DPW BRC Yellow Bike Lead Mechanic

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Black Rock City (BRC) Yellow Bike Lead Mechanic will assist in the construction, operation, and strike of the BRC Yellow Bike Project  for the Burning Man event production season.  They will aid the Yellow Bike Project Manager and Assistant Manager in the building and striking of the camp and work space, assist in building and maintaining the Yellow Bike fleet, participate in the bike collection effort post-event, and respectfully interface with participants with any Yellow Bike concerns.

  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 5:00pm PST on April 25, 2025.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operations  (95%)

• Work independently and as a team to complete the various duties in the Yellow Bike Shop at the direction of Yellow Bike Project Management, including the build and strike of the Yellow Bike Camp and Shop space.
• Participate in building out the Yellow Bike fleet efficiently, safely and with a positive attitude.
• When appropriate, provide feedback and input to the Yellow Bike Project Manager to help ensure efficient and safe conditions for work.
• Adhere to the duty schedule and ask clarifying questions as needed, understanding there will be shifts during the event week.
• Remain a professional asset to the Bike Mechanic Crew, Burning Man staff and participants during working hours, attending requests for support or questions with a respectful demeanor.
• Work with the Shop Steward in creating a safe and empowering working environment.
• Assist with ordering inventory, tools and consumable items.
• Assist the Groundskeeper to ensure all materials are separated or recycled, and encourage the crew to follow suit.
• Understand the integrated plan with other departmental timelines and objectives for the completion of each phase of BRC development; setup, maintenance and tear down.
• Professional and effective interaction with other departments as well as Burning Man participants.
• Help to orient all Yellow Bike team members to the rules and procedures of the Yellow Bike Team, making sure that all protocols and responsibilities are fulfilled.  
• Consistent communication with Yellow Bike Management about crew dynamics, morale, and performance observations providing regular reports and feedback when requested. 
• Ensure compliance with BRC’s safety and quality specifications, documenting incidents and supporting corrective measures when implemented.
• Serve as a mentor and positive role model for incoming crew and volunteers.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)

• Work with the Team to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans for all relevant operations.
• Adjust workflow to support changing safety protocols as directed.
• Participate in meetings as directed and maintain related correspondence.
• Be familiar with, understand and act in accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies, protocols and behavioral standards.
• Monitor personal well-being by setting realistic goals and managing self-care while proactively addressing any concerns with management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Documentation - Assists in the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to their assigned duties.
• Knowledge sharing – Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes.
• Training development - Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested.
• Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Has basic bike repair knowledge and can competently use the appropriate tools to assist building and maintaining the Yellow Bike Fleet.  
• Able to lift 50+ lbs comfortably, safely and often.
• Knowledge of and willingness to practice safety protocols as they apply to the Bike Project and DPW as a whole.
• Operates with a high level of integrity and follow-through; Must be able to commit to the assigned work schedule, which includes taking shifts during the event week.
• Able to proactively identify and work on bike maintenance and repairs without needing to be directed to do so, proficient self-starter and also able to ask for help when needed.
• Has knowledge of Burning Man and DPW and has the skill set and experience of being Black Rock Desert work-ready.
• Has a professional work ethic and shows enthusiasm toward working with others; A flexible, understanding and positive attitude that balances the needs of people and daily practices with care and attention.  
• Effectively manages own time and supports the efforts of the team as a whole.
• 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.

Note: If you have gained the necessary experience to succeed in this role and have acquired this experience in other ways, we encourage you to apply and share all relevant experience in your application.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record 

COMPENSATION

Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of 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.