DPW Potable Water Truck Driver

JOB SUMMARY

Are you ready to be a lifeline in the desert? We are seeking a spirited and responsible driver to join our Logistics crew at Burning Man! As a potable water truck pilot, you’ll ensure that hydration flows abundantly, keeping the staff refreshed and revitalized. This isn’t just any driving gig; better than gold, deliver this valuable commodity to where it goes in one of the most unique and vibrant gatherings on the planet.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Potable Water Truck Driver will safely and efficiently operate the DPW potable water truck. During the Black Rock City event production season, they will service on-site distribution needs, fulfill approved requests, and deliver potable water to infrastructure, staff camps, and travel trailers. They will coordinate to plan and prioritize stops for an efficient route and support the DPW Logistics Dispatcher in maintaining the daily tracking log.

  This temporary, ineligible-for-benefits role is: 

• From July - September: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based in Black Rock City, Nevada. 

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm PST on April 14, 2025.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Daily Operations & Maintenance (85%)

• Perform vehicle safety inspections at the beginning and end of every shift, ensuring that the vehicle is in good working order and has all required safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher and stocked first aid kit.
• Communicate clearly and regularly throughout the workday with DPW Logistics Dispatch, reporting any challenges to delivery routes, schedules, and safety issues; collaborate in resolving/finding solutions and assist with troubleshooting and servicing last-minute requests.
• Maintaining awareness of changing environmental hazards, adhering to the scheduled route, and handling all real-time change requests from Dispatch.
• Keep knowledge of and follow current best practices regarding sanitization and the health and safety of potable water delivered.
• Fuel-up and otherwise maintain the potable water delivery truck and related equipment for daily operations. 
• Be prepared to work on-call during designated “on call” hours as well as regular shifts.

Documentation and Tracking (10%)

• Coordinate with the DPW Logistics Dispatchers to plan and prioritize stops for an efficient route.
• Take ownership of and assume accountability for the accurate daily tracking and recording of water deliveries to report out at the end of the shift.
• Prepare written feedback describing the season's successes, areas needing improvement, and suggestions for the next year; Submit an end-of-season EMBER Report.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)

• Participates in meetings and training when requested and maintains related correspondence.
• Read, understand, and act per Burning Man’s staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards.
• Participate in maintaining a clean and safe worksite.
• Monitor personal well-being by setting realistic goals and managing self-care while proactively addressing any management concerns.
• Perform other duties as directed.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Knowledge sharing – Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

 Required

• Able to drive safely and navigate Black Rock City streets that are congested with pedestrians, bicycles, and mutant vehicles.
• Capable of entering and exiting a vehicle numerous times during each shift; Must be able to lift and pull 50 lbs and have good physical stamina.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team; Capable of receiving and integrating constructive feedback into action and following a schedule in a timely, safe manner.
• Operates with a high level of behavioral integrity; maintains tidiness in work ethics and the work environment, and remains calm and focused under pressure.
• Clear, service-oriented, and professional communication, verbal and written. Experienced with using 2-way radios and following radio protocol. 
• Maintain respectful interactions with all participants, Burning Man Departments and staff.
• Capable of working in an extreme environment, including drastic temperature changes, high winds, poor air quality, and low to no visibility at times.
• Ability to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event held in Gerlach, Nevada.

Preferred 

• It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.
• Experience working in remote wilderness and/or desert environments.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

COMPENSATION

Individual compensation decisions depend on various factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated rate for this position:

• From July - September is $15.00 to $17.00 per hour

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• On-playa:  This position requires periods of heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, squatting, and climbing. This position will be physically demanding, and requires individuals with good physical health, and endurance. Work will include the need to find and meet with department representatives who may not be in the vicinity, therefore this could include walking or using some form of transportation. Much of the work will be in outside weather conditions and will be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, as well as possible extremes in temperature.

NOTICE FOR ALL APPLICANTS:

• Burning Man Project celebrates the importance of creating a diverse environment and enthusiastically encourages Black, Indigenous, Peoples of Color, LGBTQIA+, Immigrant, women, and people with disabilities, of all ages, to apply.
• Burning Man Project provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
• Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.