NVO Auto Shop Lead Technician

Company: Burning Man
Location: Gerlach
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description JOB SUMMARY The Auto Shop Lead Technician will work in the Auto Shop, completing repairs and maintenance at the Black Rock Station (BRS) Ranch pre and post event, and on playa during the annual Burning Man event. This role requires (at a minimum) a journeyman-level technician capable of overseeing a team of Auto Shop Technicians and providing technical assistance thereto. This is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt role, based in Gerlach, NV running from April, 2026 to November, 2026 The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on March 20th, 2026 DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Maintenance (45%) Assess, troubleshoot, and rectify vehicle repairs. Assist in overseeing the procurement of specialized parts and equipment needed to perform repairs and upkeep of the fleet. Ready the Auto Shop fleet for safe and reliable use and travel between Burning Man properties and Black Rock City. Instruct vehicle users on properly checking fluids and dusting out an engine bay. Lead the end of season processes to adequately prepare unused fleet vehicles for Winter storage and capture details of any repairs needed in the Spring. Establish and oversee the maintenance of a clean and safe work site; ensure that all team members are provided with PPE and necessary OSHA approved safety equipment. Staff Support (35%) Serve as a mentor, positive role model, and team leader directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job, instructing, and sharing skills as necessary. As needed, assist the Auto Shop Manager in logging and reporting the crew’s work hours. Monitor the well-being of staff; set manageable work expectations and act as a support where needed. Assist in regularly producing comprehensive department and staffing schedules and effectively assigning tasks. Attend and support crew attendance at daily Auto Shop Team Meetings and DPW Morning Meetings. Participate in weekly Department Lead Meetings. Help ensure that paychecks are distributed to the crew on time. Assist with the Auto Shop setup once on site in Black Rock City. Learn, use, and share the proper communication pathways for escalating personnel issues. Learn how to and, as needed, create proper supporting documentation regarding such matters. Be aware of the atmosphere within the crew. Communicate any concerns regarding social climate to the Auto Shop Manager and BRS Manager. Documentation and Tracking (15%) Learn and implement full use of our tracking system, MaintainX. Evaluate the condition of fleet vehicles and work daily to document all required repairs within MaintainX. Support the upkeep of maintenance/repair logs using MaintainX for all fleet vehicles and heavy equipment. Maintain clear communication with the Auto Shop Manager and Assistant Manager to ensure schedules are up to date and obligations are met. Stay current, and track the use of materials and supplies within MaintainX. Work with the Auto Shop Manager to place pre-season requests and replenishment orders. Prepare feedback to the Department Manager describing successes and areas needing improvement following the season. Other Functions and Responsibilities (5%) As needed, assist the Ranch Crew with worksite generators at the Ranch. Perform various other duties as assigned by the BRS Manager. Be familiar with and act in accordance with Burning Man’s staff policies. Abide by the rules and codes of conduct described in the NVO Compass and Black Rock Station Protocols. Work with the Auto Shop Team to plan and execute LNT and Waste disposal plans. 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. Knowledge sharing – Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes. 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: Auto Shop Specific Knowledge of general automotive maintenance and troubleshooting. Experience with and knowledge of all phases of Automotive or Heavy Equipment repair, including the ability to disassemble and replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, bearings, and repair or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps. Working knowledge of and the ability to diagnose and repair, adjust, or replace: ignition and electrical systems, brakes, suspensions, and shock absorbers. Ability to replace headlights and install and repair accessories such as radios, heaters, mirrors, and windshield wipers. Experience with diesel engines. Ability to service a wide range of small air tools, two and four cycle engines, construction equipment, generators, air compressors, etc. Some experience interacting with clients and basic knowledge of parts/catalogs for the equipment listed above. Ability to manage a shop inventory and check-out process of materials that would enable authorized people to work effectively on their personal vehicles without negatively impacting Auto Shop workflow. Physically fit and able to lift heavy objects (minimum 50 pounds) safely; willing to get dirty. Able to relocate to work at the BRS Ranch and seasonally at the Burning Man event held in Nevada. Leadership Clearly and concisely communicates verbally and through written correspondence. Tailors communication with receiving party with appropriate professionalism. Experienced and comfortable with using 2 way radios. Honest and ethical with a dedication to the Burning Man principles and behavioral standards. Reliable; fulfills obligations; able to follow directions to task completion. Open to change (positive or negative) and considerable variety in daily tasks. Able to accept feedback and remain calm and focused under pressure. Maintains a respectful and polite demeanor, providing services with care and offering thoughtful acknowledgment and accommodation of requests. Sensitive to others' needs and feelings, understanding, and helpful. Inspires, motivates and encourages a collaborative work environment. Strongly analyzes and creatively approaches new thinking on old work. Effectively manages own time, the time of individual team members, and the team's efforts as a whole. Instills and applies order and cleanliness to the work environment and pays careful attention to detail in handling important information. Preferred Basic understanding of hydraulics. Knowledge of First-Aid. It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture. 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. OSHA 10 Certification (May be earned through in house training). COMPENSATIONIndividual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience, geographical location, and an internal pay scale. The anticipated pay rate for this position is $21.00 to $22.00 per hour. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT Off-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. This 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. 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. This 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. Powered by JazzHR Dg3hquWTNy

Keywords: Burning Man, Rocklin , NVO Auto Shop Lead Technician, Construction - Building Trades , Gerlach, California