Hello!  Thank you for taking an interest in the Yew Mountain Center! We are a young, quickly growing organization with lots of dreams and potential. As a member of the volunteer crew, you will be helping us figure out our systems, create and improve infrastructure, and realize some of the potential on this 500-acre natural treasure. We want this experience to be a mix of hard work, learning, fun, and relaxation. We want our volunteers to get to know our community of neighbors who gather often for music, good food, and envisioning a brighter future in these mountains. We want to learn from you and make the most out of your energy and ideas. We hope you will come to love this place as much as we do!


​Plant, Fix, Create
We have a diverse menu of projects happening at the center.  There are cabins to restore, forests to farm, campsites to develop, signs and field guides to create, spaces to garden and landscape, walls to paint (perhaps artistically), and trails to clear and map.  We also are interested in our volunteers' ideas about how best to use the land and facilities.  You can have a role in creating outdoor education curriculum, deciding where to put signs for a botanical walk, envisioning and installing artistic touches indoors and out.  Are you interested in food, the arts, music, nature?  There will be numerous ways for you to have an impact at YMC during your volunteer experience and perhaps beyond.


Represent 
Volunteers should present a positive, friendly, and professional image to visitors.  They should demonstrate accordance with the mission of the organization when in community spaces on the property.  They should adhere to the YMC board-approved code of conduct for employees and volunteers.  No underage drinking or illegal substance use will be tolerated.  


Share Spaces
Volunteers will be housed in our bunkhouse, above the lodge.  Depending on scheduling, they may have it to themselves or share the building with up to 3 other volunteers.  Each will have their own private room, but share the kitchen and outdoor toilet (aka outhouse).  There are hot showers and flush toilets available for use at the lodge, a short walk down the hill.  Tent camping is also available. Volunteers should maintain a minimal, but helpful presence during programs scheduled at the lodge, unless otherwise decided.  Volunteers may share the lodge kitchen with other guests when needed.  If YMC staff are using the shared kitchen, volunteers should defer to their meal preparation and food storage requirements within reason.  The volunteer supervisors will work with staff and volunteers to schedule meal preparation activities to minimize conflict over times for kitchen use.    


Team Building
The volunteers will participate in the smooth flow of team-building by being part of a team of volunteers and staff who care about the YMC facilities. As such, the volunteer's ideas and suggestions for facilities improvements will be taken into consideration whenever possible.  Volunteers will work on most projects as a team.  We expect individuals to respect and learn from each other’s differences.  Discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender, religious beliefs, age, or background will not be tolerated.  Likewise, sexual harassment or harassment of any sort is grounds for dismissal. All volunteers will be expected to sign and adhere to the Yew Mountain Center Code of Conduct. 

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​The Service 
Volunteers will work 25-30 hours per week, possibly on a team of up to 3 other volunteers.  Stipend will consist of a room plus $100/week, with the option of staying up to 1 month.  Volunteers may assist with current programming which focuses on agriculture, education and eco-tourism, help with maintenance/beautification of buildings and/or surrounding 500 acres or pursue a project developed between YMC staff and volunteer.  Participants must be self-motivated, have the ability to work in a remote setting, work collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and visitors, live in rugged conditions, and willing to get their hands dirty.  Participants must also have their own transportation.  Although there is a strong community here and many people participate in programs or stop by the center, it may feel very isolated.  There are many attractions on-site and nearby that we encourage our volunteers to enjoy during their off time.  Ours is a supportive community dedicated to encouraging and nourishing young people.  We will be looking out for the health and well-being of our volunteers. However, volunteers should be capable of making responsible decisions for themselves without much supervision.  

2020 Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

Please fill out the form below.  We may ask for a phone interview.  We will notify candidates within 2 weeks of receiving completed applications.