DPW Power Operations Manager

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Power Operations Manager both plans part-time in the pre-season and oversees the power grid operations for the Black Rock City infrastructure full-time during the event. They will supervise and ensure that DPW Power operations are conducted in a manner prioritizing safety, timeliness, and professionalism. Responsibilities include leading the DPW Power Crew through building, troubleshooting, maintaining, and deconstructing the power grids that serve the essential functions of Black Rock City.

This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is:

• From March - July:
  Part-Time for 5 hours per week, Non-Exempt, fully remote.
• From July - September:
  Full-Time, Exempt, based on-site out of Black Rock City, Nevada.
• From October - December:
  Part-Time for 10 hours per week, Non-Exempt, fully remote.

The Final date to receive applications for this role is 5:00pm PST on Feb 25th, 2026.

General

• Be on time and ready to work for all scheduled shifts.
• Maintain an in depth and current understanding of DPW Power Department operations.
• Wear your allocated PPE (personal protective equipment) which is specific for the materials you are handling, and order replacement PPE for the Power Crew as needed.

Event Advance (15%)

• Pre-season remote work to plan for the event. Work with the DPW Utilities Superintendent to assemble a team and assist with the hiring process of the crew. Interview for all staff positions in your area. Recruit for volunteer positions. Forward candidates to DPW Utilities Superintendent for final approval and hiring.
• Schedule and plan for the on-site installation of the infrastructure power grids;
  Collaborate with the DPW Power Technical Consultant on planning, logistics, budgeting, and timeline of DPW Power Crew Operations.
• Provide information, advice, and planning assistance to Burning Man Departments to ensure requests are timely, complete and justified.
• Collaborate with the Utilities Superintendent to complete pre-season ordering of tools, supplies, and staff resources.
• Ensure that the Power crew gets the assets (housing, vehicles, radios, etc.) needed.
• Determine power requests, deployment timelines, and equipment lists with the DPW Utilities Superintendent, the DPW Power Technical Consultant and the Power Vendor.
• Coordinate with vendors and event partners to meet on-site power needs.

• Design and implement the layout of Power Camp and the Power Yard and contribute to the design of a cohesive Utilities Village.
• Manage the annual update of public educational documents.

Operations (35%)

• Oversee DPW Power crew workflow with the DPW Power Technical Consultant using maps, spreadsheets and Gantt charts to ensure safe, detail-oriented work within the schedule in accordance with the DPW Operations Calendar.
• Assess, troubleshoot, and rectify power system problems efficiently.
• Maintain and delegate 24-hour on-call operations during on playa construction and event season; be prepared for unanticipated challenges at all hours.
• Manage deinstallation and storage of all Power equipment to ensure readiness for the following season.

Safety and Collaboration

• Support crew safety according to OSHA and DPW safety guidelines; participate in daily safety inspections and report concerns to the DPW Utilities Superintendent.
• Collaborate daily with Burning Man Departments, Crew Managers, and Vendors; maintain vendor communication and map updates.

• Coordinate with other Utilities managers for sites with overlapping services and support the BRC Interdepartmental Mapping Project.
• Participate in Managers’ Meetings, create reports, and maintain related correspondence.

Team Management and Leadership (25%)

• Tactfully manage a team of volunteer and paid staff, reassign workflow, and monitor team morale and expectations.
• Communicate crew needs to the DPW Utilities Superintendent; adapt to timeline changes and break directives into actionable items.
• Mentor crew members, empower them to advance, and support training of the crew.

• Maintain clear communication with the DPW Power Crew; escalate personnel issues through proper channels; be available as a resource for the crew and other departments.
• Lead training of crew members, review safety and contingency plans, and ensure readiness to execute emergency procedures.
• Create and manage staff schedules and log work hours; ensure hours stay within safety thresholds; process timesheets for payroll.
• Attend and support team and DPW morning meetings; develop training materials for pre-playa and on-playa.

Documentation and Tracking (20%)

• Maintain documentation standards and create regular reports for the DPW Utilities Superintendent.
• Monitor budget and submit receipts/expense reports timely; manage tracking systems for all power grids; maintain site and user group records.
• Oversee inventory tracking and tool condition; plan orders for the following season.
• Use Google and Microsoft tools for reports, maps, spreadsheets, and documents; update SOPs for role and crew…