Seasonal Staff Commitment

We seek individuals who are professional and committed to providing exemplary work in support of our mission, who can live in community harmoniously, and who model our values - Holism, Community, Sustainability, Service, and Integrity.  Seasonal Staff members represent Omega as excellent stewards of professional and compassionate service.  The work and customer service that they provide are an integral part of their time here. Every interaction staff have with fellow staff members, participants, teachers, and colleagues are at the heart of creating the Omega experience.

Applications

Chopping scallions with proper food safety

Omega FoodWorks Opportunities

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Omega staff

Residential (Live on Campus) Seasonal Staff

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Woman in straw hat spraying water hose through a fence

Non-Residential (Live Off Campus) Seasonal Staff

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Benefits

Holistic Education Programs

Work is your primary commitment at Omega, however during non-work hours during your employ, you may participate in select campus events, programs and classes, all supporting the process of self-discovery.  Most of these classes are open to all, though some may need special permission for admission.  Some are drop in style, whereas other require a longer commitment.

Types of Programs

Daily Open Classes – are offered for yoga, tai chi and meditation and are designed to help you relax and unwind. Whether you are a beginner or experienced practitioner, Omega's daily open classes offer a variety of practice styles.

Holistic Studies Classes (HSCs) are self-contained teachings that do not require enrollment or long-term commitment. HSCs run from one to three hours. Teachers provide a selection of offerings on eclectic topics, including yoga, tai chi, meditation, and creative expression.

Samplers are short 90-minute evening workshops held on some Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are offered by some of Omega’s world renowned faculty. These evening learning opportunities are a rich addition to the seasonal educational experience.

One Complimentary Campus Workshop

Residential Seasonal Staff who serve full-season are offered attendance in one on-campus workshop. Core Staff members are also encouraged to take one two-day workshop, tuition-free. NOTE: not all workshops depicted in the online catalog are available, enrollment for each is limited, and manager approval is required.

Young woman doing yoga in a class

Meals

3 people enjoying a meal together in the Omega Dining Hall

Dining Hall

The Omega Dining Hall offers a generous buffet of hearty, mostly plant-based meals three times per day. The start of Dining Hall meals (breakfast,lunch and dinner) are announced with the time-honored tradition of blowing the conch shells. 

Dining Hall Hours:  Will be provided upon arrival to Campus

Staff Dining Hall

The Staff Dining Hall is open 24 hours per day (except for a short period of time each day for cleaning).  The Staff Dining Hall also has important information bulletin boards to keep you up to date about upcoming community events, classes, and more.

Omega Cafe

The cafe offers a selection of snacks, desserts, and beverages for purchase.

Discounts

The following discounts are available to Seasonal Staff and Service Corps members:

⦁    Omega Café – 20% off
⦁    Omega Store – 20% off
⦁    Omega Wellness Center – 20% off (10% off for your immediate family members)

 

Must See Places on Campus

Don't miss these popular spots on the Omega campus in Rhinebeck, NY.

Learn More

Seasonal Housing & Tenting

Residential Staff are provided with living accommodations that support one’s ability to contribute, learn, and grow while at Omega. To this end, Omega seeks to provide a well-maintained, comfortable, and safe living environment.

Omega accommodations are rustic and simple. All Residential Staff are expected to follow all campus wide COVID 19 housing protocols, and stay updated on any changes throughout the season. Sample images below are representative of lodging types and may not reflect the actual room you will be assigned:

Residential Seasonal Staff

Seasonal staff members, who work 35 hours per week, usually live in dorm style housing with a private bedroom and shared bathroom facilities. 

Seasonal Staff housing - K-Cabin

Part Time Residential Seasonal Staff

Part Time Seasonal Staff positions require a commitment to Omega for a minimum of 4 weeks, working 21-28 hours per week while the campus is open, between Late May to early October.   Positions vary and will perform a variety of tasks in support of campus operations.   Part Time Seasonal Staff live in tenting neighborhoods. These individuals bring their own tent to set up on provided tent platforms (8’x8’ and 10’x10’ in size) and bring a large tarp (20’x20’) for proper rain coverage.

Example of tent housing

Living on Omega’s campus is a truly special experience contingent upon one’s ability to offer professional and compassionate customer service and to act with care and respect for their living accommodations – and for the needs of fellow residents. Being conscious of others is especially important when it comes to sleep. Some seasonal staff perform tasks late into the evening, whereas others are up before dawn cooking breakfast or preparing the campus for the new day ahead. We abide by a 10pm-9am sound curfew to maintain a respectful quiet not only for our fellow staff members, but also Omega’s guests and the neighbors who live nearby. 

Seasonal Staff FAQ

Who should apply for a seasonal role at Omega?

We seek professionally minded and service-oriented people at all stages of life who strive for excellence, embrace our mission, and model Omega’s values – Holism, Community, Sustainability, Service, and Integrity. We look for individuals with the skills needed for seasonal roles, and who believe in lifelong learning, get along well with others, and are committed to serving compassionately as a means for personal growth.
 

What does “service” mean at Omega?

Through providing professional and compassionate customer service, we learn about others, the world, and ourselves.

