DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor
Not Disclosed•TemporaryOn-site
location_onReno Masonic Lodge #13, 40, West 1st Street, Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, 89501, United States
About the Role
The Department of Public Works (DPW) Playa Restoration Special Forces Supervisor serves as a critical link between the Environmental Restoration Manager and the field teams responsible for restoring the Black Rock Desert after the Burning Man event. This temporary, full-time role is dedicated to ensuring that the "Leave No Trace" ethos is not just a principle, but a practiced reality on the playa.
You will lead the Special Forces team in responding to environmental cleanup priorities, coordinating with management to plan and prioritize tasks, and executing proper restoration techniques. From monitoring environmental impact concerns to supervising the removal of decomposed granite and scrap metal, your work ensures that the desert is left in the condition it was found. This position requires a unique blend of operational leadership, field expertise, and the ability to thrive in an extreme, fast-paced environment.
The Experience
Working in Black Rock City, Nevada, from September to October, you will be immersed in the unique culture and operational demands of the Burning Man event. The role involves daily coordination with the Environmental Restoration Manager to review status updates and assess projected workloads. You will respond to radio calls regarding restoration incidents, GPS locate and document environmental impacts, and ensure the team is trained and prepared to fulfill their daily schedule.
Beyond the physical demands of the field, this role emphasizes mentorship and culture. You will supervise and lead the Special Forces Team, nurturing their growth and ensuring communications remain prompt and professional. A key part of your mission is to acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes, fostering a team that operates with behavioral integrity and adaptability.
Application Process
The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 PM Pacific on May 28th. We encourage candidates who have gained the necessary experience through other avenues to apply and share all relevant experience in their application.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Burning Man Project celebrates the importance of creating a diverse environment and enthusiastically encourages Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, Immigrant, women, and people with disabilities, of all ages, to apply. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit 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.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Reno Masonic Lodge #13, 40, West 1st Street, Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, 89501, United States
Reno, Nevada
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleAssist the Environmental Restoration Manager in overseeing Special Forces teams and executing playa restoration techniques
- check_circleCoordinate with restoration management to plan and prioritize environmental cleanup tasks in Black Rock City
- check_circleAttend daily MOOP Map Meetings to review status updates, assess workloads, and address operational concerns
- check_circleSupervise and lead the Special Forces Team in daily duties while providing operational oversight
- check_circleAssist in maintaining inventory of restoration tools and managing assets
- check_circlePlan and execute Leave No Trace and waste disposal plans for all relevant operations
- check_circleAcculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes
- check_circleRespond to radio calls to assess restoration-related incidents and take necessary remediation actions
Requirements
- verifiedValid driver's license and good driving record
- verifiedKnowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and 10 Principles; especially Leaving No Trace
- verifiedExperience in event-based production work
- verifiedOSHA 10 Certification (preferred)
- verifiedAbility to temporarily relocate to Gerlach, Nevada
- verifiedAbility to work in extreme environmental conditions
Nice to Have
Previous work with Burning Man's Playa Restoration Crew (1-3 seasons), Regional Events LNT Crews, or familiarity with such operations and methods. Previous attendance at Burning Man or familiarity with its culture. OSHA 10 Certification.
Similar Job Opportunities
Frequently asked questions about DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor at Burning Man Project
What does a DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor at Burning Man Project do?expand_more
In this DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor at Burning Man Project role, you will assist the environmental restoration manager in overseeing special forces teams and executing playa restoration techniques; coordinate with restoration management to plan and prioritize environmental cleanup tasks in black rock city; attend daily moop map meetings to review status updates, assess workloads, and address operational concerns; and supervise and lead the special forces team in daily duties while providing operational oversight.
What are the requirements for this DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor role?expand_more
Burning Man Project is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Valid driver's license and good driving record; Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and 10 Principles; especially Leaving No Trace; Experience in event-based production work; OSHA 10 Certification (preferred); Ability to temporarily relocate to Gerlach, Nevada; and Ability to work in extreme environmental conditions.
Where is the DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor role at Burning Man Project located?expand_more
DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor at Burning Man Project is based in Reno Masonic Lodge #13, 40, West 1st Street, Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, 89501, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Burning Man Project has listed this DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor role?expand_more
Candidates for DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor at Burning Man Project should have mid level.
What skills do you need for the DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor role at Burning Man Project?expand_more
Key skills for DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor at Burning Man Project include Leave No Trace; BLM Site Inspection Method; Osha 10 Certification; and Valid Driver's License.
What category does the DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor role belong to?expand_more
DPW Resto Special Forces Supervisor at Burning Man Project is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.
About Burning Man Project
Burning Man Project is a nonprofit civic and social organization headquartered in San Francisco, California. The entity manages the essential infrastructure for Black Rock City and operates throughout the year to advance Burning Man culture and its Ten Principles globally. Rather than functioning in isolation, the organization serves as a central hub for a worldwide network of communities that organize over 90 official Burning Man events. These local groups develop diverse initiatives grounded in the same core values.
The project empowers this creative ecosystem of builders, makers, and community leaders through specific support mechanisms. Funding is distributed via grants, while education and training initiatives help individuals develop necessary skills. Additionally, art and civic engagement programs such as Burners Without Borders and the Fly Ranch Project facilitate direct community involvement. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where participants can apply the principles of the movement in their local contexts, ensuring the culture extends beyond the annual gathering.
Browse more roles: All Burning Man Project jobs, scientific & qa jobs on Recrutus.