Be a maker of magic. SideBurn comes together as a temporary city once a year in Ontario, and like any other city, it takes a lot of talented and passionate individuals to make sure it runs safely, efficiently, and to everyone’s benefit.
We are a completely volunteer run experience; those working greeting you at the gate to monitoring the event for safety are all helping shape your Regional Burn by bringing their engaged, helpful selves to their role. Our ability to run this event depends on volunteers showing up. You are SideBurn’s lifeblood and through your efforts you get to truly embody the Burning Man principles of Communal Effort and Participation.
Keep reading to get a sense of the various departments that form our city and see if any of our roles might pique your interest! If you have any questions about the roles or would like to get more involved, complete and submit our volunteer form.
Departments
Positions
- Art Grant Review committee
- Art Grant Logistics
Art Grant Review: Review art applications and evaluate them using a shared system. Together, we’ll decide which art grants receive funding and select the team to create the Temple and Effigy. Shifts: This work takes place remotely in February.
Art Grant Logistics: Coordinating the transportation and logistics for Art Grant projects requires pre-event and early arrival event activities. Both Toronto and Montreal teams are required. Shifts: Pre-event, early arrival only. Post-event: transportation/drop-off.
Positions
- Sound Team
- On-Site Placement
Sound Team: Night owls, join us to keep the dancing alive! Shift Leads and Sound Monitors roam with decibel meters, ensuring sound stages follow our policy. This supports good relations with landowners, the town, and residents, crucial for the event’s future. Enjoy the music and volunteer with us—training provided!
On-Site Placement: Help everyone find their home at SideBurn! As part of the placement team, you’ll greet participants and show them to their camping areas. You’ll help make sure everyone is setting up their camps in the proper spots, and ensure a smooth landing for all those entering the event.
Positions
- Early Arrival Crew
- Transportation
- Sign Lead
- Leave No Trace (LNT)
Early Arrival Crew: Want to help lay the foundation for SideBurn? Join the DPW early arrival crew! You’ll unload the transport truck, set up infrastructure and lighting, and assist with the city layout. You’ll collaborate with the lighting, transport, and sign crews to secure everything before the event. Shifts: Tuesday and/or Wednesday for pre-build.
Transportation: As a member of the transportation team, you’ll help load and unload the infrastructure truck at both ends of the event and maintain a log of equipment drop-offs. Drivers must have a valid Class G license and be comfortable driving a 16’ box truck. Shifts: You must arrive before the event and stay after it concludes.
Sign Lead: A city needs signs for roads, camp locations, and facilities. We’re looking for individuals to inventory, create, repair, and secure event signage in visible locations. Shifts: Signage teams are active pre-event (Tuesday to Thursday) and post-event (Monday).
Leave No Trace (LNT): Help us keep our site beautiful for future SideBurn events! Join the LNT crew to enjoy more time in nature while ensuring the land remains pristine and free of debris. Includes searching for MOOP, documenting leftovers, and managing larger cleanups, such as effigy ash. Shifts: Begin Monday morning after the event.
Positions
- Perimeter
- Ember Chaser
- On-Call & Officer of the Day
- FAST Burn Support
Perimeter: Cool folks don’t look at explosions! Perimeter volunteers maintain safety during the Effigy and Temple burns by watching for anyone crossing the lines until the perimeter Lead declares it safe. You’ll be stationed just inside the perimeter, facing outward. Shifts: 4 hours from 7 PM to 11 PM (or until the perimeter drops) on burn nights only.
Ember Chaser: During the Effigy and Temple burns, sudden wind changes can carry embers that may cause damage if not monitored. Ember Chasers ensure embers are promptly stomped out or sprayed down, escalating larger issues to the Fast Officer of the Day. This role requires you to be sober, quick on your feet, and able to carry a 50 lb water fire extinguisher. Shifts: 2.5 hours from 8:30 PM to 11 PM (or until the perimeter drops) on burn nights only.
On-Call & Officer of the Day: These FAST leads enforce open fire policies and inspect flame effects. This role requires being sober, on radio during your shift, and attending a daily safety meeting at noon. Shifts: 12 hours (12 AM–12 PM and 12 PM–12 AM), with the Officer of the Day serving a 24-hour shift. FAST training is required.
FAST Burn Support: As a Lead and second-in-command on burn nights, this role assists the Officer of the Day in running the Effigy and Temple burns per planned protocols. Shifts: 5 hours from 6 PM to 11 PM (or until the perimeter drops). FAST training is required.
Positions
- Greeters
- Parking
- Gate
- Exodus
Greeters: Join our team to welcome participants and create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere! Shifts: 2 or 4 hours during gate hours (10am–12am).
Parking: Help guide vehicles and gear efficiently to ensure smooth traffic flow. All cars must park in designated areas, with placement based on organization. Shifts: 4-hour shifts from 8am-12am.
Gate: Be the first point of contact for participants by collecting tickets, verifying IDs, and attaching wristbands. If you enjoy meeting people and fostering a welcoming atmosphere, join us! Shifts: 4 hours between 8am–12am.
Exodus: The team coordinates with Parking and Gate to help participants exit safely after the Effigy Burn, Temple Burn, and event close on Monday. We aim for a smooth, organized traffic flow. Shifts: 3 hours on Saturday and Sunday (9pm–12am) and Monday (8am–5pm).
Positions
- Headquarters
- Ice (Polar Vortex)
- Volunteer Department
- Engagement
Headquarters: Do you enjoy being at the center of the action? This team manages the setup, operation, and strike of the event’s safety headquarters, which includes Rangers, Fire Safety, Radio, Polar Vortex, Volunteer check in, and Sanctuary. Volunteers answer questions from participants, provide directions, check radios at shift changes, and support overall operations. Shifts: 4 hours.
Ice (Polar Vortex): Polar Vortex volunteers get the special privilege to drive to pick up the ice and drop it off at HQ.
Volunteer Department: The Volunteer Department works with all of you to ensure shifts are filled, and that volunteers have all the support they need to fulfill their roles happily and efficiently.
Engagement: You love talking to and engaging with people! Specifically about Sideburn, Burningman, The 10 principles? Shifts include roaming the event and engaging with the general population, offering information, and answering questions about all things Sideburn. Shifts: 4 hours, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Positions
- Rangers
- Sanctuary
Rangers: Rangers ensure safety at the event while aiding the community and enhancing the experience. They are not enforcers but should have good people skills. You’ll roam in teams with added responsibilities and a radio. Rangers must stay level-headed and listen to others, identifiable by their khaki shirts. Annual training is required before the first shift, virtual training will be available prior to the event. Black Rock Ranger training is also accepted with a manual review. Shifts: 6 hours, with some critical roles requiring 12 or 24 hours.
Sanctuary: Sanctuary volunteers help manage the vibes at SideBurn by assisting participants experiencing difficulties. Located away from the main event, this calming space offers respite. Sanctuary leads are recognizable by their glowing armbands. If you’re patient, supportive, and interested in deeper connections, you may be a great fit. Volunteers must be sober while on shift and complete training in active listening, consent, mindfulness, and Ranger training, which will occur before and during the event. Shifts: 4–6 hours, with some critical roles requiring 12-hour shifts.
