DPW Logistics Assistant Manager

JOB SUMMARY

As the Department of Public Works (DPW) Logistics Assistant Manager, you serve as the critical link between Burning Man departments and their physical resource needs. This is a high\-impact role focused on the meticulous execution of rental requests and the management of field\-level changes. Working within the DPW Business Services Team, you are the operational lead for the rental lifecycle. Your focus is on the "boots\-on\-the\-ground" management of assets, from the initial check\-in of deliveries to the final reporting. You will manage the flow of work orders, process real\-time field requests, and act as the primary interface for vendor delivery drivers. By bridging the gap between digital tracking and physical logistics, you ensure that rental needs are accurately captured in reports and physically fulfilled. If you enjoy solving complex logistical puzzles and managing constant moving parts in a fast\-paced environment, this role ensures our departments stay equipped and our operations stay on track.

This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is:

• From July \- September: Full\-Time, Non\-Exempt, based Gerlach, NV .

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00pm PST on March 3rd, 2026

DUTIES \& ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Daily Operations (75%)

• Check in, label, and process rental assets (Heavy Equipment, Light Towers, Rental Vehicles, Rental Buildings, Sanitation, UTVs, etc.) to ensure they are deployment\-ready and accurately allocated to the correct departments.
• Utilize the Business Services Dashboard and internal tools to process, submit, and track rental operations. Maintain real\-time data entry to ensure the system reflects actual field conditions.
• Act as the intake point for "in the field" requests, evaluating urgency and coordinating with the Logistics Manager to fulfill needs as they arise.
• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for vendor delivery drivers; coordinate drop\-offs, pickups, and troubleshooting to ensure seamless service.
• Generate and maintain accurate rental reports, usage logs, and status updates to provide management with a clear picture of resource distribution.
• Facilitate rapid\-response coordination via Slack, 2\-way radio, email, and in\-person check\-ins with departmental leads and end\-users.
• Follow up with end\-users to confirm the dates and intended use of assets, ensuring consistent service levels and preventing resource\-mismanagement.
• Lead the seasonal "on\-ramp" and "off\-ramp," including equipment cleaning, supply organization, and ensuring all assets are returned to vendors in documented condition.
• Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts, equipment malfunctions, and allocation bottlenecks to minimize disruptions to event build and strike.

Leadership (15%)

• Act as a transparent, high\-functioning bridge between DPW departments and external vendors, ensuring expectations are managed on both sides.
• Provide staff and vendors with creative, "playa\-ready" solutions when technical or logistical challenges threaten the timeline.
• Continuously update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) throughout the season to reflect workflow changes, ensuring a "living document" for future teams.
• Step in as the acting lead for the Logistics Department when the Manager is in the field or off\-site, maintaining continuity of operations.
• Model a culture of reliability and adaptability, prioritizing high\-stakes tasks while maintaining the flexibility to pivot as needs shift.
• Deliver comprehensive end\-of\-season AfterBurn and EMBER reports, documenting pain points, successes, and actionable data to improve the following year’s cycle.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (10%)

• Maintain the ability to switch between high\-level administrative tasks and hands\-on field objectives daily.
• Execute "Leave No Trace" and waste disposal plans for all logistics\-related sites and operations.
• Operate in strict accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies, behavioral standards, and the 10 Principles.
• Embrace supplemental projects and "all\-hands" moments as needed to support the DPW mission and event success.

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.

* Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years in logistics, dispatch, event production, or a high\-volume client\-facing role.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs and repeatedly climb on and off trucks/trailers in a desert environment.
• Solid understanding of event production timelines and the ability to prioritize "right now" field needs against long\-term schedules.
• Intermediate skill in Google Sheets (data entry, basic formulas, and filtering). Must be able to quickly learn and navigate custom digital dashboards and project management tools.
• Clear, service\-oriented communicator capable of maintaining professional "radio etiquette" (2\-way radios) and managing high\-volume Slack/email threads.
• Proven ability to maintain firm boundaries and uphold standards while working with a diverse, high\-pressure team. Ability to remain composed, focused, and productive in extreme weather (high heat, dust, wind) and high\-stress scenarios.
• Meticulous attention to detail in tracking reports and work orders; ability to keep a workspace and digital files organized amidst chaos. Demonstrated ability to identify gaps in operations and take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Willing and able to relocate to the Black Rock Desert (Gerlach, NV) for the duration of the production season and contract.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience attending Burning Man and/or familiarity with its culture is highly beneficial. Additionally, projects in remote wilderness and/or desert environments.
• Familiarity with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and its role in supporting the event.
• Experience interfacing with commercial drivers and vendors, specifically regarding rental equipment and heavy machinery.
• A "MacGyver" mindset with the ability to provide creative logistical solutions should plans fail.
• Serviceable Spanish is a plus for communicating with a wider range of vendor delivery crews.
• Basic "field fix" knowledge for office equipment or simple asset maintenance.

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 July \- September is $17\.00 to $20\.00 per hour.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

* Off\-playa: Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required.

* 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.

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