DPW Playa Restoration Crew

Burning Man; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Burning Man is seeking crew members for the Playa Restoration team to support post-event cleanup on the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. You will walk miles daily with a large field crew, visually inspecting the dust surface to identify and remove MOOP, upholding Leave No Trace and safe work practices in challenging desert conditions.

This live/work field position requires reliability, punctuality, and the ability to collaborate within a safety-sensitive, team-based setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and the Leave No Trace principle.
• Ability to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event in Gerlach, NV.
• Willingness to live and work in a shared, remote environment.
• Must perform duties safely and with sound judgment in a safety-sensitive team setting.
• Capable of walking several miles daily in extreme desert conditions.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Uphold Leave No Trace in all duties and operate safely in extreme desert conditions.
• Walk in a coordinated line sweep with a large field crew to identify and remove MOOP across several miles.
• Use tools like trash grabbers, pickup tools, magnetic sweepers, and buckets to collect debris and maintain equipment.
• Maintain reliable attendance, track daily hours, and sign off on shifts.
• Support specialized cleanup operations (Forces, Highway Cleanup, Abandoned Items, Test Team).
• Communicate effectively with teammates and supervisors to foster a positive team environment.

Skills

Leave No Trace

Remote relocation

Teamwork

Desert endurance

Safety awareness

Follow instructions

Education

None

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Playa Restoration Crew supports Burning Man's post-event cleanup efforts on the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, including the event site, key infrastructure, and surrounding highways. Working as part of a large field team, crew members walk in coordinated formation for miles each day, visually scanning the dust surface of the Black Rock Desert to identify and remove residual Matter Out of Place (MOOP), helping restore the playa to its natural condition.

Crew members also assist with specialized cleanup operations as needed and are expected to follow established safety protocols, collaborate effectively with teammates, and uphold Burning Man's Leave No Trace principle through professional, environmentally responsible work practices.

This is a live/work field position based in a remote desert environment that requires physical stamina, sound judgment, reliability, punctuality, and the ability to perform duties responsibly in a safety-sensitive, team-based setting.

This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is:

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

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Daily Operations (80%)

• Embody and uphold Burning Man's Leave No Trace principle in all duties.
• Walk in a coordinated line sweep with a large field crew, visually scanning the dusty expanse with attention to detail to identify and remove Matter Out of Place (MOOP) across several miles each day.
• Use tools such as trash grabbers, pickup tools, magnetic sweepers, and buckets to safely and efficiently collect debris; help set up, maintain, and break down equipment and supplies.
• Maintain reliable attendance and active participation for the duration of the contract, including on-time arrival for daily Roll Call, scheduled shifts, meetings, and assignments. Accurately track and sign off on daily work hours as required.
• Support specialized cleanup operations as assigned, including:
  • Special Forces – targeted cleanup in high-priority areas.
  • Highway Cleanup – roadside debris removal.
  • Abandoned Items Removal – identifying and removing large items left behind.
  • Test Team – simulating the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) post-event inspection.
• Maintain safety, situational awareness, and safe work practices while performing duties in extreme desert conditions.
• Maintain respectful conduct at all times, including effective communication and cooperation with teammates and supervisors while fostering a positive, inclusive team environment.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (20%)

• Live and work in shared conditions alongside fellow crew members in a remote desert environment, contributing to a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented community throughout the season.
• Monitor personal well-being by setting realistic goals and boundaries, practicing self-care, and proactively communicating concerns that may affect safety, performance, or team operations.
• Be familiar with, understand, and act in accordance with Burning Man's staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and briefings as requested, maintaining timely communication with supervisors and teammates.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Playa Restoration operations.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Knowledge sharing – Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes.
• Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and the 10 Principles, especially Leave No Trace.
• Ability to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event held in Gerlach, Nevada.
• Willingness to live and work in a shared, remote environment with communal accommodations and limited personal space.
• Must be able to perform duties safely, responsibly, and with sound judgment, appropriate for working in a safety-sensitive, high-accountability team environment.
• Capable of working and maintaining stamina in an extreme environment, including walking several miles per day over uneven desert terrain in high heat or blustery cold, drastic temperature changes, high winds, poor air quality, dust storms, and low to no visibility at times.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, thinking clearly and responding effectively to unforeseen events.
• Able to work as part of a large field team, follow instructions, and receive and integrate feedback.
• Capable of tracking time worked, managing tasks, and completing assignments within stated deadlines.

Preferred

• It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.

COMPENSATION

Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated rate for this position:

• From September - October is $15.00 to $16.50 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.