🔧 Volunteer Opportunity – Maintenance & Painting Helper Needed!

3.5

(3 reviews)3

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The experience

We’re Ros and Remy, the new owners of the Green Elephant Backpackers in Observatory, Cape Town. We’ve recently taken over this long-standing lodge and are working hard to revive its charm, warmth and reputation — one project at a time. We’re looking for a hands-on, practical volunteer to assist with general maintenance and painting around the property. Do you enjoy fixing things, using tools, or giving tired walls a fresh coat of paint?

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What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

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What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Discounts on Drinks: Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

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Requirements

Intermediate English

Between 20 and 40 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Be from outside South Africa

European Union Passport

United States visa or citizenship

Travel insurance

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What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Program Details

Volunteering at the Green Elephant is more than just helping out — it’s about becoming part of a small team and helping us revive a legendary backpackers with heart, humour, and hospitality.

📅 Schedule
You’ll contribute 25 hours per week, usually spread over 5 days (around 5 hours per day), with 2 full days off to relax or explore Cape Town.

✨ In exchange, you’ll receive:

🛏️ A bed in a shared dorm
📶 Free Wi-Fi
🧺 Free laundry facilities
🍻 Access to our on-site bar
🌍 Full use of the kitchen and communal spaces
🐘 A warm, welcoming, and community-driven environment where your effort truly makes a difference

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Activities & Shift

🛠️ What we need help with:

Sanding and painting rooms, doors, railings, or furniture

Fixing small issues like leaky taps, broken latches, loose handles, etc.

Light carpentry or touch-ups (if you have the skills)

Assisting with general upkeep in the garden or outdoor areas

Keeping the space safe, functional and fresh for guests

🌟 Ideal volunteer:
Has some experience with basic maintenance or DIY (but willingness to learn is also welcome!)

Enjoys working with their hands and solving small problems

Is independent, reliable and safety-conscious

Has a good eye for detail and pride in doing a job well

Appreciates the reward of turning a space around!

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Rules

Work 25 hours per week, usually 5 hours a day over 5 days.

Be punctual and reliable for all scheduled shifts.

Keep your room and shared areas clean and tidy.

Treat all property, equipment, and spaces with care.

Be polite, friendly, and helpful to guests at all times.

No illegal drugs allowed on the premises.

Alcohol is allowed in moderation – no excessive drinking or disruptive behaviour.

Quiet hours are from 22:00 to 08:00 – please be respectful.

Attend team check-ins and communicate openly.

Respect personal space, privacy, and boundaries.

No harassment, discrimination, or aggressive behaviour.

We may end your stay if rules are not followed.