DPW Power Crew

This temporary, full-time, non-exempt role is based on-site in Black Rock City, Nevada from August to September.

About the Role

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Power Crew member will assist in the layout, construction, maintenance, and strike of municipal power grids within Black Rock City. They will work closely with DPW staff and vendor technicians to ensure effective power distribution and service. The role involves tracking materials, communicating with grid users, and maintaining a safe, clean worksite.

Responsibilities

• Daily Operations & Maintenance (55%)
  • Collaborate in the construction and maintenance of BRC electrical grids with awareness of the overall grid layout
  • Participate in on-call duties to respond to urgent or emergency power grid situations
  • Establish and oversee a clean and safe worksite, ensuring team members have OSHA-approved safety equipment
  • Assist in end-of-season strike, retrieving, sorting, and packaging materials for storage or return
• Documentation & Tracking (35%)
  • Update work progress documentation, materials inventory, and site maps to maintain accuracy
  • Improve and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the role and crew operations
  • Prepare written feedback for the DPW Utilities Manager on seasonal successes, areas for improvement, and efficiency suggestions
  • Submit an end-of-season EMBER Report
• Other Functions & Responsibilities (5%)
  • Maintain clear and respectful communication with the DPW Power Team, BRC Departments, Vendors, Participants, and Artists
  • Plan and execute Leave No Trace (LNT) and waste disposal plans with the Power Crew
  • Review and understand the BRC Rain Contingency Plan and execute as directed
  • Attend and support crew attendance at Team Meetings and DPW Morning Meetings
  • Read, understand, and abide by Burning Man Staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards
  • Monitor personal well-being, set realistic boundaries, and address concerns with management
  • Perform other duties as assigned by DPW Management
• Learning and Teaching
  • Assist in creating, publishing, and maintaining process documentation
  • Share knowledge and educate junior staff on Burning Man culture and business processes
  • Collaborate with the education team to develop training materials in your area of expertise
  • Pursue ongoing learning to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes

Requirements

• Able and willing to follow standards set in necessary on-site trainings
• Working knowledge of OSHA-compliant personal protection equipment, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers
• Able to safely navigate congested city streets and access roads with participants, bicycles, and vehicles
• Proficient with digital and online technology, including applications, tools, spreadsheets, maps, and documents
• Clear, service-oriented, and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Experienced with using two-way radios and following radio protocol
• High level of behavioral integrity, confidentiality, and discretion with sensitive information
• Maintains tidiness in work ethics and environment, remains calm and focused under pressure
• Capable of working in extreme environments (drastic temperature changes, high winds, poor air quality, low visibility)
• Ability to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event in Gerlach, Nevada

Qualifications

Preferred:

• 1–3 years of experience with entertainment, commercial, or residential electrical work
• Familiarity with Burning Man, Black Rock City, and its departments
• Experience working in remote wilderness and/or desert environments
• Familiarity with email, spreadsheets, and maps
• OSHA 10 Certification (may be earned through in-house training)
• First-Aid knowledge
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record

If you have gained relevant experience through other means, you are encouraged to apply and share all relevant experience.

Pay

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $16.00 to $17.50, depending on prior experience and geographical location.

Physical Requirements

• Periods of heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, squatting, and climbing
• Physically demanding work requiring good health and endurance
• Walking or using transportation to meet with department representatives across the site
• Work in outside weather conditions, exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and extreme temperatures