Job description

About Sri Ganesh Temple Society Of British Columbia (SGTSBC)

Sri Ganesh Temple Society of British Columbia, a registered charity, was incorporated in 1999 by a group of intellects and well-wishers to satisfy the spiritual needs of the devotees of Lord Ganesha in British Columbia. Today, the society/temple is well recognized as the first unique place of worship in Vancouver, BC, exclusively for Lord Ganesha, the God of knowledge, wisdom, and wealth. In this temple, devotees offer prayers to Lord Ganesha on a regular and daily basis. Special prayers and religious activities are also held on a monthly basis to celebrate certain festivals of the Hindus. The prayer hall facility is free and open to all devotees of Lord Ganesha. The Society operates the temple located at 3525 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 4C5 Canada, and promotes religious, spiritual, cultural, educational, social, and humanitarian needs and commitments for the benefit of its members. We are currently looking for 1 experienced Hindu Priest to join our team.

Temple Operation Name: Sri Ganesh Temple Society of British Columbia (SGTSBC)

Temple Address: 3525 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 4C5 Canada

Job Summary

Sri Ganesh Temple Society of British Columbia (SGTSBC) invites applications for the full-time position Hindu Priest for their Sri Ganesh Temple to perform daily Poojas (rituals) at the temple. Applications are accepted directly from interested priests only (not from any job hunter type agencies or recruitment agencies or other individuals).

Job Title: Priest

No. of Positions: 1

Job Description and Duties:

• Meet the temple community’s devotional and spiritual needs, the priest is required to perform the daily routine of Hindu Vedic rituals / ceremonies and other priestly duties as approved by the management at the temple and in strict compliance with the acceptable Hindu customs and traditions
• Obey all lawful directives and instructions of the Society and temple Administrators;
• Under no circumstances, leave the Temple facilities unattended during Temple hours;
• Perform all poojas according to the schedule set by the Society from time to time;
• Perform archanais only upon receipt of archanai tickets authorized by and purchased from the Society;
• Report and hand over to the persons designated by the Society all the contributions from the devotees to the Temple or the Society in the form of money (placed in the arathi thattu, handed to the Priest, or donated in any manner) or in any other form;
• Clean the inner temple (sannithanam) so that it is kept clean and tidy at all times;
• Conduct religious services and associated activities, preach doctrine, provide temple devotees with spiritual and moral guidance, perform necessary religious and spiritual rites;
• Treat all devotees and other visitors to the Temple with respect and courtesy and in a professional manner

Terms of Employment: Permanent; Full Time; Long Term

Hours of Work: 30 hours per week

(Split Hours: 7 AM to 9 AM and 6 PM to 9 PM)

Wages: $18.50 per hour

Benefits Package: 

• Insurance from Workplace Safety and Insurance Board covered by employer
• Vacation pay as per provincial regulations will be paid each payday on a semi-monthly basis
• Suitable accommodation will be arranged by the temple

 Location of Work: 3525 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 4C5 Canada

 Anticipated Start Date of Employment:  As soon as possible

 Education, Experience and Language Requirements:

1.    Experience in the rites and practices set out in the Kamika and Karana Agamas as observed in the Saivite Hindu tradition, including Homam and Kumba Abhishekam and Temple Poojas and Rituals.

2.    Shall be proficient in performing Vaidika Karyakramas including the Jatakarma, Namakarana Punniyaka Vachanam, Annaprasanam, Upanayanam ( Janeu),Vidyarambha Samskaras, Ayushyahomam, Santhihomam, Mruthyunjayahomam, Nakshatrahomam, Navagrahahomam, Ganapathihomam, Rudrahomam, Chandi Parayanam and Homam, Moorthis Pratishtaapanas, Sahasranama Pooja, Rudrabhishekam.

3. Skillful in Alankaram and decoration of deities in various forms during temple functions and major festivals.

4.    Well versed in Shukla and Krishna Yajurveda and Upanishads, including Sri Rudram, Chamakam, Purusha Suktam Sri Suktam, Durga Suktam, Pavamana Suktam and Navagraha Suktam desirable.

5.    A minimum of five years previous experience as a Priest.

6.    Completion of Secondary School is not required. Certification and training in Vedic and Agamas (*Karana and Kamiya Agamas) from a Hindu religious organization would be an asset.

Working Conditions and Physical Capabilities:

• Repetitive tasks
• Standing for extended periods

 Additional Skills and Other Requirements:

• Effective interpersonal skills
• Must be a team player, flexible, reliable and organized
• Must be available for all hours of operation including overtime and weekend work as required

Preference given to applicants who are Canadian citizens, Canadian Permanent Residents, Asylum Seekers with valid open work permit, New Immigrants, Indigenous Persons / Aboriginals, Visible Minorities, Vulnerable Youth, Persons with Disabilities etc.

 If this opportunity interests you, and you meet all of the above requirements, please submit your resume and a cover letter by email to us at SriGaneshTempleCanada@gmail.com or by mail to 3525 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 4C5 Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.