DPW Playa Restoration Crew

Join the Department of Public Works (DPW) Playa Restoration Crew to support Burning Man's post-event cleanup efforts on the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. This role involves restoring the playa—including the event site, key infrastructure, and surrounding highways—to its natural condition through coordinated fieldwork, debris removal, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

About the role

As part of a large field team, crew members walk in coordinated formation for miles each day, visually scanning the dust surface to identify and remove residual Matter Out of Place (MOOP). You’ll assist with specialized cleanup operations, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with teammates in a remote, safety-sensitive environment. This is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt position based in Black Rock City, Nevada, from September to October.

Responsibilities

• Daily Operations (80%):
  • Uphold Burning Man's Leave No Trace principle in all duties
  • Walk in coordinated line sweeps with a large field crew, scanning miles of desert daily to identify and remove MOOP
  • Use tools such as trash grabbers, pickup tools, magnetic sweepers, and buckets to collect debris safely and efficiently
  • Maintain and set up equipment and supplies
  • Ensure reliable attendance and participation, including on-time arrival for roll call, shifts, meetings, and assignments
  • Track and sign off on daily work hours
  • Support specialized cleanup operations, including:
    • Special Forces – targeted cleanup in high-priority areas
    • Highway Cleanup – roadside debris removal
    • Abandoned Items Removal – identifying and removing large items left behind
    • Test Team – simulating the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) post-event inspection
  • Maintain safety and situational awareness in extreme desert conditions
  • Foster a positive, inclusive team environment through respectful conduct and effective communication
• Other Functions and Responsibilities (20%):
  • Live and work in shared, remote desert conditions, contributing to a respectful, collaborative community
  • Monitor personal well-being, set boundaries, and communicate concerns affecting safety or performance
  • Adhere to Burning Man's staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards
  • Participate in meetings, trainings, and briefings; maintain timely communication with supervisors and teammates
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support Playa Restoration operations
• Learning and Teaching:
  • Share knowledge to acculturate and educate junior staff on Burning Man culture and processes
  • Pursue ongoing learning in your area of expertise to stay current on emergent skills and practices

Requirements

• Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and the 10 Principles, especially Leave No Trace
• Ability to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event in Gerlach, Nevada
• Willingness to live and work in shared, remote accommodations with limited personal space
• Ability to perform duties safely and responsibly in a safety-sensitive, high-accountability team environment
• Capable of maintaining stamina in extreme conditions: walking several miles daily over uneven terrain in high heat, cold, wind, dust storms, and poor air quality
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively to unforeseen events
• Ability to work as part of a large field team, follow instructions, and integrate feedback
• Capable of tracking time, managing tasks, and meeting deadlines

Preferred: Previous attendance at Burning Man and/or familiarity with its culture. Candidates with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

• Periods of heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, squatting, and climbing
• Physically demanding work requiring good health and endurance
• Ability to walk or use transportation to meet with team members across the site
• Work primarily outdoors in extreme weather, including temperature fluctuations, high winds, dust storms, and poor air quality

Pay

$15.00 to $16.50 per hour, dependent on prior experience and geographical location.

Schedule

Full-time, temporary role from September to October, based in Black Rock City, Nevada.