DPW Purchasing Assistant Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Purchasing Assistant Manager will play a vital role in sourcing and procuring requested goods to meet critical project deadlines for the build and operation of Black Rock City. Working closely with and assisting the Purchasing Manager, this role involves supervising the Purchasing team as needed and supporting key functions, including planning, logistics, scheduling, training, and daily operations such as buying, receiving, and delivering packages. The Assistant Manager will also oversee budget tracking and ensure smooth coordination of the department’s activities. In addition to occasional hands-on tasks, this role requires proficiency in using and updating existing online systems, file-sharing platforms, and digital tools to maintain accurate records and workflows.

 This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is: 

• From April - September:  Full-Time,  Non-Exempt, based remotely, onsite in Gerlach, NV and in Black Rock City, Nevada.

 

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00pm Pacific on March 23rd.

 

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Daily Operations (80%)

• Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager to efficiently procure a high volume of goods through the online purchasing system, meeting or exceeding required deadlines.
• Ensure all purchasing tasks are completed in alignment with Burning Man event operational timelines and milestones.
• Supervise and guide the purchasing team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment while ensuring adherence to established processes and objectives.
• Determine product specifications, even with limited information, and assess suitable substitutions to meet end-user requirements.
• Delegate purchasing tasks to Buyers, balancing the workload to meet timelines and departmental goals.
• Coordinate with finance and other departments to ensure purchases remain within budget and follow financial guidelines.
• Oversee and maintain vendor accounts, updating contact details, payment methods, and delivery preferences as needed.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records within the internal purchasing system and file-sharing platforms, including receipts, invoices, bulk orders, and quotes.
• Support purchase order billing and credit card reconciliation throughout the season and ensure completion by the season’s end.
• Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager and Receiving Coordinator to process and document returns, exchanges, and credits accurately.
• Schedule, correspond, and track all freight shipments for larger items to ensure on-time delivery.
• Prioritize and coordinate Reno Runner pick-ups based on urgency and delivery needs.
• Generate and analyze purchasing reports to monitor performance, identify improvements, and provide key updates to senior management on procurement metrics.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area to support productivity.

Personnel Support / Leadership (15%)

• Act as a mentor, positive role model, and team leader by providing guidance and direction to team members as they carry out their tasks.
• Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and on time, following established operational standards to maintain consistency and continuity within the Purchasing Department.
• Review and verify that all reports meet the standards set by the Purchasing Department and DPW Management.
• Maintain a professional and supportive demeanor while assisting requesters with order submissions, guiding them through Procurify, and helping them provide accurate information while setting realistic timeline expectations.
• Oversee task completion to ensure alignment with operational standards, deadlines, and departmental objectives.
• Prepare and submit a year-end summary of processes, including key insights and recommendations for improvements to enhance future operations. 
• Understand and follow proper communication channels for escalating personnel issues, and, when directed, create and maintain accurate supporting documentation.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%)

• Attend and actively participate in daily Purchasing Department meetings.
• Engage in ongoing training to stay updated on Purchasing Department processes and procedures.
• Be prepared to operate between office and field objectives on a daily basis.
• Work with the team to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans for all relevant operations.
• Be familiar with, understand and act in accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies, protocols and behavioral standards.
• Embrace supplemental responsibilities and projects as needed to support the department’s mission and ensure the seamless operation of the event.

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.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 Required

• Strong focus and concentration, even in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
• Attention to detail with the ability to distinguish between similar items, even when differences are subtle or not immediately obvious.
• Physically capable of safely lifting, moving, and stacking materials up to 50 lbs repetitively.
• Clear, service-oriented, and professional communication skills—both verbal and written—with the ability to assess and tailor responses to meet varying support needs patiently and effectively.
• High level of integrity, reliability, and confidentiality, with discretion in handling sensitive information. Maintains a clean, organized work ethic and environment, and remains calm under pressure.
• Expert-level attention to accuracy and detail in data entry. Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of prioritizing and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with purchasing processes and general knowledge of construction materials.
• Proficiency in navigating digital and online tools, with the ability to quickly learn and update applications, systems, spreadsheets, and shared documents.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel).
• Adaptable and comfortable with change, capable of handling diverse tasks, integrating feedback, and applying creative, analytical thinking to improve established processes.
• Committed to fostering a positive, collaborative team environment by motivating and supporting others while respecting individual needs and perspectives.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to work independently, manage team members’ workloads, and contribute to team goals.
• Capable of working in extreme environments, including drastic temperature shifts, high winds, poor air quality, and periods of low or no visibility.
• Willing and able to temporarily relocate to the Burning Man event site in Gerlach, Nevada, during the event production period.

Preferred 

• Experience in event purchasing and familiarity with standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency in using 2-way radios for communication.
• Prior experience attending Burning Man and/or familiarity with its culture is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and its role in supporting the event.
• Knowledge of vendor coordination, including managing deliverables, maintaining timelines, and fostering productive vendor relationships.

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

• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record

 

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 - September is $17.00 to $20.00 per hour.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Off-playa:  Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required.
• On-playa:  Work is primarily sedentary but will also 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.  Some 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.

 

NOTICE FOR ALL APPLICANTS:

• Burning Man Project celebrates the importance of creating a diverse environment and enthusiastically encourages Black, Indigenous, Peoples of Color, LGBTQIA+, Immigrant, women, and people with disabilities, of all ages, to apply.
• Burning Man Project provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
• Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.