JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Public Works (DPW) Propane Operations Manager oversees both the mobile and depot propane fueling operations on Playa. This person consults on the preparation, inspection, and operation of various propane equipment to ensure safe operations. They lead, train, and supervise a crew of 7, which includes propane driver-service techs, trackers, and Hell Station propane attendants. They contribute to keeping kitchens, flame-effects, and other DPW propane operations running smoothly while prioritizing safety, timeliness, and professionalism. Responsibilities include supporting the team in accurate documentation and data tracking, overseeing safety inspections, scheduling staff, supporting fuel inventory and ordering, and ensuring daily operations remain on schedule. This role collaborates with our team of DPW Fuel Managers throughout the preseason and on-playa. Preseason, they prepare for onsite operations and oversee the inspection and maintenance of propane equipment that is used at the Black Rock Station Ranch and by the DPW Housing Department.
This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is:
- From April - August: Part-Time (approximately 3 hours per week), Non-Exempt, based fully remote .
- From August - September: Full-Time, Exempt, based on-site out of Black Rock City, Nevada.
The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on April 3, 2026.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Advance Planning (10%)
- Assist with assembling and hiring a team, including interviews, volunteer recruiting, and forwarding candidates to the DPW Fuel Department Manager for final approval.
- Assist the DPW Utilities Personnel Manager with the creation of or edits to the propane operations packet, HIVE presentations, and other educational materials.
- Work with the DPW Fuel Department Manager and the Depot Fuel Department Manager to facilitate the planning, construction, operation, strike, and cleanup of the Hell Station according to the provided plans and ensure they meet the needs for safe and efficient propane distribution.
- Collaborate with the DPW Fuel Safety Lead to ensure that all team members, fuel worksites, mobile operations, and fuel trucks will be compliant with OSHA safety regulations and have the required safety equipment.
- Oversee and track the pre-event delivery and distribution of propane in collaboration with Depot Operations and Mobile Operations Management.
Daily Operations & Maintenance (35%)
- Be able to maintain an early workday schedule to support the daily propane operations.
- Oversee the receipt and distribution of all propane for the duration of DPW Fuel Operations, regulating efficiency and expectations according to OSHA and DPW safety guidelines.
- Be familiar with propane vendor contracts and receive propane deliveries from vendors throughout the operational timeline of the DPW Fuel Department.
- Establish and oversee the maintenance of a clean and safe worksite for DPW Fuel, ESD, Man Base, and other BMP departments; ensure that all team members are provided with and utilize the necessary OSHA-approved safety equipment.
- Collaborate and communicate daily with relevant Burning Man Departments, Crew Managers, Participants, and Vendors
- Proactively attend meetings and create reports to keep the DPW Fuel Department Manager informed of progress and areas of concern.
- Effectively address fuel safety concerns with BRC Theme Camp Managers and Artist participants in collaboration with the DPW Fuel Department Manager and DPW Fuel Accounts Manager.
Team Management & Support (25%)
- Tactfully manage the DPW Propane Team of paid and volunteer staff. Reassign and redirect workflow using education, empowerment, and delegation when appropriate or necessary, monitoring team morale and setting manageable work expectations.
- Oversee the DPW Hell Station Propane Attendants and the DPW Propane Delivery Driver Service Technicians to make sure fuel fills are safely dispensed and accurately recorded.
- Proactively take the lead on the training of paid and volunteer crew members under the chain of command.
- Review and teach the BRC Rain Contingency Plan, Fuel Spill Response Plan, Burning Man Integrated Plan, and emergency response plans; understand when to execute each with your team.
- In collaboration with the DPW Fuel Department Manager and Utilities Personnel Manager, assist in managing propane crew work schedules, and log and report crew work hours by established deadlines on a weekly basis.
- Attend and support crew attendance to daily Team Meetings and DPW Morning Meetings as relevant; Run daily meetings for the Propane Crew.
- Proactively attend meetings and create reports to keep the DPW Fuel Department Manager informed of progress and areas of concern.