  • Professional customer service is an act of doing. It requires each of us to anticipate and provide for the needs of others, embody a level of expertise specific to one’s job function, and follow a set of standards that ensure a quality experience. 
  • Compassionate service is equally important, and is a way of being. It means truly caring about another’s experience and it requires us to be fully present and engaged in every interaction. 

Omega staff members encounter endless opportunities to contribute this unique quality service.

How long is the Omega season and when can I apply?

Omega’s workshop season runs from late May through Mid October, with seasonal staff arriving throughout the month of May. 

Applications open on February 8, 2023 and are available on a rolling basis until the end of the season for any open positions.

What types of seasonal roles are available?

We have four primary seasonal roles that make up Omega’s Seasonal Team:

  • Residential Seasonal Staff – work full-time for approximately four months,  Mid May through Mid October, while living on campus in provided housing. These positions receive a compensation package that includes a wage, indoor housing, three delicious meals per day at our mostly vegetarian Dining Hall, and access to Omega’s team member benefits. Various jobs are paid at various rates. All compensation packages are at least equivalent to the New York State minimum wage. Seasonal full-time employment requires at least 35 hours of work per week, and may require additional paid hours depending on operational needs throughout the season.
  • Part Time Residential Seasonal Staff – Part Time Seasonal Staff positions require a commitment to Omega for a minimum of 4 weeks, working 21-28 hours per week while the campus is open, between Late May to early October.   Positions vary and will perform a variety of tasks in support of campus operations.  This allows for the unique experience of offering service across Omega’s campus in many departments, rather than focusing on a single position or department. Included are three delicious meals per day at our mostly vegetarian Dining Hall, access to Omega’s team member benefits, and a tent platform for residence (must provide own tent and overhead tarp) in addition to monetary compensation for hours worked. All compensation packages are at least equivalent to the New York State minimum wage.
  • Non-Residential Seasonal Staff – live off campus and work during the season. These positions receive an hourly wage, one complimentary meal at Omega’s Dining Hall during a work shift, and access to Omega’s team member benefits. Various jobs are paid at various rates. All compensation packages are at least equivalent to the New York State minimum wage.
  • Greeters – live off campus and offer volunteer hours in a limited number of positions. Volunteers receive one complimentary meal at the Dining Hall during their shift and are able to participate in specially designed team member classes, events, sampler classes, and evening performances. These individuals also have access to Omega’s library, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, gardens, hiking trails, and the lake. Beyond these benefits, no monetary compensation is provided.

 

How are position assignments made?

We hire Seasonal Staff based on matching professional skills and experience with Omega’s operational needs. While Seasonal Staff are assigned to a specific department, Omega may require individuals to assist other departments when needed. Part Time Residential Seasonal Staff are assigned a variety of shifts weekly, based on department needs. All seasonal roles at Omega require flexibility and a commitment to service.

Am I eligible to work, serve, or volunteer at Omega?

You must be eligible to work in the United States and will be required to submit documentation verifying your identity and legal right to work in the United States. This applies to all positions, including Greeter positions. Omega does not provide visa sponsorship of any kind.

NOTE: Omega participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm that an individual is authorized to work in the United States.

Can I bring my pet with me to live on campus?

Although Omega is filled with many animal lovers, we do not permit pets to live on campus.

Is Omega an ashram, religious institution, or spiritual center?

Omega represents a variety of holistic disciplines and is not oriented toward one spiritual tradition. Omega welcomes and honors all spiritual paths. While some individuals are devoted to a personal spiritual practice, others are not. We ask everyone to be welcoming, accepting, and inclusive of diversity in all respects.

Will I find people on a similar life path to mine?

Omega is comprised of individuals of all backgrounds who are committed to giving through service as a way of deepening personal growth and who believe in lifelong learning, for themselves and others. If this is the path you are on, you will find others to share ideas and knowledge with and to make new friends.

Preparing for Your Time at Omega

Omega Institute sign as seen through a patch of day lillies

Ready to join our seasonal staff? Below is some helpful information to help you prepare for your time at Omega.

