DPW Arctica Construction Manager

Burning Man•Reno, NV

8d•$20 - $1,400•Remote

About The Position

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Arctica Construction Manager is responsible for leading the Arctica Construction Crew “Black Ice” through building, maintaining, disassembly and storage of the Arctica structures. Additionally, assisting with planning and design for any changes required by the BRC Arctica Operations team, or as outlined by the DPW Project Manager . This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: From April - July : Part-Time , Non-Exempt , based fully remote . From August - September : Full-Time , Exempt , based on-site out of Black Rock City, Nevada . The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on April 5th 2026.

Requirements

Advanced understanding of construction scheduling, event production timelines, cost control; Familiarity with Burning Man, working with integrated plans, and event-based production work.
Knowledge of general construction practices and/or structural engineering; Experience leading construction or site crews at Burning Man or other festival environments.
Proficient at navigating digital and online technology; Skilled user of Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Word and Excel.
Clear, service-oriented and effective communication, verbally and written, with strong teaching skills.
Experienced using 2 way radios and following radio protocol.
Able to embody proactive, present and responsive leadership qualities for a diverse team while still maintaining firm boundaries and adhering to set standards.
Able to receive and integrate feedback into action and maintain a professional demeanor that leads by example; A team player that can follow direction and respectfully interface with collaborators.
Proven leadership skills and experience managing volunteers with a willingness to promote their strengths and respect their limitations; Ability to energize and engage while creating a healthy work environment.
Maintain consistent organization and tidiness in the work environment and in the handling of important information (ie, tracking inventory tools and materials, crew data, goals and timelines, payroll, etc.)
Ability to think quickly, problem solve, apply critical thinking to create solutions in the moment and adapt to changing circumstances; Situationally aware and safety-minded, able to work long hours in extreme conditions.
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
Valid Driver’s License and a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a DPW Crew member
Experienced in the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
State issued Contractors License
OSHA 30 hour Construction & General Industry Certification
It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.

Responsibilities

Manage a motivated timeline and complete build goals for the Arctica ice-houses at 4 separate locations in Black Rock City (BRC) according to DPW Operations Calendar and BRC Arctica Operations schedule.
Interface with infrastructure support departments such as Heavy Equipment and Transportation (HEaT), Fuel and Power to arrange proper placement and setup for build and operational needs.
Coordinate with BRC Arctica Ops crew in supporting their Operational and Decor installation.
Lead a crew in the survey, construction and strike of 4 Arctica structures according to the confirmed design and construction plans.
Make a plan for and take On-Call shifts during event week to monitor and maintain condition of the Arctica structures, making necessary repairs and adjustments.
Maintain safe, clean, and organized work sites; ensure that all team members are provided with and appropriately use the necessary OSHA safety equipment.
Ensure compliance with BRC’s safety and quality specifications, documenting incidents and ensuring that corrective measures are implemented when needed.
Ensure that all job site practices for safety are communicated to the crew and upheld.
Oversee the safe dismantling, winterizing, inventory and storage of all structures, materials and tools.
Work with Assistant Manager to log and report crew’s work hours to be submitted by weekly deadline; Reliably distribute paychecks to crew in a timely manner.
Create and maintain daily/weekly work schedules, including daily team meetings. All schedules should be posted for the crew regularly, with any updates or revisions shared immediately.
Serve as a mentor, positive role model, and team leader guiding people as they work, identifying the best people for the job, instructing and sharing skills as necessary.
Tactfully manage, reassign and redirect workflow using education, empowerment, and delegation when necessary, monitoring team morale and setting manageable work expectations.
Effectively manage own time, individuals, and the efforts of the team as a whole to create an environment of accountability, collaboration, and flexibility of focus in the crew.
Attend, host and support crew attendance to relevant Meetings and maintain related correspondence; maintain timely updates, email correspondence and departmental communications.
Know, share, and use the proper pathways of communication for escalating personnel issues. Learn how to create proper supporting documentation regarding such matters.
Proactively engage in learning, teaching, using and effectively updating existing online applications, tools, systems, spreadsheets, and documents, asking clarifying questions to smooth any process or system as needed.
Commit to improving and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for this role, crew operations, and individual crew members as needed throughout the season for accuracy.
Document processes along with photo and video content for supporting educational, training and communications purposes; Create supporting documentation for training as required and ensure that all new and updated documentation meets the standards as outlined by management.
Submit receipts and any expense reports, ensuring forms are complete and submitted on time.
Create and maintain a thorough inventory tracking of tools, supplies and materials, structural integrity and condition notes; prepare end-of-season reports of needs for the following year.
Prepare post-event written feedback for DPW Management describing the successes of the season, suggestions and areas in need of improvement; Submit an end-of-season EMBER Report.
Meet in the pre-season with DPW Management to plan for infrastructure, logistics, resource, and staffing needs according to the budget goals for 4 separate Arctica locations.
Coordinate with the BRC Arctica Operations team to ensure that the structures will meet needs for the coming season.
Review and compare current inventory with material and tool needs for the season; submit necessary requests to DPW Purchasing.
Maintain budget awareness: monies spent, current balance, anticipated costs etc. Proactively discuss any potential adjustments or concerns with Management as soon as possible.
Assemble the DPW Arctica Construction crew with the support of the DPW Projects Manager; Learn and assist with the hiring process using an internal online hiring tool; use internally created recruiting processes for volunteer positions and also proactively promote open roles to new interested parties with a good cultural fit.
Read and understand the Integrated Plan, other departmental timelines, and objectives for the completion of each phase of BRC city development- set-up, maintenance, and tear down.
Track hours worked; submit personal time-card promptly on a bi-weekly deadline.
Perform other duties as assigned by the DPW Project Manager.
Work with the Arctica Construction Crew to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans.
Attend DPW Managers Meetings, create reports, and maintain electronic correspondence through assigned applications (email, slack, mailing lists, etc.).
Familiarity with and ability to act in accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies.
Exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance within the department.
Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties.
Takes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e-learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community.
Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages, and inspires their team.
Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested.
Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate.
Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture-bearer, as requested.