Work Periods

Tassajara workshop tools

Thank you very much for your interest in helping to maintain Tassajara.


During the April and September Work Periods, at the times of transition between the summer guest season and the spring and fall practice periods, a team of volunteers assists with the maintenance of Tassajara. These are energetic times with an emphasis on work and community living. The work day is 6½ hours. Vegetarian meals and a bed in a cabin is provided. There is no money exchange. There are usually informal discussions about Buddhist practice and volunteers are welcome to join residents in the daily meditation.

Help is appreciated in the areas of carpentry, repairs, plumbing, electrical, gardening, painting, cooking, cabin preparation, and general maintenance.

San Francisco Zen Center welcomes international visitors in the US on B visas to participate in our various offerings, workshops, and retreats. We also welcome students to participate in our Apprenticeship Program. Because the Apprenticeship Program is vocational, we are able to offer M-1 visas to students across the world. For more details about visas, click here.

April 10 – 29, 2024:

Kitchen and general labor volunteers are needed from April 10 through the end of work period, with a minimum stay of two weeks.

The main Work Period is April 10 through 29. Highly skilled volunteers, in the areas mentioned above, are warmly invited to apply, with a minimum stay of one week.

Contact the Tassajara director at zmcworkperiod@sfzc.org to apply.