NVO Common Shop Lead

JOB SUMMARY

The Common Shop Lead manages the inventory control system, overseeing the tracking, storage, and distribution of tools, materials, and supplies at Black Rock Station. This role ensures accurate inventory records, coordinates procurement and maintains organized and secure storage systems. Additionally, the Common Shop Lead is responsible for maintaining tools and equipment, generating work orders for necessary repairs, and ensuring the cleanliness of the Common Shop at BRS. This position also oversees the inventory and check-in/check-out process for Playa Common Shop equipment, ensuring proper allocation to various BRC departments.

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive communication to manage inventory effectively and support multiple teams on and off Playa.

This is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt role, based in Gerlach, NV running from April to October, 2025.

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on March 31st, 2025.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Inventory Control (30%)

• Ensure a chain of custody, security, documentation, and accuracy before distributing incoming packages to the appropriate departments or securely storing them until needed.
• Enter received departmental materials into the Reserved Materials Inventory tracking system.
• Keep a running inventory of all donated or overstock materials and enter them into the consumable inventory database.
• Communicate with the Purchasing team regarding discrepancies in received quantities or damaged shipments.
• Organize tools and materials in designated storage areas to ensure efficient access and prevent loss.
• Oversee tool accountability procedures, ensuring proper sign-in and sign-out documentation.
• Coordinate procuring replacement tools, parts, and supplies to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Document and investigate lost, missing, or damaged tools, reporting findings to the Ranch Operations Manager.

BRS Common Shop (25%)

• Inspect and maintain all tools and equipment, following proper lock out tag out procedures.
• Ensure a clean and safe shop environment.
• Regularly inspect the Common Shop facility and submit repair and maintenance work orders as needed.
• Maintain the stock of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
• Request restocking of first-aid supplies.
• Support end-of-season inventory reconciliation and storage preparation for winter.
• Track material usage and coordinate pre-season supply orders with the Ranch Operations Manager.
• Implement safety and loss prevention measures to protect inventory.

On-Playa Common Shop (25%)

• Implement and oversee a tool inventory tracking system to monitor stock levels, issuance, return, and condition of tools.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, updating them as tools and supplies are checked out, returned, repaired, or replaced.
• Ensure proper organization, maintenance and security of all tools and equipment.
• Maintain the security of the Playa Common Shop container.
• Sign in and out fire extinguishers from the Playa fire extinguisher storage shop.
• Develop and expand a tool electronic tagging and tracking system.
• Conduct routine inspections of tools and equipment to identify wear, defects, or damage and ensure safety and functionality.
• Organize tools and materials in designated storage areas to ensure efficient access and prevent loss.

Administrative & Documentation (10%)

• Create and maintain inventory databases and tracking systems.
• Document all inventory transactions, including acquisitions, usage, repairs, and losses.
• Submit receipts and expense reports for purchases, ensuring proper documentation and timely submission.
• Provide daily updates to the Ranch Operations Manager on inventory availability and outstanding needs.
• Document and investigate lost, unreturned, missing, or damaged tools, reporting findings to the Ranch Operations Manager.
• As needed, submit receipts and expense reports, ensuring complete forms and submitted on time.
• Plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (10%)

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Be available on the radio during assigned shifts.
• Follow all workplace protocols, safety guidelines, and operational standards.
• Assist volunteers and staff with inventory-related needs.
• Train staff on inventory control procedures and proper tool handling.
• Operation of heavy equipment including skid steer, mast forklift, variable reach forklift, track-hoe, tractor, and backhoe.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Documentation - Assists in the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to their assigned duties.
• Knowledge sharing – Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Knowledge of inventory management systems and best practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing tools, materials, and equipment in a warehouse or workshop setting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. safely and perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, and climbing.
• Proficiency in Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively manage tasks.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment and shifting priorities.
• Reliable and able to fulfill job responsibilities consistently. 

Preferred

• Experience with electronic inventory tracking systems.
• Knowledge of safety and loss prevention practices.
• First Aid certification.
• 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.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

COMPENSATION: 

Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated pay rate for this position is $17.00 to $19.00 per hour.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Off-Playa:  This position is primarily sedentary but will require periods of heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, squatting, and climbing.  This position will be physically demanding and requires individuals with good physical health and endurance. This will also 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. Some 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. 
• On-Playa:  Work is primarily sedentary but will also 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.  Some 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.