We live in a time of disconnection—from one another, from the land, and often from the work we do each day. The divisions we see in politics are symptoms of something deeper: the erosion of trust, belonging, and shared meaning at the neighborhood level.

At Highland Lake Cove, we believe it doesn’t have to be this way. Humans are wired to collaborate—it’s how we evolved, and it’s how we’ll thrive again.

That’s why we’re here.

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Highland Lake Cove is the eighth of twelve phases in the 200-acre Highland Lake Community—a long-term vision designed to reconnect people to purpose, place, and each other. Earlier phases focused on individual areas like housing, hospitality, or gardens. But the Cove brings it all together into one purpose-driven ecosystem that integrates:

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1. Hospitality with Heart – Experiences where people feel truly seen and welcomed.

2. Neighborly Design – Homes and spaces that foster connection, not isolation.

3. Growth & Learning – Workshops and retreats to build the skills of collaboration, communication, and inner development.

4. Meaningful Work – Jobs that support people in growing into their potential—and sharing in what we build together.

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As we prepare for this next chapter, we’re inviting passionate, community-minded people to join the team.

 

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Now Hiring:

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Café Manager

Lead the daily operations of our small café, coordinating a tight-knit team and aligning food service with our values of connection, wellness, and beauty.

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Managing Chef, Prep Cook, Line Cook 

 

Collaborate on a seasonal, locally-inspired menu that nourishes body and spirit. (We’re especially excited about our upcoming Tuesday Farmers & Makers Market launching May 20.)

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Dinner Salon Facilitator & Program Developer

Co-create and host meaningful gatherings that weave conversation, community, and curriculum from our “Creating Community Anywhere” programs.

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Lead Carpenter

Guide a small crew in finishing out our Cottage Series and prototyping our next evolution: handcrafted Pocket Cabins designed for affordability, sustainability, and beauty.

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Fabrication Assistant

Support cabin production and custom shop projects, perfect for someone eager to learn, build, and grow within a collaborative shop culture.

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Lead Gardener

Ensure our café always has fresh microgreens, edible flowers, and seasonal produce. You’ll also run our on-site garden stand and co-host farm moments that invite the community in.

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We’re celebrating 40 years of roots here at Highland Lake—but we operate more like a regenerative startup. Our team is small, cross-trained, values-driven, and supported to grow.

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We believe in:

Collaborative leadership and shared responsibility

Profit sharing and long-term pathways to equity

Building a worker-owned, place-based model that lasts

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This spring, we’re gathering the team that will bring this next phase of our vision into being. If you’re ready to bring your talents to a place where work feels like contribution, and community is more than a buzzword, we’d love to meet you.

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