Q: Who should apply for a seasonal role at Omega?
A: 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.
Q: What does “service” mean at Omega?
A: 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 team members encounter endless opportunities to contribute this unique quality service.
Q: How long is the Omega season and when can I apply?
A: Omega’s workshop season runs from late July through October, with seasonal staff arriving throughout the month of July. Omega’s Service Corps team operates from late July through early October.
Applications open on April 19, 2021 and are available on a rolling basis until the end of the season for any open positions.
Q: What types of seasonal roles are available?
A: We have four primary seasonal roles that make up Omega’s Seasonal Team:
- Residential Seasonal Staff – work full-time for approximately four months, Mid July through the end of 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.
- 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.
- Service Corps – The Service Corps team allows for the unique experience of offering service across Omega’s campus in many departments, rather than focusing on a single position or department. Service Corps serve up to 25 hours per week with a minimum commitment between Mid July and early-October. They receive 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). Beyond these, no monetary compensation is provided.
- Volunteers – 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.
See department descriptions below.
Q: What are the seasonal departments?
A: Seasonal Staff positions are available across a variety of departments, each of which support the essential functions of Omega. Service Corps assist with a variety of weekly shifts in some (but not all) departments.
- Audio/Visual - provides audio/visual setup/breakdown and live recording of workshops, conferences, and evening events
- Omega Store - sells books, CDs, DVDs, jewelry, clothing, and yoga and meditation supplies
- Maintenance - handles most mechanical and plumbing needs across campus and grounds
- Dining Hall - provides front-of-house customer service as part of a full-scale food operation
- Omega Café - serves snacks, drinks, sweets, and a limited menu
- Housekeeping - cleans program participant accommodations and all public bathrooms on campus
- Production - responsible for the setup and breakdown for every class, event, and workshop
- Permaculture/Garden - maintains Omega’s garden, landscaping, and other permaculture projects
- Wellness Center - schedules wellness appointments for guests, and provides a welcoming and relaxing environment for guests to enjoy wellness services, ex. massage, facials, energy work
- Campus Support - manages the arrivals/departures of participants, welcoming and helping people with their luggage - often the first people participants meet
- Guest Services - assists participants with accommodations support, directions, travel questions, special needs, and phone messages
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Reception - greets, orients, and checks in all arriving participants
Q: How are position assignments made?
A: 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. Service Corps are assigned a variety of shifts weekly, based on department needs. All seasonal roles at Omega require flexibility and a commitment to service.
Q: Am I eligible to work, serve, or volunteer at Omega?
A: 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 Service Corps and volunteer. 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.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to live on campus?
A: Although Omega is filled with many animal lovers, we do not permit pets to live on campus.
Q: Is Omega an ashram, religious institution, or spiritual center?
A: 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.
Q: Will I find people on a similar life path to mine?
A: 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.