DPW HEaT Ground Support Volunteer

ROLE SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) HEaT Ground Support Volunteer will provide ground support for all DPW Heavy Equipment and Transportation (HEaT) department needs throughout the event production cycle. This includes assisting operators with job tasks, setup/maintenance/strike of HEaT staff camp, errands and other duties as required. The DPW HEaT Department facilitates the support of  all infrastructural, art, and some participant equipment requests  at the Burning Man event.

  This temporary volunteer role spans: 

• From August - September: based in Black Rock City, Nevada.
• This timeframe is flexible with a minimum of 3 week's commitment.
• This role Does Not get the Burning Man Event week off.

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on June 26, 2026.

POSSIBLE TASKS MAY INCLUDE: 

• Provide in field support as requested for all departments as approved and directed by the HEaT Dispatch Team and HEaT Operations Manager. Primary field support for Operators (e.g. hole fluffing, bringing/retrieving anchors, bringing harnesses and other rigging gear, providing transport for relief operators, etc.)
• Assist in the upkeep of HEaT fleet vehicles (e.g. charging batteries, checking fluids, fueling, blowing out air filters, window washing, etc)
• Ensure a safe working environment as assigned in support of machine operations, in accordance with ANSI and OSHA guidelines, HEaT department standards and Black Rock City, LLC policies.
• Maintain and properly use all personal protection equipment (PPE) for assigned tasks.
• Ensure all assignments are safe to proceed as requested with attention to environmental hazards, safety protocols and standards; communicate to management with any concerns or unexpected developments prior to task advancement and be ready to adjust accordingly.
• Act as a DPW Ambassador; respond professionally, with tact and patience, to all requests for assistance from participants or other departments and be prepared to direct them on proper protocols around making a request.

• Attend daily HEaT briefings, DPW Morning Meetings, and other assigned BRC Staff Meetings.
• Work with the Team to execute LNT and Waste disposal plans for all relevant operations.
• Participate in Meetings when requested 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 tasks as assigned.

QUALITIES

Main Entrée Skills 

• Proficient  with remote forms of communication (i.e. – two way radios)
• Knowledge of BRC, its departments and operations
• Ability to relocate temporarily to work on location in Nevada
• Experience working on projects in remote wilderness and/or desert environment
• 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
• Capable of performing 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 role to the Burning Man event held in Gerlach, Nevada

Cherry On Top Skills 

• It is helpful if the volunteer has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.

PHYSICAL NEEDS/ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT

• On-site:  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 other departments or teams 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.