HIVE Producer

SideBurn is a regional Burning Man event held each May long weekend in Stone Mills, Ontario, on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas, and Huron-Wendat peoples. Rooted in radical inclusion, communal effort, and “leave no trace,” it brings together over 1,000 people to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and community.

Run entirely by volunteers, SideBurn thrives on the DIY spirit and communal effort. From theme camps and interactive art to skill-sharing and collective care, everyone is invited to show up, contribute, and be part of something larger than themselves.

About HIVE

HIVE is SideBurn’s people- and site-facing team. It covers the volunteer experience, the HQ tent, Centre Camp, and roaming culture and engagement.

The HIVE Producer sits on the Collective, along with the other Producers of the event, to make organization-wide decisions. The Volunteer Lead, Centre Camp Lead, HQ Lead, ICE Lead and Engagement Lead all report to the HIVE Producer.

Flame Ontario Arts Collective Responsibilities

All SideBurn Producers are part of the Flame Ontario Arts Collective, the not-for-profit corporation behind SideBurn. We refer to the board as the Collective. All Producers have the same core responsibilities, whatever their portfolio.

All Producers will:

• Act in the Collective’s best interests. That means honestly and in good faith, putting the organization first.
• Take reasonable care. Read what’s sent to you, and ask when something doesn’t add up. Decide the way a careful person would.
• Rely on financial statements and professional advice given in good faith.
• Put your dissent on the record. If you disagree with a decision, ask for it to be noted in the minutes or send it in writing.
• Declare conflicts of interest. If you, or someone close to you, has an interest in a contract, issue, or deal with the Collective, say so.
• Stay within spending limits and abide by the annual budgeting process.
• Keep confidentiality in matters involving individual participants and Board matters.
• Work well with other Producers, volunteers and participants.

How the Collective works:

• We aim for consensus, and everyone takes part.
• When we don’t agree right away, we ask questions and look for compromise in good faith.
• We all participate in Collective meetings and show up prepared. Meetings are monthly from September to February, fortnightly in March and April, and weekly in May. There is a break over the summer.
• When required, we break out into working groups to tackle tasks.
• We reply to communications within 72 hours.
• We share the workload and speak up when we need help.

HIVE Producer Responsibilities

Year-round

• Recruit and appoint the HIVE leads
• Oversee scheduling and coordination across the team
• Communicate between the Collective and the HIVE leads, and bring lead reports to the Collective
• Manage the department’s budget lines, including volunteer swag
• Oversee HQ operations and set-up, including appointing HQ shift supervisors and approving changes in operation
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training and engagement, so volunteers have a positive and meaningful experience
• Cover Volunteer Coordinator duties if that role is vacant
• Oversee the Engagement team
• Organize ice sales, including sale tracking and purchasing
• Evaluate and improve HIVE operations each year

On-site

• Set up, inventory and tear down the HIVE tent
• Place the Centre Camp tent
• Meet with the HIVE leads
• Take at least one BODOC (Board On Call) shift and attend the daily noon safety meeting

What We’re Looking For

• Familiarity with SideBurn
• Experience with volunteer recruitment
• Technical skills with Google Workspace, especially Google Sheets, are an asset

Physical Requirements

This position has no physical requirements beyond time outdoors during the event.

We recognize that Producers may themselves have accessibility needs. If you require accommodations to perform this role, please let us know. We are committed to making leadership roles accessible and will work with you to find solutions.

Time Commitment

• Pre-event: up to 5 hours a week, varying by time of year (virtual), plus Collective meetings
• During SideBurn: availability for a 24-hour shift, daily board meetings, and overseeing the team (in person)
• Post-event: wrap-up through the month of June

How to Apply

If you’re interested, email event@sideburn.ca with a few sentences about why you’re interested and any relevant experience. Questions are welcome.