Join our team at the Abode!

The Abode’s mission is to provide a sanctuary for spiritual exploration, community, and connection with nature. We welcome applicants who feel called to support this vision and help cultivate a space of beauty, care, and presence.

Positions available:

  • Support Staff (Seasonal, Part-Time)

Location: New Lebanon, NY

Position Type: Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-Exempt

The Abode of the Message is seeking enthusiastic, service-oriented individuals to join our team as Support Staff.

Nestled on more than 300 acres within a historic Shaker village in New Lebanon, New York, The Abode is a retreat and conference center dedicated to fostering meaningful experiences, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. We welcome guests from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions who come to participate in retreats, programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year.

As a member of our Support Staff team, you will play an important role in creating a warm, welcoming, and enriching experience for our guests while helping ensure the smooth operation of programs and events across the property.

What You'll Do

Support Staff members assist with a variety of retreat, program, and event functions, including:

  • Providing exceptional hospitality and guest service to visitors and retreat participants

  • Assisting with guest check-in and check-out processes

  • Preparing facilities and outdoor spaces for retreats, programs, and special events

  • Maintaining welcome materials, signage, and guest resources

  • Running occasional errands for programming needs and guest support

  • Supporting event preparation and execution in areas such as:

    • Housekeeping

    • Kitchen and scullery operations

    • Guest registration

    • Guest relations

    • Communications

    • Procurement of supplies and materials

  • Helping maintain a safe, positive, and welcoming environment for all guests

  • Supporting The Abode's mission, values, and community spirit

  • Performing other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds. No specific experience is required.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Hospitality, customer service, volunteer, or nonprofit experience

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to work independently and follow directions with minimal supervision

  • Comfort working with people from diverse cultures and faith traditions

  • Experience in spiritually focused hospitality, retreat centers, or nonprofit organizations

  • A prior connection to or familiarity with The Abode is a plus

Additional skills that may be valuable include:

  • Cooking, baking, or culinary experience

  • Carpentry, painting, or basic repair skills

  • Writing, communications, or content creation experience

Physical Requirements

This position may require:

  • Regular lifting of up to 20 pounds

  • Occasional lifting of heavier items

  • Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and stooping

  • Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends, depending on event schedules

  • Use of a personal vehicle for certain work-related activities when needed

Why Work at The Abode?

Working at The Abode offers the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to hospitality, community, personal growth, and meaningful connection. Whether assisting guests, preparing spaces for transformative experiences, or supporting special events, every member of our team contributes to creating an environment where people feel welcomed, inspired, and cared for.

Rate: $20/hour

Interested in Joining Us?

We'd love to hear from you. To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please email rachel@theabode.org with your resume and a brief introduction describing your interest in this position and working at The Abode.


  • Kitchen Staff (Seasonal, Part-Time)

Location: New Lebanon, NYStatus: Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-ExemptReports To: Kitchen ManagerResidency Requirement: None

About the Abode

The Abode of the Message is a retreat and conference center situated on more than 300 acres within a historic Shaker village in New Lebanon, New York. Founded in 1975, the Abode began as a residential spiritual community and has evolved into a vibrant retreat center and sanctuary dedicated to personal growth, meaningful connection, and transformative experiences.

We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions and strive to create a warm, nourishing environment for all who visit.

What You'll Do

The Kitchen Staff member plays an important role in supporting the culinary operations of the Abode. Working under the direction of the Kitchen Manager, this position helps prepare and serve meals for residents, staff, retreat participants, and guests while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys cooking, hospitality, teamwork, and contributing to a mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with food preparation and meal production as directed by the Kitchen Manager

  • Prepare and cook food according to menus, dietary needs, nutritional requirements, and serving quantities

  • Follow food safety and sanitation procedures, including:

    • Taking and recording food temperatures

    • Maintaining safe holding temperatures

    • Proper cooling and reheating practices

    • Safe storage of ingredients and prepared foods

  • Portion and serve meals to residents, staff, and guests

  • Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment

  • Clean and maintain kitchen, dining, and food preparation areas

  • Restock supplies, rotate inventory, and label food with appropriate dates and times

  • Assist with inventory counts and supply management

  • Report equipment issues, maintenance needs, or safety concerns promptly to the Kitchen Manager or Facilities Team

  • Follow established meal preparation, service, and cleaning procedures when the Kitchen Manager is unavailable

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

  • Professional cooking experience is not required; culinary or food service experience is preferred

  • Ability to learn and consistently apply food safety and sanitation practices

  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

  • Comfortable learning and safely operating kitchen equipment

  • Able to work independently and as part of a team

  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

  • Comfortable working in a diverse, interfaith environment

  • Volunteer or professional experience with hospitality, retreat centers, spiritual communities, or nonprofit organizations is a plus

  • Familiarity with or previous involvement with the Abode is welcomed but not required

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 20 pounds

  • Ability to lift heavier items with assistance when needed

  • Ability to perform ongoing physical activities including standing, walking, bending, stretching, and reaching throughout a shift

Rate: $20/hour

Interested in Joining Us?

We'd love to hear from you. To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please email rachel@theabode.org with your resume and a brief introduction describing your interest in this position and working at The Abode.


A man wearing a black beanie and green t-shirt preparing greens in a kitchen, smiling while working with stainless steel bowls filled with fresh greens, with a brick wall and window in the background.
Two people working in a rustic kitchen. A woman with curly hair is washing dishes, and a man wearing a beanie and apron is holding a plastic container, standing near a window.