Seasonal Employment

While each staff position has specific responsibilities and duties, Watershed places a strong emphasis on teamwork in order to provide an exceptional experience for artists. The following information provides a general overview of the seasonal staff schedule, qualifications, benefits, and life on campus. Details for specific positions can be found below.

SCHEDULE

• Contract length is position dependent.
• Seasonal Staff work a variable, full-time schedule of 30-40 hours/week, position dependent.
• Evening and weekend hours will be required. Overtime may be required in preparation for Salad Days (July 12-13, 2024).
• Limited time is available to produce personal artwork in Watershed’s studio.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SEASONAL POSITIONS

• At least 21 years of age
• A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle are strongly encouraged for all positions and required for the Head Cook, Residency Liaison, Hospitality Coordinator, and Studio Assistant
• Strong work ethic, an enthusiastic attitude, and a desire to work as part of a team
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as a friendly, flexible demeanor
• Desire to live and work in a creative community
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to tackle a diverse range of tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work while standing for multiple hours, lift up to 25 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility including manual dexterity, walking, stooping, carrying, and reaching.

CAMPUS LIFE

Room & Board Accommodations

• Seasonal staff live on campus in rustic single-occupancy cabin bedrooms and use communal bathrooms located a short distance away. Approximately 110 ft sq. in size, each cabin bedroom is equipped with a twin bed and storage space for clothing and personal items. Built in 2021 and 2022, the seasonal cabins have electricity and limited wifi. Strong wifi connections are available in the nearby Commons and the Windgate Studio. 
• Seasonal staff enjoy meals prepared by the kitchen during residencies and workshops. Between programs or on the kitchen staff’s day off, seasonal staff may cook for themselves using the well-equipped kitchen and pantry, or eat leftovers. Refrigerator and pantry space is available for seasonal staff to store personal food and beverages.

Community Living

Seasonal staff often find living on campus to be a rewarding experience that enables them to establish lasting connections with other staff and artists. During off-work hours, staff members regularly pursue personal work in Watershed’s open-concept communal studio alongside artists-in-residence. Outside the studio, artists and staff may be found enjoying campfires, impromptu karaoke and dance parties, or local swimming spots.

Living and working on campus requires friendliness, respect, and strong interpersonal communication skills. While campus life affords opportunities for creative connection, many staff find it essential to intentionally carve out time to themselves. Having a personal vehicle enables staff to venture off campus between sessions to explore the area and recharge their social batteries.

BENEFITS

• Dedicated studio space, which includes a work table and shelving in Watershed’s open-concept communal studio; est. value of $400/month for four months
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
  • Requests for time off without pay at other points in the season may be considered by the Executive Director, except for the week of Salad Days Monday, July 7 – Saturday, July 12
• Opportunity to sell work at the Salad Days Pottery Sale and receive 100% of any sales 

Health & Safety

Seasonal staff are expected to adhere to Watershed’s health and safety protocols (read the policy here).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Watershed is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a vibrant workplace and artist residency culture. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for the open positions at our organization, even when an applicant’s skills and work experience do not match 100% of the job description.  We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of perspectives and identities. Our organization values the unique contributions that individuals from different lived experiences bring to the table and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered.

The Head Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving three meals daily to Watershed’s community of ~ 24 people. Working with a small kitchen team, the Head Cook ensures that artists-in-residence enjoy a variety of freshly prepared foods at every meal. Watershed is located close to organic farms and fresh produce is readily available during the summer. The Head Cook supervises the Assistant Cook and the Dining Coordinator, and is in charge of menu planning, food ordering, and shopping. They also work closely with Watershed’s year-round staff to determine menus and create meals for special events, including the Salad Days celebration and VIP fundraiser.

Reports to: Executive Director

Responsibilities: 

• Create wholesome, appetizing meals for ~24 people from scratch incorporating natural, local, and high-quality ingredients 
• Oversee all aspects of meal preparation and delivery, from menu planning and purchasing to service, presentation, storage, and cleanup. 
• Provide vegetarian options with every meal and gluten free options and attend to other dietary restrictions, as needed
• Communicate with year-round staff regarding the kitchen’s ability to accommodate additional dietary restrictions, as needed
• Follow and track purchases to align with the budget
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness throughout a shift, properly store leftovers, and clean up after meals
• Execute deep cleaning projects in the kitchen and dining room
• Ensure that inventory, wares, and equipment are clean and organized
• Compost, recycle, and reduce waste as much as practicable
• Collaborate with other seasonal staff and volunteers to clean and prepare the campus facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Prepare dishes for the annual Salad Days fundraiser in July for approximately 500 guests. 
• Work with the Salad Days planning team on the menu and picnic logistics
• Work with event staff to prepare and coordinate refreshments and hors d’oeuvres for the Salad Days VIP event the day before Salad Days
• Participate in each session orientation for the artists-in-residence
• Biweekly turnover day duties to prepare facilities for new artist residency sessions
• Work with other seasonal staff and volunteers to deep-clean, set-up, and prepare the Commons, kitchen, and dining facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Seasonal staff are involved all over campus as a team, from the landscape to the residence halls to the studio. All staff work collaboratively together to make Watershed programs happen.

