JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Public Works (DPW) Waterworks Dispatcher will collect and dispatch information and requests for the approved services of the DPW Waterworks department and DPW Plumbing department via radio to the Waterworks team. This person will be responsible for the intake, coordination, tracking, and real-time monitoring of all incoming communications and requests for the DPW Waterworks Department at the Burning Man event. This position will maintain documentation according to shared standards, and update the tracking system and the office map regularly with updates on asset placement.
This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is:
- From August - September: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based on-site out of Black Rock City, Nevada.
The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on May 25th, 2026.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Operations (55%)
- Collect, track, monitor, and efficiently dispatch incoming information and requests via radio to the DPW Water & Plumbing teams to ensure prompt response times.
- Use database and logistics skills in collaboration with DPW Water & Plumbing Management to effectively monitor & adjust driver route schedules as needed to stay under 10 hours for safe and efficient operations.
- Participate in Team Meetings and maintain related correspondence.
- Review and understand the BRC Rain Contingency Plan, Burning Man Integrated Plan and emergency response plans; understand when to execute each with your team.
- Follow guidance & regulations set by the DPW Dispatch Manager to ensure DPW and FCC communications standards are met.
Documentation (40%)
- Deliver adequate documentation of completed work, reports and progress of any request issues to the DPW Waterworks Manager; Immediately report concerns on the safety of water stored by BRC Infrastructure, Theme Camps, Artists, and Participants.
- Work with Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Word and Excel, and any additional online tools, technology or applications specific to this role as required.
- Prepare written feedback for the DPW Utilities Manager describing the successes of the season, areas in need of improvement and suggestions with the purpose of improved overall efficiency for the next year; Submit an end-of-season EMBER Report.
Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)
- Maintain clear and respectful communication with the DPW Waterworks Team, BRC Departments, Vendors, Participants, and Artists.
- Work with the Waterworks Crew to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans.
- Actively participate in the maintenance of a clean and safe worksite using only OSHA approved safety equipment.
- Read, understand, and abide by the rules and codes of conduct according to the Burning man Staff policies, protocols and behavioral standards.
- Help implement Burning Man’s Integrated Plan and work with all BRC departments to ensure water distribution and safety.
- Monitor personal well-being, be aware of work expectations, and proactively address any concerns with management.
- Perform various other duties as assigned by DPW Waterworks Management.
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
- Able and willing to follow standards set in necessary trainings that can be provided on site.
- Prior experience with radio traffic control and radio technology with the disposition for handling stressful workloads and potential emergency situations in a focused and calm manner.
- Experienced (1-3 years) in event production, dispatch, or related field.
- Working knowledge of OSHA compliant personal protection equipment, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.
- Must have been to Burning Man and be familiar with the event worksite, Black Rock City and its departments.
- Able to safely navigate city streets and access roads that are congested with participants, bicycles, and vehicles.
- Proficient at navigating digital and online technology; Able to proactively engage in learning existing online applications, tools, systems, maps, and documents.
- Expert in handling data entry with an attention for accuracy; highly organized, able to prioritize, and motivated with the ability to adhere to a strict schedule.
- Clear, service-oriented and professional communication, verbally and written. Experienced with using 2 way radios and following radio protocol.
- Operates with a high level of behavioral integrity, confidentiality and discretion of sensitive information; maintains tidiness in work ethics and the work environment, and remains calm and focused under pressure.
- 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
- Occupational background or education in water management or related field.
- It is helpful if the candidate has been to Burning Man and is familiar with the event worksite, Black Rock City and its departments.
- Experience working in remote wilderness and/or desert environments.
- Familiarity with email, reading spreadsheets, and maps.
- OSHA 10 Certification (May be earned through in house training).
- First-Aid knowledge.
- Preferred to have a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record.
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.
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 $15.50 to $17.00 per hour.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
- 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.
