and guests about health and safety, particularly in the realm of communicable disease issues. The Medic manages all aspects of the First Aid Station and is sometimes involved in recruiting, maintaining and training of the Holden Village First Response Team.

This position is open now! The Holden mechanic maintains, operates and repairs Holden's fleet of vehicles and equipment.

This position is open now. The Donor Relations & Database Coordinator helps promote Holden Village’s mission, vision, and values through engagement with current and prospective donors and the extended Holden community. This position provides the backbone support for building relationships with the wider Holden community and is responsible for all gift recording, maintaining accurate constituent records, corresponding with and thanking individuals using a CRM database. They engage people and organizations through donor communications, the annual online auction, and other outreach events.

This position is Open. Responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of village electrical systems as well as remodel and new construction capital projects. Scope of work may include work on the village's hydro-generation system and backup generator, medium voltage distribution, commercial work spaces as well as residences. Works closely with Projects Lead and other villagers to coordinate work.

Responsible for the provision and maintenance of the Village fire detection, alarm, sprinkler, suppression systems, and hose houses. Basic knowledge of fire-fighting, plumbing, and electrical systems is helpful.

This position is open March 2025. Responsible for managing and facilitating the processing, recycling, reuse of and removal of solid waste from the village, including compost, recycling and landfill. Leads rotating teams of Village community members in collecting and sorting waste. Individuals may work short-term in this position if they have served in this role in the past.

This position is open now. Under the guidance of the Housekeeping Services Lead, Services Associates play a crucial role in upholding the Village’s mission of hospitality and teamwork. This role is cross-trained in both housekeeping and laundry, allowing for flexibility and a comprehensive understanding of the Village's operations. When the Guest Services Lead is off, the Services Associate takes charge, leading daily meetings and overseeing the team’s activities to ensure seamless operations.

This position is accepting applications for Spring 2024 and beyond. Under the direction of the Food Services Lead, a Head cook is responsible for providing shift leadership in the Holden Village Kitchen and Dining Hall. During scheduled shifts, a Head Cook is responsible for: the safe and sanitary preparation of food served both throughout the day and at specific times (i.e. menu meals and snacks, Holden bread and granola, etc.); coordinating and training kitchen volunteers in various food preparation, sanitation, and restocking tasks; promoting a kitchen  atmosphere that balances grace and humor with the need for efficiency and timely food production; cultivating an inviting atmosphere in the Dining Hall for all through general upkeep and personal interaction. Head Cooks are also expected to dedicate some of their work time to projects of a particular focus, designated by and designed with the Food Services Lead. This position can be physically demanding, with multiple hours spent on your feet and the necessity of carrying things up and down stairs.

Responsible for coordination of the transportation program, including driver training, fleet oversight, and level 1 vehicle maintenance. Experience driving manual transmission vehicles required. Must be good at logistics, be detail-oriented, and have a very strong safety ethic. As a driver, you are the first and last person guests see during their stay at Holden Village. A strong sense of hospitality is essential for this position.

Performs a variety of tasks throughout the village that involve manual labor! Helps keep the village safe and functioning in so many ways! Responsible for transportation of luggage and freight, production of firewood, and manual snow removal, moving supplies, and support for various village tasks as needed. Supervises a crew to accomplish these tasks. Good people and organizational skills are required. Be able or learn to operate chainsaws, large trucks. High awareness of and emphasis on safety

Responsible for the safe and appropriate operation of Holden’s heavy equipment, buses, and other vehicles.

The IT Associate works under the direction of the IT Lead to perform desktop and audiovisual (AV) support to Holden Staff and Teaching Faculty.  This role functions as the "IT Help Desk", while also coordinating the audio/visual needs for day-to-day use and special events.

The Registrar promotes the organization’s mission of welcome by serving guests with high-customer focus through the reservation process, welcoming those arriving at Holden Village, and serving as an information resource for guest’s questions and concerns during their stays.

The Repairs Associate is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all village appliances and miscellaneous building repairs. Works closely with carpenters and Physical Plant lead as needed.

This position is open now. The Holden Store/ Business Associate assists the Business Lead in managing the third largest revenue center for Holden Village and promoting the organization’s mission through an on-line and in-person store.

This position is open Fall of 2024. Music is an essential part of life at Holden Village, especially during our time of Sacred Space. This person will work as a vital member of the worship team to facilitate music for sacred space and other significant moments in the village. This person will be responsible for providing and/or organizing musical offerings for the rhythms of evening sacred spaces. This will include organizing village staff, guests, and summer faculty to provide music, and welcoming and encouraging members of the community to share their musical gifts during and outside of Sacred Space. Collaboration with the worship assistant, the pastor, and any visiting faculty musicians will be integral in this person’s role. This position is part-time, and must be combined with another volunteer position.