Qualifications & Requirements: 

• 5+ years of experience preparing food for large groups of people or working in a commercial kitchen
• A manager-level food safety certification; knowledge of safe food handling practices and common food allergies and sensitivities
• Experience and interest in farm-to-table dining and utilizing locally sourced ingredients
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and proficiency in delegating tasks
• Demonstrated proficiency in food budgeting, ordering, and organizing inventory
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, early mornings, and/or evenings
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment 
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Technological literacy to conduct online food ordering and correspond over email
• Ability to work while standing for long hours, lift up to 30 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility including walking, stooping, carrying, reaching, and manual dexterity
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle are required (miles driven on Watershed business are reimbursed at federal rate)

Employment Dates and Compensation:

Applicants must be available to arrive on Watershed’s campus on Tuesday, April 29 and work from Wednesday, April 30  –  Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The Head Cook will collaborate with Watershed year-round staff to hire an Assistant Cook between February-March, 2024, which will include reviewing applications and conducting interviews via video conferencing. This commitment will be compensated at the position’s hourly rate with the expectation it will take 10 hours maximum.

Pay for the season (21 weeks) totals approximately $18,690 after the room & board deduction, based on a variable 6 day/40 hour/week schedule. All seasonal staff positions are non-exempt and based on an hourly wage; payroll is processed biweekly with all required state and federal withholdings.

Position benefits include: 

• Dedicated studio space, which includes a work table and shelving in Watershed’s open-concept communal studio; est. value of $400/month for 4 months
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
• Opportunity to sell work at the Salad Days Pottery Sale and receive 100% of any sales

The Head Cook lives on campus in a private cabin bedroom. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to those received  by January 6, 2025.  The final application deadline for all positions is February 10, 2025.

The Assistant Cook works closely with the Head Cook to prepare and serve three delicious meals daily for the Watershed community of ~ 24 people. As an essential member of the kitchen team, the Assistant Cook supports all aspects of food preparation and clean up while helping to ensure that artists enjoy a nourishing variety of meals during their stay. 

Reports to: Head Cook

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Head Cook to prepare, cook, and serve a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Assist with food ordering, shopping, and stocking
• Wash dishes, clean, and maintain a sanitary and organized kitchen
• Operate a variety of kitchen equipment in a safe manner
• Participate in each session orientation for the artists-in-residence
• Work with other seasonal staff and volunteers to deep-clean, set-up, and prepare the campus facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Assist with special projects throughout the summer, including preparing dishes for Watershed’s annual Salad Days event
• Biweekly turnover day duties to prepare facilities for new artist residency sessions
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements: 

• Experience working in a professional food service environment, preferably in food preparation
• Interest in preparing and eating a variety of foods using locally sourced and wholesome ingredients
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices; a  food safety certification is a plus
• Ability to work while standing for long hours, lift up to 30 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility including walking, stooping, carrying, reaching, and manual dexterity
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle are strongly encouraged (miles driven on Watershed business are reimbursed at federal rate)

Employment Dates and Compensation:
Applicants must be available to arrive on Watershed’s campus on Monday, May 5 and work from Tuesday, May 6 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Pay for the season (20.5 weeks) totals approximately $12,480, based on a variable 6 day/week, 40 hour/week schedule and after the room & board deduction. All seasonal staff positions are non-exempt and based on an hourly wage; payroll is processed biweekly with all required state and federal withholdings. 

Benefits include: 

• Dedicated space in community ceramics studio (work table and shelving; est. value of $400/month for 4 months)
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
• Opportunity to sell work at the Salad Days Pottery Sale and receive 100% of any sales 

The Assistant Cook lives on campus in a private cabin bedroom. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. 

For best consideration, please apply by February 1, 2025. Application deadline is February 10, 2025.

The Dining Coordinator ensures that artists-in-residence have an enjoyable dining experience during their stay at Watershed. This position works in tandem with the Head Cook and Assistant Cook to meet the needs of resident artists.

