NVO - BRS Utilities Lead

JOB SUMMARY

The Black Rock Station (BRS) Post-Event Utilities Lead assists the BRS Operations Specialist with the construction, operations, maintenance, and strike of seasonal post-event housing grids at BRS. In addition to setup and teardown, this position is responsible for grid-side electrical troubleshooting, daily generator fueling, and preventative engine maintenance on active generators.

This is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt role, based in Gerlach, NV running from September to October, 2026.

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on August 1st, 2026.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Power Infrastructure Operations (40%)

• Help install, maintain, and strike BRS post-event power grids.
• Respond to and resolve unexpected power outages on the temporary power grids.
• Assess electrical problems using a multimeter, and escalate to the BRS Operations Specialist when a solution is not immediately apparent.
• Partake in scheduled on-call shifts to react to emergent grid failures, including overnight shifts as directed.

Fueling and Preventive Maintenance (40%)

• Fuel and DEF (where applicable) each active generator on a daily basis from a stationary holding tank located near the unit.
• Periodically refill the holding tanks using a fuel truck. Fuel truck operation training will be provided.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on active generators, including oil, fuel, and air filter changes.
• Maintain cleanliness of areas where fuel and oil are routinely present.

Documenting, Tracking, and CMMS Upkeep (10%)

• Check in as requested with the BRS Operations Specialist regarding the general state of the power grids and fuel transfer systems.
• Log generator engine hours and fuel consumption as directed.
• Measure fuel levels of all active tanks at least twice as directed.
• Log all fuel transfers between tanks.
• Record any repair or maintenance to any grid or generator in sufficient detail to refer back to at a later date.
• Maintain a clear understanding of which equipment belongs to a vendor, and ensure this equipment is properly routed away from Ranch Operations’ owned equipment when grids are striked.
• Identify and inventory Ranch Operations (non-vendor) equipment, and ensure the proper quantities of each type of equipment are recovered from the field and stored once strike is completed.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)

• Confer with vendors regarding equipment coming in and out of BRS as directed by the BRS Operations Specialist.
• Abide by the rules and codes of conduct described in the NVO Compass and Ranch Protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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 electrical troubleshooting experience, including use of a multimeter, and electrical safety awareness.
• Ability to adjust schedule seasonally to work at the Burning Man event held in Nevada.

PREFERRED

• Experience with three-phase and single-phase alternating current electrical systems.
• Basic experience with direct current electrical systems.
• Basic grasp on essential engine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes.
• Basic plumbing experience, especially plumbing for diesel, gasoline, or similar fuels.
• Experience driving fuel trucks or other large trucks.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, especially straight mast and/or variable reach forklifts.
• 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 pay rate for this position is $__17.00___ to $___19.00__ per hour.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Off-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.
• On-playa:  n/a

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.