DPW HEaT Equipment Operator

Burning Man•Reno, NV

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Heavy Equipment Operator will provide skilled operation of heavy equipment for the DPW Heavy Equipment and Transportation (HEaT) Team. Work will involve the erection of structures, earth moving, handling of materials, and other complex load manipulations as required throughout the event production cycle. The DPW HEaT Department facilitates the support of all infrastructure, art, and some participant equipment requests at the Burning Man event. This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: From August - September : Full-Time , Non-Exempt , based Black Rock City, Nevada . The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00pm Pacific on MAY 22, 2026.

Requirements

Heavy machinery certifications as required by job designation and a minimum of one reference for comparable work.
Keen curiosity and knowledge of Black Rock City, its operational departments and production timelines.
Maintain a respectful demeanor and tactful communication with all participants, Burning Man Departments and staff; Has experience and is comfortable with two-way radio communication with the ability to sustain professionalism in any situation.
Lead by example, motivate, and have excellent interpersonal skills.
Able to work as part of a team, follow directions and receive constructive feedback; Able to work as an independent self-starter; Is reliable, honest and operates with a high level of behavioral integrity.
Ability to maintain organization of duties and adhere to tight scheduling, completing tasks in a timely, safe manner.
Able to remain calm under stress and working in extreme environmental conditions (heat, low visibility, crowds) while maintaining ability to think critically, problem solve and respond effectively to unforeseen events.
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.
Heavy machinery certifications as required by job designation.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of rigging & specialty load manipulation preferred
It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.
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.

Responsibilities

Perform equipment operations as requested for all departments as approved and directed by the HEaT Dispatch Team and HEaT Operations Manager.
Complete certifications for heavy machinery operations as required by the HEaT Department Manager.
Ensure the safe operation of all machinery as assigned, in accordance with ANSI and OSHA guidelines, HEaT department standards and Black Rock City, LLC policies.
Maintain and properly use all personal protection equipment (PPE) for assigned areas of responsibility.
Maintain serviceability records and report ongoing status updates of heavy equipment, performing daily pre and post usage safety checks; immediately report any issues or required usage needs to the HEaT Operations Manager and HEaT Equipment Technician.
Provide the Dispatch Team with clarification of assignment details as needed for both equipment tracking and logistics.
Ensure all assignments are safe to proceed as requested with attention to environmental hazards, safety protocols and standards; communicate to management with any concerns or unexpected developments prior to task advancement and be ready to adjust accordingly.
Assist the HEaT Transportation Team to facilitate all transport-related heavy machinery operations on site.
Act as an DPW Ambassador; respond professionally, with tact and patience, to all requests for assistance from participants or other departments and be prepared to direct them on proper protocols around making a request.
Help acculturate and mentor junior staff and volunteers in equipment operations and DPW HEaT processes.
Attend daily HEaT briefings, DPW Morning Meetings, and any other assigned BRC Staff Meetings
Work with the Team to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans for all relevant operations.
Adjust workflow to support changing safety protocols as directed.
Be familiar with, understand and act in accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies, protocols and behavioral standards.
Monitor personal well-being by setting realistic goals and managing self-care while proactively addressing any concerns with management.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Assists in the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to their assigned duties.
Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes.
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.