This position is open now! The Holden mechanic maintains, operates and repairs Holden's fleet of vehicles and equipment.

The Director for Advancement oversees all fundraising, outreach, and communications efforts, manages a team of five or more to execute the work, and collaborates with staff across departments. The Director for Advancement works with the Board of Directors, particularly the Advancement Committee, to determine priorities, cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors and supporters, and actively engage in acquiring gifts. The Director for Advancement is a member of the senior leadership team and participates in making strategic decisions about Holden Village. More than 6,000 people visit and/or volunteer each year. Holden Village is a 501C-3 non-profit organization. Sixty percent (60%) of our operating budget is derived from fees paid by guests; forty percent (40%) is derived from annual donations.  To build Advancement strength and momentum, this position is currently posted as an in village position, we would consider augmenting compensation for the appropriate candidate to work remotely. Please contact the staffing office if you are interested in applying for this position as a remote worker.

This position is Open. Responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of village electrical systems as well as remodel and new construction capital projects. Scope of work may include work on the village's hydro-generation system and backup generator, medium voltage distribution, commercial work spaces as well as residences. Works closely with Projects Lead and other villagers to coordinate work.

This position is open spring 2025. Responsible for maintaining the physical plant of Holden Village, from historic buildings to a picturesque landscape. Must be willing to supervise many volunteers at once while also doing independent work. Ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work as well as administrative tasks.

The Director for Advancement oversees all fundraising, outreach, and communications efforts, manages a team of five or more to execute the work, and collaborates with staff across departments. The Director for Advancement works with the Board of Directors, particularly the Advancement Committee, to determine priorities, cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors and supporters, and actively engage in acquiring gifts. The Director for Advancement is a member of the senior leadership team and participates in making strategic decisions about Holden Village. More than 6,000 people visit and/or volunteer each year. Holden Village is a 501C-3 non-profit organization. Sixty percent (60%) of our operating budget is derived from fees paid by guests; forty percent (40%) is derived from annual donations.  To build Advancement strength and momentum, this position is currently posted as an in village position, we would consider augmenting compensation for the appropriate candidate to work remotely. Please contact the staffing office if you are interested in applying for this position as a remote worker.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PDF For over 50 years, Holden Village has operated as a remote Lutheran retreat center and community in the wilderness of the Cascade Mountains of Washington state. A former copper mining village gifted to the Lutheran church in the 1960s, Holden has offered year-round hospitality to all who join the bustling summer community (300+ people) and/or the smaller winter community (70-150). Holden Village is rooted in the Lutheran expression of the Christian faith and strives to be a place of ecumenical and interfaith collaboration. By offering year-round hospitality to all who come to Holden, the Village seeks to serve the wider church and God’s beloved world. Holden is emerging from a period of heavy construction in connection with a mine remediation project (2013-2016), a forest fire (2015), and the COVID pandemic (2020-2022) to grow back to full capacity for education, worship, and recreation for people of all ages. Looking forward, the Board and the Executive Directors will soon complete negotiations regarding another, less disruptive remediation project in the valley, finalize construction of and programming for an exciting new Village Museum project, and engage in a comprehensive Capital Campaign to support Holden into the future. The Board of Directors of Holden Village hires, oversees, and supports the Executive Director(s), who is/are expected to maintain a consistent presence in the Village and lead the community during this time of complex ecological, ecumenical, and societal change. Leadership of the Village has consisted of 1-3 Executive Director(s) who, in turn, manage and lead a staff consisting primarily of long-term volunteers and a core of employees. Staff size ranges from roughly 70 people in the winter months to 130 in the summer. The position requires relationships with staff, guests, donors, the Church, synods, and partner organizations, including the United States Forest Service (USFS), state and federal regulatory agencies, local Indigenous tribes, Rio Tinto (the mining company responsible for the remediation), IMCO (the company contracted by Rio Tinto to operate the remediation-related water treatment plant in Railroad Creek Valley), and other companies subcontracted by Rio Tinto. The Board seeks an Executive Director (or team of Directors) who, first and foremost, is/are deeply committed to articulating and embodying the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the Village. Leadership in this setting requires great personal resilience; passion and connection to Holden and commitment to Christian/Lutheran beliefs; an ability to strategically envision Holden’s place in the complex, changing world; ongoing focus on ecological regeneration and sustainability; solid business acumen; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to foster meaningful relationships with Rio Tinto, IMCO, the USFS, local Indigenous tribes and other partner organizations; oversight of renewal and/or construction of buildings and physical infrastructure; understanding the role of the Board and changes in the volunteer and employment landscape of our constituency. The Board is open to receiving proposals for executive leadership that mirror historic models and/or innovative approaches and team compositions to lead Holden Village.