Watershed’s seasonal staff play an integral role in operating campus programs, including workshops, residencies, and special events. In Watershed’s community environment, these colleagues live alongside one another during the program season.
See below for details on living on campus, application information, and job descriptions.
If you are interested in multiple positions you may submit the same cover letter to each, but please note your preferences in order on your cover letter.
PLEASE NOTE: 2026 APPLICATION INFORMATION AND DEADLINES WILL BE POSTED LATER IN DECEMBER 2025.
Watershed hires for seasonal positions annually with applications becoming available in mid-December and generally due in late January/ early February.
General Seasonal Staff Information & Campus Life
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.
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Photo by Sophia Larsen -
Photo by Sophia Larsen -
Community Living
- Staff and resident artists enjoy meals together.
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.
- Artists at work in the Windgate Studio
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.