Communications

Greetings!

We are looking for folks interested in becoming an Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee, in the Burning Man Emergency Services Department (ESD) Communications Dispatch Center. We appreciate your interest in joining us.

Please respond HERE if you wish to be considered for one of our volunteer Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee spots for Burning Man 2025.

Then, please be sure to fill out the separate volunteer questionnaire in your Burning Man Profile HERE, and mention your interest in ESD Communications as a Dispatcher Trainee.

ESD Communications Dispatch is looking for more Volunteer Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainees (all of our first year Dispatchers are titled Trainees), folks who help man radio traffic and work consoles. Volunteering for ESD Dispatch can be more involved than volunteering with many of the other departments/branches, and we are looking for specific skill sets. Below is a bit about us, what we are looking for, and what we can offer.

About DISPATCH: What We Do and How We Do It

Our Emergency Services Dispatch Center runs similar to a 911 dispatch center in the default world; except, our emergency calls are received by radio/console, instead of phone. Most of our incoming service requests come from ORG-issued radios, but we do get some calls from participants and camps via radio on a public “911 ALT” frequency.

After receiving “calls” we enter them into our computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, dispatch appropriate responding units, continue to monitor the call, dispatching additional units as necessary, and document all the things in our highly customized CAD system.

We share our CAD system with a Black Rock Rangers liaison (WESL), allowing us to streamline the flow of information and requests for service between Rangers and ESD. We also have the capability to process requests for other agencies, such as law enforcement (LE), and other branches, such as DPW.

Our responding units include Fire, Medical, Rangers, Law Enforcement, and Mental Health teams. Some of these units are tracked in real time utilizing their radios, and their locations can be viewed and utilized on the map at the console. ESD Dispatch also manages an organization-wide paging system.

Preferred (NOT Required) Past Experience/Skills

  • Ability to communicate clearly on a radio in English
  • Ability to type a minimum of 25-30 wpm
  • Ability to work in high-stress environments
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to self-motivate in training and practice
  • Have strong situational awareness skills
  • Experience as an Emergency Dispatcher in a system that utilizes radio and CAD systems, or similar applicable experience
  • Previous attendance at Burning Man

Expectations of an ESD Dispatcher Trainee

Pre-Playa (Now through arrival on Playa)

  • Ability to monitor, read, and respond as appropriate to emails from Burning Man regarding your position as an ESD Dispatcher Trainee
  • Complete ICS 100 and ICS 700 on the FEMA website (instructions will be sent on how to upload into your profile)
  • Complete online training blocks that will include worksheets, training videos/prezis, and quizzes
  • Submit completed related quizzes by deadlines
  • Complete CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) and radio assignments utilizing online links in our Wiki and the phone/tablet app “Zello”
  • Apply the information learned utilizing the CAD practice system and the Zello radio app to demonstrate basic skills proficiently during an online training session (multiple training dates/times will be provided)
  • Participate in at least one additional practice session using the CAD practice system and Zello app (multiple training dates/times will be provided)
  • Participate in additional practice sessions with trainers as needed

Pre-Playa Technical Requirements

  • Laptop or desktop computer
  • Internet access/ability to do the following:
    1. Access and respond to emails regularly (at least weekly)
    2. Access CAD training program by laptop or desktop computer
    3. Ability to complete the online training blocks (laptop or desktop needed)
    4. Ability to audio or video conference utilizing Zoom and/or Google Meets (free services) while training on the CAD training system (using a laptop or desktop for screen sharing)
  • Download the free app “Zello” onto your phone or tablet for radio training

On-Playa Expectations

  • ESD Dispatcher Trainees must be able to arrive on Playa by Friday, August 22nd, 2025. Trainees will be provided a Setup Access Pass (SAP), as well as a SAP for all ticketed passengers in their vehicle. These will allow for early access into the event, it is not a ticket. Anyone arriving before gates open to the public is asked to volunteer time building their camp and/or the city
  • After pre-playa training, on-playa orientation, and in-shack console training shift ESD Dispatcher Trainees will be able to manage a channel. This is the reason we stress the need for Pre-Playa training and self-motivated applicants.
  • Ability to schedule and work the following:
    • (1) 4-hour on-playa orientation shift (this will be the first shift)
    • (1) 4-hour in-shack console training shift with trainer
    • (3) 8-hour shifts. Dispatcher Trainees need to be flexible in their availability/ability to work day, swing, and/or night shifts.
      • (1) of which must be during Burn weekend
      • (1) of which needs to be a night shift

Benefits

  • A non-transferable discounted staff-rate ticket for you
  • Option to purchase a non-transferable Vehicle Pass
  • Setup Access Pass(es) for Trainee and any other ticketed passengers arriving in their vehicle (allowing ticketed participants access into Burning Man before gates open to the main population)
  • Uniforms (shirts, a hat, lanyard)
  • Snacks on shift
  • Possible meal on shift
  • Non-transferable shower privileges (the number of showers determined by the number of shifts worked)
  • Access to apply to camp with ESD Camps (space may be limited)
  • Other benefits may be available with additional shifts worked

If you’re interested in volunteering with ESD Comm Dispatch, for this year, as Dispatch Trainee please follow this link, (also linked in the second paragraph above) and answer a few questions.

Also, be sure to fill out the volunteer questionnaire, that is different from the form above, in your Burning Man Profile HERE, and mention your interest in ESD Communications as a Dispatcher Trainee.

We need to be able to locate your answers to the Burner Profile Questionnaire in order to invite you to interview with us!

We look forward to hearing from you!