DPW Propane Operations Lead

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Propane Operations Lead assists the DPW Propane Operations Manager in leading the propane attendants at Hell Station, ensuring daily operations remain on schedule. This person is critical to ensuring that propane operations, whether for camp kitchens, or flame effects on art cars, are conducted in a manner that prioritizes safety, timeliness, and professionalism. Responsibilities include mentoring and supporting the propane attendants in safely pumping propane, and accurately tracking its distribution. They work with other Hell Station staff to open and close the station each day and interface in a courteous manner with staff, vendors, and participants. They perform daily equipment inspections to ensure proper operation and prevent fuel leaks. They are available to assess and troubleshoot mechanical issues if they arise.

 This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: 

• From August - September: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based on-site out of Black Rock City, Nevada. 

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00pm Pacific on April 12th.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operations (60%)

• Assist with the setup and breakdown of Hell Station as directed.
• Open and close Hell Station daily in a timely manner.
• Perform initial inspections of propane tanks registered for fueling. 
• Pump and track propane distributed to participants from Hell Station.
• Be available for the duration of the event to field questions and repair or replace leaking components (ie: nozzles and filters).
• Collaborate and communicate daily with relevant Burning Man Departments, Crew Managers, Participants, and Vendors, as directed by the Propane Ops Manager.

Team Management & Support (15%)

• Tactfully support the DPW Propane Team of paid and volunteer staff. Reassign and redirect workflow using education, empowerment, and delegation when appropriate or necessary, monitoring team morale and setting manageable work expectations.
• Assist in the training of DPW Hell Station Propane Attendants to make sure fuel fills are safely dispensed and accurately recorded. 
• Liaise with FAST to confirm FAST flame effects inspections, and perform subsequent Propane tank inspections for fueling. 
• Assist with Artist rental propane tank placement as needed.
• Proactively attend meetings, support propane crew in meeting attendance, and create reports to keep the DPW Propane Manager and DPW Fuel Department Manager informed of progress and areas of concern.

Documentation and Tracking (20%)

• Keep a basic inventory of all materials. Inventory must be submitted at the end of the postseason to the DPW Fuel Department Manager.
• Enter fuel fill information accurately with both tracking technology and paperwork.
• Work with Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Word and Excel, and any additional online tools, technology, or applications specific to this role as required.
• Commit to improving and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for this role and crew operations throughout the season for accuracy. 

Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)

• Maintain budget awareness as part of inventory and accurate fuel distribution tracking. Proactively discuss any potential adjustments or concerns with Management as soon as possible.
• Track hours worked; submit timecard by shared, bi-weekly deadline.
• Assist in overseeing the maintenance of a clean and safe worksite; ensure that all team members are provided with and utilize the necessary OSHA-approved safety equipment.
• Assist in leading the Propane Crew in execution of LNT and Waste disposal plans.
• Read, understand, and abide by the rules and codes of conduct according to the Burning Man Staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards. 
• Help implement Burning Man’s Integrated Plan and work with all BRC departments to ensure fuel distribution and safety.
• Monitor personal well-being, be aware of work expectations while also setting realistic boundaries, and proactively address any concerns with management.
• Perform various other duties as assigned by DPW Fuel Management.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Documentation - Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties.
• Teaching – Takes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e-learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community.
• Mentoring - Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages, and inspires their team.
• 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. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate.
• Speaking – Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture-bearer, as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Able and willing to follow standards set in necessary training:
  • Completion of propane training provided preseason.
  • Completion of bobtail training provided preseason for stationary operations.
  • Completion of Fuel Department training provided preseason.
  • Accurate use of handheld digital devices for tracking needs
• Working knowledge of OSHA-compliant personal protection equipment, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.
• Must have been to Burning Man and be familiar with the event worksite, Black Rock City and its departments.
• Capable of climbing a ladder and safely traversing the top of the fuel storage tanks; Able to drive safely and navigate Black Rock City streets congested with pedestrians, bicycles, and mutant vehicles.
• Proficient at navigating digital and online technology; Able to proactively engage in advanced learning, teach and effectively update existing online applications, tools, systems, spreadsheets, and documents.
• Able to maintain consistent organization and tidiness in the work environment and in handling important information (ie, tracking, personnel data, goals and timelines, payroll, etc.)
• Clear, service-oriented, and professional communication, verbal and written. Experienced with using 2-way radios and following radio protocol.
• Able to embody present and responsive leadership qualities for a diverse team while maintaining firm boundaries and adhering to set standards; Operates with a high level of behavioral integrity and reliability. 
• Effectively manages own time, the time of individual team members, and the efforts of the team as a whole.
• Able to integrate feedback into action, remain calm and focused under pressure or emergency situations, and maintain a professional demeanor that leads by example.
• 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

• OSHA 10/30 Certification or equivalent (may be acquired through in-house training).
• Familiarity with email, reading spreadsheets, and maps.
• Experience supervising major projects in remote wilderness and/or desert environments. 
• First-aid knowledge.

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

• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Completion of training for handling of propane; CETP 1.0 Basic Propane and CETP 2.2 Bobtail Operations (can be earned in-house).

COMPENSATION

Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated rate for this position:

• From August - September is $16.00 to $18.00 per hour.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Off-playa:  Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required. 
• 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.