DPW Playa Restoration Crew

Job Summary The Department of Public Works (DPW) Playa Restoration Crew supports Burning Man's post-event cleanup efforts on the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, including the event site, key infrastructure, and surrounding highways. Working as part of a large field team, crew members walk in coordinated formation for miles each day, visually scanning the dust surface of the Black Rock Desert to identify and remove residual Matter Out of Place (MOOP), helping restore the playa to its natural condition. Crew members also assist with specialized cleanup operations as needed and are expected to follow established safety protocols, collaborate effectively with teammates, and uphold Burning Man's Leave No Trace principle through professional, environmentally responsible work practices. This is a live/work field position based in a remote desert environment that requires physical stamina, sound judgment, reliability, punctuality, and the ability to perform duties responsibly in a safety-sensitive, team-based setting. This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: From September - October: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based in Black Rock City, Nevada. The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on Sept 11th. Duties & Essential Job Functions Daily Operations (80%) Embody and uphold Burning Man's Leave No Trace principle in all dutiesWalk in a coordinated line sweep with a large field crew, visually scanning the dusty expanse with attention to detail to identify and remove Matter Out of Place (MOOP) across several miles each dayUse tools such as trash grabbers, pickup tools, magnetic sweepers, and buckets to safely and efficiently collect debris; help set up, maintain, and break down equipment and suppliesMaintain reliable attendance and active participation for the duration of the contract, including on-time arrival for daily Roll Call, scheduled shifts, meetings, and assignments. Accurately track and sign off on daily work hours as requiredSupport specialized cleanup operations as assigned, including:Special Forces – targeted cleanup in high-priority areasHighway Cleanup – roadside debris removalAbandoned Items Removal – identifying and removing large items left behindTest Team – simulating the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) post-event inspectionMaintain safety, situational awareness, and safe work practices while performing duties in extreme desert conditionsMaintain respectful conduct at all times, including effective communication and cooperation with teammates and supervisors while fostering a positive, inclusive team environment Other Functions and Responsibilities (20%) Live and work in shared conditions alongside fellow crew members in a remote desert environment, contributing to a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented community throughout the seasonMonitor personal well-being by setting realistic goals and boundaries, practicing self-care, and proactively communicating concerns that may affect safety, performance, or team operationsBe familiar with, understand, and act in accordance with Burning Man's staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standardsParticipate in meetings, trainings, and briefings as requested, maintaining timely communication with supervisors and teammatesPerform other duties as assigned in support of Playa Restoration operations LEARNING AND TEACHING Knowledge sharing – Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processesLearning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes Qualifications Required Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and the 10 Principles, especially Leave No TraceAbility to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event held in Gerlach, NevadaWillingness to live and work in a shared, remote environment with communal accommodations and limited personal spaceMust be able to perform duties safely, responsibly, and with sound judgment, appropriate for working in a safety-sensitive, high-accountability team environmentCapable of working and maintaining stamina in an extreme environment, including walking several miles per day over uneven desert terrain in high heat or blustery cold, drastic temperature changes, high winds, poor air quality, dust storms, and low to no visibility at timesAbility to remain calm under pressure, thinking clearly and responding effectively to unforeseen eventsAble to work as part of a large field team, follow instructions, and receive and integrate feedbackCapable of tracking time worked, managing tasks, and completing assignments within stated deadlines 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. Compensation Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated rate for this position: From September - October is $15.00 to $16.50 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 applyBurning 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 trainingPursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records Powered by JazzHR Nj9e7iV60c