What to Bring

Essential Items
  • **Your IDs as required by the United States Department of Homeland Security I-9 form. We must see original IDs and cannot accept copies.
  • Earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
  • Toiletries
  • Several towels
  • A battery-operated alarm clock – this is a must, even for people who live in dorms. Occasionally the power will go out and you will still be expected to get to work on time. Omega has a definite time schedule and some departments begin their work very early in the morning.
Additional Items
  • Allergy medicines – if you are living in a dorm or trailer and are prone to mold or mildew allergies, it is recommended that you bring allergy medications. Mildew can flourish in the damp Hudson Valley. Summer rains can create more of a problem. Those sensitive to mold and mildew should come prepared. Bringing an air purifier might also be helpful.
  • Any medications you are currently taking.
  • Tick and bug repellent – IMPORTANT NOTEThere is a high incidence of tick-related Lyme disease in Dutchess County. While here, we recommend you take appropriate precautions. Citronella oil and any of the following essential oils are useful in repelling Lyme ticks and mosquitoes, both found in the north-east woods: eucalyptus, lavender, geranium, cedar wood and tea tree.
  • Flashlight – very important, regardless of where you are living.
  • Means of carrying laundry – Omega provides complimentary laundry facilities for residential staff members. Clotheslines are also provided. No bleach is allowed in the machines. Omega provides eco-friendly detergent, so you need not bring your own.
  • Reusable drinking bottle – Omega strives to be a green campus; it is recommended that you bring your own drinking bottles including cups for hot drinks.  
  • Headphones – these are required for listening to music (etc.) in your dorm or tent during quiet hours and at other times depending on the needs of your neighbors. We request quiet mindfulness throughout the housing areas. Please note: You should not wear headphones while walking on Lake Drive, to ensure one remains alert to unseen traffic.
  • Driver’s information – If you are working in the following departments: Campus Support, People and Culture, Production, or Maintenance, you may need to drive an Omega vehicle as part of your job. We will need to check your driving record. Please bring a current driver’s license.
  • Several blankets and/or a sleeping bag. *You can email pac@eomega.org up to two weeks before your arrival date to inquire about what size sheets you will need if you are staying in indoor housing.
  • Wall hangings, rugs, or other materials to create a comfortable and homey space.
  • Additional Note – If you are bringing a cell phone to campus, please note that Verizon has extremely limited service on Omega’s campus.  Better service has been found with AT&T and StraightTalk wireless providers.
Part Time Residential Staff (tenters) should bring:
  • A tent with all necessary gear – We recommend that you bring a tent no larger than 10’x10’ to fit on Omega’s tent platforms. In order to help you find the right site for your tent, please indicate your tent’s size on the housing questionnaire included in your Welcome E-mail. If you do not have a lot of experience camping, we recommend practicing setting up your tent a few times before you arrive.
  • One large tarp for overhead rain coverage – the rain fly that comes with a tent is not adequate for the amount of rain we receive in the summer. The best size tarp is 18’x20’ or 20’x20’. Please bring green or brown tarps, not blue.
  • Bedding, including pillow, several blankets and/or sleeping bag: A sleeping pad, air mattress or camping cot may be helpful. Adequate cold weather sleeping gear if you are tenting in the colder months April/May and September/October.
Clothing

In general you should bring clothing for all types of weather. Omega has a simple dress code: clean and neat. You may wear jeans, shorts and t-shirts. See-through clothing, revealing outfits, T-shirts with offensive comments, and ripped or dirty clothing are not permitted.

  • Rain gear – it rains here often and walking outdoors is a requirement of some departments. Departments such as Housekeeping, Maintenance, Production, Campus Support and Floats perform the majority of their work outdoors in all weather. Also, bathhouses are a short walk from all tent sites and some dorms. 
  • Sweaters, jackets, hat, and yes, even mittens – temperatures can drop into the 30's during the early and late months in the season (April/May and September/ October). The campus is located in the Hudson Valley – you can check out the forecasts using the zip code 12572. Weather conditions can fluctuate from chilly to hot and humid with many sunny comfortable days in between.
  • Fun or fancy clothing – for the occasional party or evening off campus. This, of course, is optional. 

Department Specific Clothing Considerations:

  • Faculty Support, Wellness Center, Reception, or Guest Services – these departments provide direct support to workshop faculty and participants. Thus, you may want to bring some business casual clothing. However, clean and neat jeans, shorts, and t-shirts work fine too. 
  • FoodWorks (Kitchen and Dining Services), Café, and Float – serving in FoodWorks or the Cafe requires non-skid/slip-resistant closed toe shoes. Please contact your manager regarding this requirement along with any other related questions you may have. You may also be required to wear gloves, and head cover (hat, scarf, net, etc.).
  • Maintenance and Campus Support – you should bring sturdy footwear and a hat for working in the sun. 
  • Omega T-Shirt – each individual receives at least one Omega T-shirt. Campus Support, Dining Services, Café, and Float team members wear the T-shirt as a uniform when working. 

Arrival

You will receive a detailed information packet on the date and time of your arrival after you have been offered a position.

Parking

To keep the campus vehicle-free, we allow only Omega vehicles on interior roads. Arrivals park in the main parking lot, located within walking distance of campus buildings. Upon arrival, check in at the People & Culture office, located on the opposite side of Lake Drive from the main parking lot and in the same building as Guest Services. Support is available on arrival days to help transport your luggage to your accommodations after you have checked in with the People & Culture team.

Late Arrivals

If you arrive after 5:00 p.m., please check the bulletin board outside of the Guest Services office (from the main parking lot, take a left onto Lake Drive and look on your right for the porch with the Guest Services sign). There you will find a packet with your room or tent site location, campus map, and other information you will need. It is important that you check in with People & Culture at 9:00 a.m. the next morning.

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Campus Map

Our seasonal community members live onsite and walk to work, as well as to meals. For safety reasons biking is not allowed on the campus. Omega's Rhinebeck campus is lovely, but also hilly and wooded in many areas. What can be a beautiful form of exercise for some can also be challenging for others.

If you have any mobility concerns, please email pac@eomega.org

Download PDF

Omega campus map