Documentation & Tracking (25%)
- Maintain continuity in documentation, reports, and tracking standards outlined by the DPW Utilities Superintendent.
- Manage the tracking of all propane equipment rentals and propane fuel dispensed to infrastructure, vendors, and participant clients, seeing that it is accurately documented and filed by the daily deadline.
- Keep a basic inventory of all materials. Inventory must be submitted at the end of the postseason to the DPW Fuel Department Manager.
- Use database and logistics skills to effectively create and adjust reasonable delivery routes for Propane Delivery Driver Service Technicians.
- Work with Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Word and Excel, and any additional online tools, technology, maps, or applications specific to this role as required.
- Commit to improving and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for this role and crew operations throughout the season for accuracy.
- Prepare written feedback for the DPW Utilities Manager describing the successes of the season, areas in need of improvement and suggestions with the purpose of improved overall efficiency for the next year; Submit an end-of-season EMBER Report.
Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)
- Maintain clear and respectful communication with the DPW Fuel Team, BRC Departments, Vendors, Participants, and Artists.
- Maintain budget awareness: monies spent, current balance, anticipated costs, etc. Proactively discuss any potential adjustments or concerns with Management as soon as possible.
- Track personal and staff hours worked; submit timecard by the shared, bi-weekly deadline.
- Work with the Fuel Crew to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans.
- Read, understand, and abide by the rules and codes of conduct according to the Burning Man Staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards.
- Monitor personal well-being, be aware of work expectations while also setting realistic boundaries, and proactively address any concerns with management.
- Perform various other duties as assigned by DPW Utilities and Fuel Management.
Additional On-playa Duties and Responsibilities
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance within the department.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
- Documentation - Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties.
- Teaching – Takes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e-learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community.
- Mentoring - Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages, and inspires their team.
- 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. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate.
- Speaking – Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture-bearer, as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Able and willing to follow standards set in necessary trainings that can be provided;
- Liquid fuel handling
- Certified for the handling of propane
- Accurate use of handheld digital devices for tracking needs
- Working knowledge of OSHA-compliant personal protection equipment, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.
- Must have been to Burning Man and be familiar with the event worksite, Black Rock City and its departments.
- Capable of climbing a ladder and safely traversing the top of the fuel storage tanks; Able to drive safely and navigate Black Rock City streets that are congested with pedestrians, bicycles, and mutant vehicles.
- Understanding of event production timelines, budgeting and inventory maintenance, and working with integrated plans.
- Proficient at navigating digital and online technology; Able to proactively engage in advanced learning, teach, and effectively update existing online applications, tools, systems, spreadsheets, and documents.
- Able to maintain consistent organization and tidiness in the work environment and in handling important information (ie, tracking, personnel data, goals and timelines, payroll, etc.)
- Clear, service-oriented and professional communication, verbally and written. Experienced with using 2-way radios and following radio protocol.
- Able to embody present and responsive leadership qualities for a diverse team while maintaining firm boundaries and adhering to set standards; Operates with a high level of behavioral integrity and reliability.
- Effectively manages own time, the time of individual team members, and the efforts of the team as a whole.
- Able to integrate feedback into action, remain calm and focused under pressure or emergency situations, and maintain a professional demeanor that leads by example.
- 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.
Preferred
- OSHA 10/30 Certification (Maybe acquired through in-house training)
- Experience supervising major projects in remote wilderness and/or desert environments.
- First-Aid knowledge.
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
- Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
- Certified for handling of propane; CETP 1.0 Basic Propane and CETP 2.2 Bobtail Operations (can be earned in-house).
COMPENSATION
Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated rate for this position:
- From April - August is $17.50 to $19.50 per hour.
- From August - September is $1250.00 to $1400.00 per week.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Off-playa: Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required.
- Ranch pre-season: Work is primarily active in nature in outside weather conditions and will be exposed to fumes or airborne particles as well as possible extremes in temperature.
- 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.