DPW Logistics Assistant Manager

Job Summary

As the Department of Public Works (DPW) Logistics Assistant Manager, you serve as the critical link between Burning Man departments and their physical resource needs. This is a high-impact role focused on the meticulous execution of rental requests and the management of field-level changes. Working within the DPW Business Services Team, you are the operational lead for the rental lifecycle. Your focus is on the “boots‑on‑the‑ground” management of assets, from the initial check‑in of deliveries to the final reporting.

You will manage the flow of work orders, process real‑time field requests, and act as the primary interface for vendor delivery drivers. By bridging the gap between digital tracking and physical logistics, you ensure that rental needs are accurately captured in reports and physically fulfilled. If you enjoy solving complex logistical puzzles and managing constant moving parts in a fast‑paced environment, this role ensures our departments stay equipped and our operations stay on track.

This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is:

• From July – September:
  Full‑Time, Non‑Exempt, based Gerlach, NV.

The Final date to receive applications for this role is 5:00pm PST on March 3rd, 2026.

• Check in, label, and process rental assets (Heavy Equipment, Light Towers, Rental Vehicles, Rental Buildings, Sanitation, UTVs, etc.) to ensure they are deployment‑ready and accurately allocated to the correct departments.
• Utilize the Business Services Dashboard and internal tools to process, submit, and track rental operations. Maintain real‑time data entry to ensure the system reflects actual field conditions.
• Act as the intake point for “in‑the‑field” requests, evaluating urgency and coordinating with the Logistics Manager to fulfill needs as they arise.
• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for vendor delivery drivers; coordinate drop‑offs, pickups, and troubleshooting to ensure seamless service.
• Generate and maintain accurate rental reports, usage logs, and status updates to provide management with a clear picture of resource distribution.
• Facilitate rapid‑response coordination via Slack, 2‑way radio, email, and in‑person check‑ins with departmental leads and end‑users.
• Follow up with end‑users to confirm the dates and intended use of assets, ensuring consistent service levels and preventing resource‑mismanagement.
• Lead the seasonal “on‑ramp” and “off‑ramp,” including equipment cleaning, supply organization, and ensuring all assets are returned to vendors in documented condition.
• Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts, equipment malfunctions, and allocation bottlenecks to minimize disruptions to event build and strike.

• Act as a transparent, high‑functioning bridge between DPW departments and external vendors, ensuring expectations are managed on both sides.
• Provide staff and vendors with creative, “playa‑ready” solutions when technical or logistical challenges threaten the timeline.
• Continuously update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) throughout the season to reflect workflow changes, ensuring a “living document” for future teams.
• Step in as the acting lead for the Logistics Department when the Manager is in the field or off‑site, maintaining continuity of operations.
• Model a culture of reliability and adaptability, prioritizing high‑stakes tasks while maintaining the flexibility to pivot as needs shift.
• Deliver comprehensive end‑of‑season After Burn and EMBER reports, documenting pain points, successes, and actionable data to improve the following year’s cycle.

• Maintain the ability to switch between high‑level administrative tasks and hands‑on field objectives daily.
• Execute “Leave No Trace” and waste disposal plans for all logistics‑related sites and operations.
• Operate in strict accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies, behavioral standards, and the 10 Principles.
• Embrace supplemental projects and “all‑hands” moments as needed to support the DPW mission and event success.

• Documentation – Assists in the creation, publishing, and maintenance…