Reports to: Head Cook

Responsibilities: 

• Clean and upkeep common areas daily, including the dining and kitchen areas
• Manage the beverage station (coffee and tea) and shared dining room refrigerator
• Refill and stock consumables
• Assist Kitchen Staff with serving meals and after-meal cleaning and food storage,as needed
• Supervise student assistants in kitchen and dining room cleaning activities
• Ensure regular disposal of dining room trash, recycling, and compost 
• Participate in each session orientation for the artists-in-residence
• Work with other seasonal staff and volunteers to deep-clean, set-up, and prepare the campus facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Assist with special projects through the summer, including tasks related to Watershed’s annual Salad Days event
• Biweekly turnover day duties to prepare facilities for new artist residency sessions
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements: 

• Experience working in food service and/or other roles that involve cleaning and organizing
• Comfort working on detail-oriented and physically demanding tasks
• Successful candidates will be a self-directed with a positive, can-do attitude 
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices
• Ability to work while standing for long hours, lift up to 30 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility including walking, stooping, carrying, reaching, and manual dexterity
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle are strongly encouraged (miles driven on Watershed business are reimbursed at federal rate)

Employment Dates and Compensation:
Applicants must be available to arrive on Watershed’s campus on Monday, May 5 and work from Tuesday, May 6 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Pay for the season (20.5 weeks) totals approximately $10,071, based on a variable 5 day/week, 35 hour/week schedule and after the room & board deduction. All seasonal staff positions are non-exempt and based on an hourly wage; payroll is processed biweekly with all required state and federal withholdings. The Dining Coordinator lives on campus in a private cabin room. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. Position benefits include: 

• Dedicated space in community ceramics studio (work table and shelving; est. value of $400/month for 4 months)
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
• Opportunity to sell work at the Salad Days Pottery Sale and receive 100% of any sales 

The Dining Coordinator lives on campus in a private cabin bedroom. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. 

For best consideration, please apply by February 1, 2025. Application deadline is February 10, 2025.

The Residency Liaison provides a crucial link between staff and artists while ensuring that residential life on campus runs smoothly. They are the general “go to” staff member for artists-in-residence regarding issues and concerns outside the studio. Additionally, they work in tandem with year round staff to prepare for Watershed’s annual Salad Days event. 

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Responsibilities: 

• Prepare residency orientation materials, welcome artists-in-residence (AIRs) upon arrival, and assist year-round staff with orientation programming
• Hold daily office hours to address questions, needs, and/or concerns of AIRs
• Maintain an ongoing line of communication with seasonal and year-round staff members
• Facilitate slide nights, including advance preparation with AIRs
• Assist AIRs with purchasing materials and supplies from local vendors, as needed
• Supervise the Hospitality Coordinator to ensure they have the necessary guidance and materials needed to keep living spaces clean and orderly
• Track, manage, and order materials and supplies 
• Perform periodic housekeeping in common spaces, such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, disinfecting, beautifying by making fresh flower bouquets, etc in collaboration with the Hospitality Coordinator
• Biweekly turnover day duties to prepare facilities for new artist residency sessions
• Manage, inventory, and sell Watershed merchandise
• Manage AIR check-out billing process
• Lead bi-weekly campus tours for the public
• Work with other seasonal staff and volunteers to deep-clean, set-up, and prepare the campus facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Assist with special projects through the summer including tasks related to Watershed’s annual Salad Days event. Please note; all year round and seasonal staff support this event, but the Residency Liaison takes on more event planning responsibility
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements: 

• Outstanding organizational skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Google Suite, cloud-based file sharing, and point-of-sale systems (i.e. Square) 
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as a friendly, flexible demeanor
• Ability to work independently and as an integral member of a team tackling a diverse range of tasks in a sometimes demanding and fast-paced environment
• Prior experience working in support of an artist residency program or in a comparable residential environment preferred
• Self-directed with a can-do attitude 
• Comfort working on detail-oriented and physically demanding tasks
• Ability to work while standing for long hours, lift up to 30 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility including walking, stooping, carrying, reaching, and manual dexterity
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle are required (miles driven on Watershed business are reimbursed at federal rate)

Employment Dates and Compensation:
Applicants must be available to arrive on Watershed’s campus on Tuesday, April 29 and work from Wednesday, April 30  –  Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Pay for the season (21 weeks) totals approximately $11,077, based on a variable 5 day/week, 40 hour/week schedule and after the room & board deduction. All seasonal staff positions are non-exempt and based on an hourly wage; payroll is processed biweekly with all required state and federal withholdings.  The Residency Liaison lives on campus in a private cabin room. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. Position benefits include: 

• Dedicated space in community ceramics studio (work table and shelving; est. value of $400/month for 4 months)
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
• Opportunity to sell work at the Salad Days Pottery Sale and receive 100% of any sales 

The Residency Liaison lives on campus in a private cabin bedroom. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. 

