Onsite Tech 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.

Onsite Tech Producer

Onsite Tech keeps SideBurn’s technical backbone running: radios, internet and devices, and power and fuel (generators, propane, batteries, and Kubota fueling). The event happens on a temporary off-grid site, so none of this exists until someone brings it in and keeps it working.

The Onsite Tech Producer leads a team of leads, one for each area, and sits on the Collective along with the other Producers to make organization-wide decisions.

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.

Onsite Tech Producer Responsibilities

Year-round

• Recruit and appoint the Onsite Tech leads: Radio Lead and Generator, Propane & Battery Lead
• Oversee scheduling and coordination across the teams so someone is available at all times during the event
• Communicate between the Collective and the Onsite Tech leads
• Manage the department’s budget lines, including rental and fuel costs
• Evaluate and improve Onsite Tech and equipment operations each year

On-site

• Meet with the leads to make sure everything is running smoothly, and help troubleshoot problems
• Take at least one BODOC (Board On Call) shift
• Attend the daily noon safety meeting
• Be available to your leads throughout the event

What We’re Looking For

• Familiarity with SideBurn
• Experience managing a team or coordinating logistics
• Technical skills with radios, internet, and event devices are an asset
• Familiarity with generators, propane, and fuel safety is an asset

Physical Requirements

This position involves lifting generators and helping set them up.

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). You must be available for the Wednesday pre-event setup; Tuesday availability is even better.
• Post-event: an After Burn report for your department

How to Apply

This is a formal application. Send your CV to event@sideburn.ca.

This is a directed ticket opportunity. You will receive a guaranteed offer to purchase a directed ticket to the 2027 event.