DPW FirstCamp Construct Assistant Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) First Camp Construction Assistant Manager is responsible for, in conjunction with the First Camp Construction Manager, leading a crew through building, maintaining, disassembly and storage of the First Camp structures. Additionally, assisting with implementing any changes required by the Black Rock City (BRC) First Camp Operations team or as outlined by the First Camp Construction Manager and/or the DPW Project Manager.  

 This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: 

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

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on April 12th, 2026.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Personnel & Leadership (80%)

• Assist in leading the First Camp Construction Project and Crew, which includes but is not limited to the design, method of construction, manpower levels, material quantities, equipment, and temporary power sources needed for this project.
• Complete construction according to the DPW Operations Calendar and in a timely fashion to meet the needs of the First Camp Operations schedule.
• Assist in the winterizing and storage of construction materials.
• Manage and mentor the crew to maximize efficiency and safety. 
• Record and report crew hours to payroll with the oversight of the First Camp Construction Manager.
• Assist in the maintenance of a clean and safe worksite, seeing that all crew are provided with the necessary OSHA approved safety equipment. 

Documentation (10%)

• Help to plan logistics, material, and tool orders in collaboration with the First Camp Construction Manager to assure that budget goals are met.
• Create and maintain a thorough inventory tracking of tools, supplies and materials, structural integrity, and condition notes; prepare reports of needs for the following year.
• Update the crew Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for assigned projects as directed.
• Document processes and create signage for education, training, and communication purposes.
• Provide end-of-season feedback via the designated form or the EMBER process, highlighting successes and challenges to enhance future efficiency and effectiveness.

Safety oversight (5%)

• See that all necessary personal protection equipment (PPE) is available and being properly used by the crew.
• Help to ensure that all job site practices for safety are communicated to the crew and upheld, enlisting the help of extra training as necessary. 
• Be available to take On-Call shifts during event week to monitor condition of the First Camp structures, and make necessary repairs and adjustments.

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 crew/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 various other duties as assigned by the First Camp Construction Manager. 

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

• Basic knowledge of general construction practices and/or structural engineering.
• Some experience in construction or site crews at Burning Man or other festival environments; familiarity with event-based production work. 
• Proficient at working in Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Able to follow directions, receive and integrate feedback into action, maintain a professional demeanor, and respectfully interface with collaborators- Keeping a good attitude is key!
• Self-motivated and effective at task switching with good time-management skills, can evaluate and reprioritize workload as necessary.
• Ability to think quickly and remain calm under pressure; Situationally aware and safety-minded.
• Proven experience managing a diverse, mostly volunteer team with a willingness to promote their strengths and respect their limitations; Ability to lead by example, energize and engage people while still maintaining firm boundaries and adhering to set standards.
• Effective communication at all levels (able to adapt style when necessary). Able to use a 2-way radio and observe proper radio protocols.
• An understanding of what motivates staff and volunteers and how to make others feel valued.
• 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 

• Experience as a DPW Crew member.
• It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.
• OSHA 10 hour Construction & General Industry Certification

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 August - September is $17.00 to $19.00 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.