For best consideration, please apply by February 1, 2025. Application deadline is February 10, 2025.

The Hospitality Coordinator ensures that artists-in-residence have a welcoming and comfortable housing experience during their stay at Watershed. This position works closely with the Residency Liaison and the Dining Coordinator to meet the needs of resident artists. 

Reports to: Residency Liaison

Responsibilities: 

• Clean and upkeep common areas daily, including but not limited to, cabin restrooms and decks, The Commons entry, restrooms, and lounge
• Refill and stock consumables
• Dispose of trash and recycling in on-campus receptacles, and regular travel to the transfer station
• Assist Kitchen Staff with serving meals and after-meal cleaning and food storage, as needed
• Supervise student assistants in kitchen and dining room cleaning activities
• Clean resident cabins between sessions 
• Ensure regular disposal of dining room trash, compost, and redeemable bottles 
• Responsible for ensuring all Upper Campus laundry (towels, bedding, rugs, etc) is washed, dried, folded, and stocked
• Participate in each session orientation for the artists-in-residence
• Work with other seasonal staff and volunteers to deep-clean, set-up, and prepare the campus facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Assist with special projects through the summer including tasks related to Watershed’s annual Salad Days event
• Biweekly turnover day duties to prepare facilities for new artist residency sessions
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements: 

• Experience working in food service and/or positions that involve cleaning
• Ability to work while standing for long hours, lift up to 30 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility including walking, stooping, carrying, reaching, and manual dexterity
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed at federal rate)

Employment Dates and Compensation:
Applicants must be available to arrive on Watershed’s campus on Monday, May 5 and work from Tuesday, May 6 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Pay for the season (20.5 weeks) totals approximately $10,071, based on a variable 5 day/week, 35 hour/week schedule and after the room & board deduction. All seasonal staff positions are non-exempt and based on an hourly wage; payroll is processed biweekly with all required state and federal withholdings. The Hospitality Coordinator lives on campus in a private cabin room. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. Position benefits include: 

• Dedicated space in community ceramics studio (work table and shelving; est. value of $400/month for 4 months)
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
• Opportunity to sell work at the Salad Days Pottery Sale and receive 100% of any sales 

The Hospitality Coordinator lives on campus in a private cabin bedroom. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. 

For best consideration, please apply by February 1, 2025. Application deadline is February 10, 2025.

The Studio Assistant works closely with Watershed’s Studio Manager and Studio Coordinator to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Watershed community studio and campus facilities. Work will be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Reports to: Studio Manager

Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to the daily operations, maintenance and repairs, and beautification of the community studio and grounds
• Clean, maintain order, take inventory, and stock supplies in and around the studio, including the kitchenette and bathrooms
• Responsible for ensuring Studio laundry is washed, dried, folded, and stocked
• Interface with the resident artists and address their studio needs
• Assist with group firings
• Participate in each session orientation for the artists-in-residence
• Work with other seasonal staff and volunteers to deep-clean, set-up, and prepare the campus facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Assist with special projects through the summer including tasks related to Watershed’s annual Salad Days event
• Biweekly turnover day duties to prepare facilities for new artist residency sessions
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Possess excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as a friendly, flexible demeanor
• Ability to work independently and as an integral member of a team tackling a diverse range of tasks in a sometimes demanding and fast-paced environment
• Possess a basic understanding of clay and glaze formulation and a familiarity with standard ceramic studio practices and operations
• Ability to work while standing for long hours, lift up to 50 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility including walking, stooping, carrying, reaching, and manual dexterity   
• Experience with wood and metal shop fabrication and equipment repair are preferred
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle are required (miles driven on Watershed business are reimbursed at federal rate)

Employment Dates and Compensation:
Applicants must be available to arrive on Watershed’s campus on Monday, May 5 and work from Tuesday, May 6 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Pay for the season (20.5 weeks) totals approximately $10,071, based on a variable 5 day/week, 35 hour/week schedule and after the room & board deduction. All seasonal staff positions are non-exempt and based on an hourly wage; payroll is processed biweekly with all required state and federal withholdings. The Studio Assistant lives on campus in a private cabin room. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. Position benefits include: 

• Dedicated space in community ceramics studio (work table and shelving; est. value of $400/month for 4 months)
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
• Opportunity to sell work at the Salad Days Pottery Sale and receive 100% of any sales 

The Studio Assistant lives on campus in a private cabin bedroom. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab above for more details on food, housing, and campus life. 

For best consideration, please apply by February 1, 2025. Application deadline is February 10, 2025.