DPW Fluffer Assistant Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Fluffer Assistant Manager will work with the Fluffer Team to provide hydration, snacks, and other hospitality support for DPW crews, work sites and staff resource stations during the event production cycle. In collaboration with the BRC Saloon Manager, this position will also be responsible for overseeing, assisting, coordinating, and transportation of goods from the Collexodous Stations during Burning Man Exodus hours.

This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: 

• From July - October:  Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based in Black Rock City, Nevada. 

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on March 24th, 2025.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operations (40%)

• Coordinate Fluffer Team visits to DPW work crews, providing hydration, snacks, and other hospitality supplies for crew health, morale and self-care.
• Observe and proactively share all relevant information to the NVO Auto Shop Manager pertaining to any needed repairs or maintenance to the vehicles allocated to the Fluffer Team.
• Assist DPW Management in identifying which Burning Man Departments, work sites and stations are eligible for hospitality support aka “fluffing” and proactively liaise with those leads about their needs.
• Maintain oversight for all technological resources (ie, laptops, ipads) assigned to the Fluffer Team as well as other Burning Man tools and property.
• Collaborate with management around event-week scheduling and be available to take shifts during that time.
• Track hours worked; submit personal time-card promptly on a bi-weekly deadline.

Administrative (35%)

• Assist in data collection and tracking, creating a clear overview of daily operations, inventories, scheduling, and any other report as requested by management.
• Maintain a running inventory of, and order any needed consumables for, cleaning and maintaining the interior of vehicles allocated to the Fluffer Team.
• Oversee the creation, tracking and maintenance of a cohesive schedule and route of the DPW Fluffer Teams, ensuring adequate shift coverage for all daily route fulfillments.
• Oversee and track a maintenance, cleaning and sanitation schedule of all water igloos for DPW and other assigned Burning Man Departments, sites and stations.
• Commit to improving and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for assigned projects throughout the season for accuracy. 
• Research vendors, contractors and subcontractors as assigned.
• Prepare written feedback for DPW Management describing the successes of the season, and suggestions for areas in need of improvement; Submit an end-of-season EMBER Report.                                                             

Personnel Support (20%)

• Provide team orientation to rules and process of the DPW Fluffer Team, outlining clear responsibilities of roles, protocols and timeline goals.
• Teach all Fluffer Teams, supporting crew and station monitors the required hygienic protocols for transportation and proper spigot-use of drinking water cambros; provide tactful corrections when necessary.
• Effectively manage own time, individuals, and the efforts of the team as a whole to create an environment of accountability, collaboration, and adherence to a strict schedule.
• Support DPW crew morale by maintaining a thoughtful, observant attitude and sharing dynamics and concerns with the DPW Staff Support Manager; exercise professionalism around sensitive or private information.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)

• Work with the Team to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans for all relevant operations.
• Adjust workflow to support changing safety protocols as directed.
• Participate in (Manager) 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 duties as assigned.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Documentation - Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties.
• Mentoring - Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages, and inspires their team.
• Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate.
• Speaking – Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture-bearer, as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Familiarity with Burning Man and with event-based production work. Understanding of production scheduling, cost control, and large-scale project coordination.
• Ability to think quickly, problem solve, and apply critical thinking to unexpected situations.
• Working knowledge of Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Clear, service-oriented and respectful communication, verbally and written; Able to evaluate, tailor style and patiently respond to needs for support. Experienced with two-way radios.
• Proven managerial experience. Able to embody leadership qualities for a diverse team while still maintaining firm personal boundaries and adhering to set standards. 
• Ability to tactfully manage, reassign and redirect workflow using education, empowerment, and delegation when appropriate or necessary.
• Operates with behavioral integrity and discretion of sensitive information; maintains tidiness in work ethics and the work environment; remains calm and focused under pressure or emergency.
• 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

Preferred 

• Working knowledge of Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, etc). (1 year or comparable software experience)
• Public Speaking experience.
• Ability to work with a largely volunteer labor force. (minimum 1 major project)
• 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

• 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 rate for this position:

• From July - October is $17.00 to $20.00 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 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.