DPW Organic Waste Assistant Manager

Burning Man•Reno, NV

5d•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Organic Waste Assistant Manager will provide support in leading the strategic and operational oversight of all aspects of organic waste collection and sorting operations at the Black Rock City Staff Commissary from pre-event setup through post-event strike. This role includes directing the crew, overseeing facility maintenance, and executing plans for materials transportation and handling, including the safe operation of the pressure washer. The Assistant Manager coordinates resources, helps to manage documentation, supports timelines, and ensures adherence to safety standards. Additionally, this role collaborates with other departments to mentor and instill best practices throughout the event production cycle. This role requires flexibility in hours and a commitment to sustainability in a dynamic event environment. This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: From August - September : Full-Time , Non-Exempt , based in Black Rock City, Nevada . The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on April 8th .

Requirements

Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and 10 Principles; especially Leaving No Trace.
Experienced (3+ years) in waste stream sorting or similar, preferably with a strong knowledge of Resource Recovery Management (Organics/Recycling).
Able to follow directions, receive and integrate feedback into action, maintain a professional demeanor, and respectfully interface with collaborators- Keeping a good attitude is key!
Self-motivated and effective at task switching with good time-management skills, can evaluate and reprioritize workload as necessary.
Ability to think quickly, problem solve, apply critical thinking to create solutions, and remain calm under pressure; Situationally aware and safety-minded, able to work long hours in extreme conditions.
Proven experience managing a diverse team with a willingness to promote their strengths and respect their limitations; Ability to lead by example, energize and engage people while still maintaining firm boundaries and adhering to set standards.
Strong leadership skills, operates with behavioral integrity, is organized and detail-oriented, reliable, and fulfills obligations.
Capable of effectively updating and teaching existing online applications, tools, systems, spreadsheets, and documents.
Working knowledge of Google products (Gmail, Groups, Docs, Sheets, Drive).
Clear, service-oriented, and professional communication, verbally and through written correspondence, with strong interpersonal teaching skills.
Experienced with using 2-way radios and following radio protocol.
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

It is helpful if the candidate has previously worked for Burning Man’s TSA Team and/or is familiar with its operations, or has at minimum been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.
OSHA 10 Certification.
Experienced (3+ years) leadership experience in event-based production work.
Practiced in facilitating team meetings and mediation.
Basic carpentry skills.

Responsibilities

Assist with the survey, build, and strike of the Organic Waste collection stations, the bucket and bin washing station and the Commissary remote recycling point; oversee all related equipment and materials storage.
Coordinate daily operations and material handling at the Organic Waste collection stations and the Commissary remote recycling point.
Coordinate with management and waste stream leads on the layout and function of the Organic Waste collection stations.
Support the DPW Transfer Station Crew in sorting and removing recycling and burnable waste streams from the Commissary.
Maintain high standards of safety and cleanliness, enforce best practices, and use of PPE.
Remain available via radio during working hours, on-call shifts, and respond to emergencies as needed.
Ensure that all assets and fleet vehicles issued to the Organic Waste crew are properly utilized, maintained, and kept clean throughout the event.
Regularly communicate with all stakeholders, attend necessary meetings, and maintain correspondence efficiently.
Execute and refine Leave No Trace (LNT) plans, including line sweeps of the Organics Collection Stations.
Mentor the crew as a positive role model and team leader, instructing in skills and best practices.
Support the accurate collection and submission of staff working hours, and ensure all payroll entries are precise.
Uphold respectful behavior within the live/work areas, enforcing the Behavioral Agreement when necessary.
Enhance workflow through education, empowerment, and delegation, fostering a strong team identity, monitoring morale, and setting manageable work expectations.
Report any injuries or issues immediately; proactively address performance changes.
Train crew members on the proper use and safety precautions for all relevant equipment, especially the pressure washer.
Review current SOPs, plans, and inventory requirements; assist with procurement through DPW Purchasing.
Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job descriptions, policies, and culture for the Organics Crew & Operations.
Document processes and create signage for education, training, and communication purposes.
Assist with and submit all expense reports and receipts in a timely manner, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Provide end-of-season feedback via the designated form or the EMBER process, highlighting successes and challenges to enhance future efficiency and effectiveness.
Attend and participate in DPW Manager Meetings regularly.
Promptly communicate any interpersonal issues, injuries, or concerns about personal performance to your Manager.
Provide clarity about self-capabilities, boundaries, and self-care needs.
Read, understand, and act in accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies, protocols and behavioral standards.
Actively engage in and implement cost reduction and sustainability practices.
Perform various other duties as directed.