DPW Purchasing Reno Runner

Burning Man•Reno, NV

16h•$15 - $17•Remote

About The Position

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Purchasing Reno Runner plays a key role in keeping the Purchasing Department operations gears turning by safely and considerately transporting purchased supplies from vendors in Northern Nevada and Burning Man locations in Reno and Gerlach, the primary route being Reno-Gerlach. There is a demanding physical component- trucks must be organized and material moved during the receiving, loading, transportation and unloading process. This role must have excellent driving habits and a mind for safety, task fulfillment and ability to stay motivated on a tight errand schedule. This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: From July - August: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based remotely in Gerlach, NV and Black Rock City, Nevada. The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00pm PST on March 16, 2026.

Requirements

Prior experience driving trucks with oversized trailers, stake bed trucks, and pick up trucks.
Comfortable hitching and unhitching trailers.
Expert ability to drive safely on dirt roads, long stretches of rural highway, navigate Black Rock City streets that are congested with pedestrians, bicycles, and mutant vehicles, and maintain a strong situational awareness in a variety of settings.
Knowledgeable on how to secure loads on both enclosed and flatbed trailers.
Excellent at handling data entry with attention to accuracy; highly organized, able to follow direction, and motivated with the ability to adhere to a strict schedule.
Proficient at navigating digital and online technology; able to teach and effectively update existing online applications, tools, systems, spreadsheets, and documents with a working knowledge of Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive).
Ability to differentiate between similar items when the details are not immediately apparent.
Capable of moving and stacking materials with the physical ability and stamina to easily and safely lift 60lbs repeatedly while entering and exiting large vehicles throughout the shift.
Capable of navigating a strict and timely schedule, the ebbs and flows of a shifting workload throughout the day and keeping a cool head under stress.
Clear, service-oriented and professional communication, verbally and written; Able to evaluate, tailor style and patiently respond to needs for support.
Operates with a high level of behavioral integrity, confidentiality, and discretion of sensitive information; maintains tidiness in work ethics and the work environment.
Ability to handle dynamic situations, proactively engage in clarifying conversations, integrate feedback into action, and maintain a professional demeanor.
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 and familiarity with event-based production work.
It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.
Experience with two-way radio communication with the ability to maintain professionalism on air.
Experience driving in remote wilderness and/or desert environments.
First-Aid knowledge.

Responsibilities

Work with the Purchasing Team to understand what items need to be picked up/returned, to what locations, in what order, and safely make the drive into town and back to execute those tasks in a timely manner.
Communicate effectively and attentively over the phone, via Slack, Asana, and other digital resources.
Safely load/unload, secure, and transport items of varying sizes and weights, ensuring proper handling to prevent damage or injury.
Review all paperwork (invoices, bill of lading, packing slip, etc.) for accuracy and scan into the appropriate software platform.
Assist in organizing items from the shipments for short-term storage or delivery to the requestor.
Coordinate with all Burning Man Department leads to confirm accurate delivery time and placement of their orders, obtaining delivery confirmations from recipients.
Perform vehicle safety inspections at the beginning and end of every shift, ensuring that the vehicle is in good working order, and perform daily maintenance as outlined by DPW Management.
Maintain safety standards and situational awareness while operating and loading/unloading the delivery truck.
Keep an open line of communication with the DPW Purchasing Assistant Manager and DPW Purchasing Manager throughout the day, promptly notifying of any issues while in the field.
Help to maintain order in the Receiving Office and work areas, organize cardboard boxes, packing materials, and available pallets as needs fluctuate and occasionally packing up material to be returned.
Work with the Purchasing Team to procure a high volume of goods requested in Procurify by item-specified dates.
Assist with preparing returns, exchanges, or re-orders as requested.
Follow proper procedure to ensure that paperwork is complete for each delivery and entered into the appropriate software platform.
Maintain thorough record-keeping and notes, including sharing documents, receipts, invoices, and quotes.
Complete documentation per operational standards and deadlines, and maintain continuity in what and how work is done.
Reports must meet standards outlined and shared by the Purchasing Department and DPW Management.
Provide a written year-end summary of processes, including any recommendations for improvements.
Attend DPW and Purchasing Department morning meetings.
Participate in ongoing Purchasing Department training.
Work with the Purchasing Team to plan and execute LNT and Waste stream plans for the Purchasing department.
Ability to adjust and implement health and safety protocols as directed.
Be familiar with, understand, and act per Burning Man’s staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards.
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.