DPW Playa Restoration Driver

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Playa Restoration Privy Drivers support the post-event cleanup effort on the Black Rock Desert, NV by transporting and maintaining portable sanitation trailers used by the Restoration crew. Working closely with field leads and operations coordinators, Privy Drivers ensure that restroom access is reliable, clean, and responsive to the needs of a large mobile workforce. This role requires safe towing practices, regular sanitation checks, clear communication, and a willingness to adapt to evolving field conditions.

This is a live/work field role based in a remote desert environment, requiring sound judgment, reliability, and the ability to perform duties responsibly in a safety-sensitive, team-based setting. 

This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: 

• From September - October: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based Black Rock City, Nevada. 

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on July 31, 2026.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Daily Operations (95%)

• Safely drive a truck towing a portable sanitation trailer to support the needs of the Playa Restoration crew while they work on the Black Rock Desert.
• Maintain reliable attendance and active participation for the duration of the contract, including on-time arrival for daily Roll Call, scheduled shifts, meetings, and assignments. Accurately track and sign off on daily work hours as required.
• Maintain awareness of crew location and progress throughout the day, repositioning the sanitation trailer as needed to ensure timely access during breaks.
• Regular use of two-way radios is required for coordination and safety during daily operations.
• Communicate with the Roll Call Coordinator and/or Environmental Restoration Manager to request servicing of the trailer by the Portable Sanitation Vendor as needed.
• Monitor restroom conditions throughout the day, including cleanliness, supplies, and odor control. Stock toilet paper and sanitizer as needed.
• Perform daily checks and maintenance to ensure the towing vehicle is well-kept according to Auto-Shop standards and the trailer is securely hitched, clean, and ready for use prior to departure.
• Support the safety and well-being of the crew by operating with caution, conducting vehicle walkarounds, and adhering to all on-playa driving protocols.
• Assist with setup, maintenance, or relocation of the sanitation trailer at designated staging areas or camps as directed.
• Embody and uphold Burning Man’s “Leave No Trace” principle in all duties, including appropriate waste handling and conscientious care of equipment.
• Maintain respectful conduct at all times, including effective communication, cooperation with teammates and supervisors.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)

• 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.
• Participate in (Manager) Meetings when requested and maintain related correspondence.
• 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.

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.
• Training development - Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested.
• Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Comfortable operating vehicles with trailers in varied terrain and conditions.
• Must be able to perform duties safely, responsibly, and with sound judgment at all times, appropriate for working in a safety-sensitive, high-accountability team environment.
• Willingness to live and work in a shared, remote environment with communal accommodations and limited personal space.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, think clearly, and respond effectively to unforeseen events.
• Work independently and as part of a large, coordinated field team, follow instructions, and receive and integrate feedback.
• Maintains a respectful, professional demeanor while communicating and collaborating with teammates, supervisors, and other departments.
• Capable of tracking time worked, managing tasks, and completing assignments within deadlines.
• Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and the 10 Principles, especially Leave No Trace.
• Capable of working in an extreme environment, including walking several miles per day over uneven desert terrain in high heat, drastic temperature changes, high winds, poor air quality, dust storms, and low to no visibility at times.
• Ability to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event held in Gerlach, Nevada.

Preferred 

• It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.

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 September - October is $15.00 to $17.00 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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