Careers

The Namchak Foundation promotes the growth, study, and practices of the Namchak lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. We offer a variety of learning opportunities, from in-person teaching and small group learning to online courses and residential retreats at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in Montana.

In the coming years, our programs will span the full path of practice- from an introductory retreat to the profound teachings of Dzogchen and from short weekend gatherings to the traditional three-year retreat.

The Namchak Retreat Ranch is located on 10,000 acres near Hot Springs, Montana, on the Flathead Indian Reservation. It provides a sustainable and sacred environment where teachers and students can come together for learning, meditation, and practice.

The Namchak Retreat Ranch, which consists of new and future construction, includes several facilities, including student housing, teaching spaces, a dharma-focused public park, and dedicated retreat structures- all designed to minimize visual impact and preserve the natural landscape.

Our staff can be characterized as friendly, hard-working, collaborative, and mission-oriented. We are guided by our core values: compassion, kindness, integrity, inclusiveness, collaboration and teamwork, responsibility, accountability, professionalism, and stewardship.

Namchak’s main office is in Missoula, Montana, home to the University of Montana. Missoula has been listed as one of the greatest places to live in the United States, featuring excellent public and private schools, family-friendly amenities, and a superior quality of life. Nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, Missoula is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, yet it also comes with many restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, bookstores, and breweries. It is a place of small-town values and urban amenities.

Permaculture Seasonal Farm Hand

The Namchak Retreat Ranch is located near the town of Hot Springs, Montana, on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Currently under construction, the ranch will host teachers and students coming together for retreats, learning, meditation, and practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Namchak is also home to several Permaculture systems and is dedicated to providing healthy organic produce for the guests of Namchak Retreat Ranch in a regenerative way.

Reports to: Permaculture Program Manager

Role Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Seasonal May 1 - Oct 31, 2026

Schedule: Monday - Friday (8 am to 4:30 pm)

Rate of Pay: $17-$20, depending on experience

Location: 55615 Garcon Gulch Rd Hot Springs, Mt 59845

General Position Description:

The Permaculture Farm Hand will play a significant support role in the overall farming operation of the Namchak Retreat Ranch. The main goal of this position is to assist with the general upkeep of permaculture sites and complete general labor tasks. We are looking for a highly self-motivated individual willing to be flexible in weekly tasks to support all farming operations.

Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

• Assist in all aspects of the permaculture program
• Communicate issues within the food forest to the Permaculture Program Manager.
• Support the Permaculture Program Coordinator in the implementation of food forest systems
• Seed saving, sorting, curing, and storage
• General weeding and weed control monitoring
• Assist in the animal husbandry program
• Install no-till vegetable beds
• Perform pest management tasks
• Compost tea fertilized prep and application
• General mucking out of animal stalls
• Compost collection
• Fence maintenance
• Watering new plantings
• Installation of permaculture designs
• Pruning
• Mulching
• Native and non-native plant propagation
• Harvesting and Processing

Qualifications (Preferred):

• Prior experience with organic farming or permaculture
• Knowledge of correct pruning methods for shrubs and trees
• Knowledge of Montana’s invasive weeds
• Able to lift 75+ lbs
• 1 year of experience in the horticulture/farming field