The Logistics teams provide essential support to the Emergency Services Department in Black Rock City. Logistics volunteers work hard behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly.
New volunteers in ESD Logistics have opportunities in two primary roles:
Event Logistics Staff
During the ESD Operations period, our Event Logistics team supports the Emergency Services department by managing meal deliveries, waste stream pickup (recycling, compost, landfill), ice deliveries, supply distribution, and other support-related tasks.
Event Logistics Staff volunteers usually work as a crews of two people, with newer volunteers paired with more experienced volunteers. Each team is responsible for supporting half of the ESD footprint within Black Rock City.
Courtesy Shuttle
The Courtesy Shuttle team is dedicated to transporting participants back to their playa homes after being treated for an injury or illness at one of our ESD medical stations. The Courtesy Shuttles operate 24/7, including night shifts.
Volunteering with Logistics
We welcome new volunteers who are excited about working in a support role for Emergency Services.
Details and requirements for volunteering with Logistics:
Field positions: our volunteer positions in Logistics are Field roles, where you will navigate the city in a vehicle (UTV, golf cart, or rental vehicle). This is not a desk job! These roles pick up deliver supplies and providing support to other Emergency Services teams.
Navigation: our Logistics teams are constantly moving around the city, often in adverse conditions (whiteouts, pedestrians, art cars). Logistics volunteers should have a good working knowledge of the city layout and a strong sense of direction. For this reason, we do not accept applications from people who do not have at least 1 year of prior experience at Burning Man.
Driving: our volunteer opportunities involve driving an official Burning Man vehicle. A valid driver’s license is required, as well as an annual review of your motor vehicle record.
Independence and Radio Skills: Volunteers in Logistics typically work fairly independently, in pairs or small teams, and teams communicate with each other and supervisors primarily by radio. Solid communication and radio skills are essential as our teams are often distributed around the city.
Physical requirements: volunteer shifts frequently include lifting and carrying loads (boxes of meals and supplies, bags of recycling or trash).
Certifications: Logistics volunteers are required to complete an online certification in the Incident Command System (one time) and maintain current CPR certification.
Want to volunteer? Go to the Burning Man website and fill out an application to join the Emergency Services Department.
In your application to volunteer with Emergency Services: under “Branch” – select “Other”, then “Logistics”. Be sure to mention the name of anyone who referred you to volunteer with us.
Then – tell us about why you are excited to join ESD Logistics!