DPW Golf Carts Manager

Overview

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Golf Cart Manager oversees the complete lifecycle of the Burning Man Project rental golf cart fleet, managing operations both on-site in Black Rock City and off-site in Reno, Nevada, for cleaning and returns. This role is responsible for the strategic allocation, rigorous tracking, and maintenance of all rental golf cart units, ensuring critical mobility for event infrastructure teams and leadership.

Empowering a team of mechanics, support staff, and volunteers, the Manager directs the Golf Cart Shop’s daily operations and is a picture of multi-tasking finesse. From curating public communications, cart intake, repair, and daily maintenance, to coordinating parts and materials procurement, inventory maintenance, staff schedules, team safety and morale.

Role scope
:
Temporary, ineligible for benefits position with on-site and off-site responsibilities and defined seasonal schedules.

Shop Operations & Personnel (35%)

• Direct the Assistant Manager in creating and maintaining an accurate master log of the fleet, tracking the status, location, and assignment of every golf cart
• Maintain set operating hours for the Golf Cart Shop, ensuring staff are appropriately scheduled to meet daily operational needs
• Liaise with Burning Man Project departments to ensure prompt fulfillment of approved rental requests and to enforce strict policies regarding golf cart misuse or damage
• Coordinate 24-hour support schedules during peak usage hours to respond to critical failures and emergency service needs
• Maintain consistent availability on the radio while on shift to triage incoming requests and support the dispatch team;
  Be available and accountable as a source of good information for the crew and other departments
• Reassign and redirect workflow using education, empowerment, and delegation when appropriate or necessary, monitoring team morale and setting manageable work expectations
• Act as a mentor, positive role model, and team leader by guiding and directing team members as they carry out their tasks. Learn, use, and share the proper pathways of communication and supporting documentation for escalating personnel issues

Maintenance & Safety (20%)

• Oversee the execution of all necessary repairs, ensuring all golf carts are safely equipped with adequate lighting and functional safety features
• Ensure all drivers, including shop staff, are fully briefed on, understand and adhere to DPW driving policies and safety standards
• Create a safe and efficient shop environment by maintaining clear, accessible communication with the crew regarding safety protocols
• Ensure that all team members are provided with and use the necessary OSHA approved safety equipment

Inventory & Documentation (15%)

• Maintain strict inventory control over shop supplies, prioritizing the reuse and repurposing of materials whenever possible
• Using established processes, catalog parts and materials usage, forecast needs, and place orders to maintain stock levels in the on-site fleet shop
• Assume accountability for the accuracy, cost-efficiency, and timely submission of expenses during pre-season, event week, and post-season tear-down, adhering to budgetary standards and pro-actively addressing any concerns with management
• Maintain an active presence in the creation and updates of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and processes, tracking sheets, projections, onboarding materials and any further documentation needed to outline success, including the SOP’s directly for this role
• Create a detailed post-event analysis, known as the "After Burn Report," documenting the season's operational successes, challenges, and specific recommendations for future improvements of the Golf Cart Department
• Submit end-of-season EMBER reports detailing observed operational challenges and pain points across the event and other departments

Returning Carts to Reno (15%)

• Strip all non-standard equipment/modifications from golf carts prior to departure from the Playa
• Supervise the team’s off-site relocation from Black Rock City to Reno, including checking staff into hotels and coordinating crew meals
• Manage off-site expenses…