Tag Archives: ranch

Aug 13 2013

Pumpin’ for the Man

by Whatsblem the Pro

IMAGE: Leo Cullum/Condé Nast

IMAGE: Leo Cullum/Condé Nast

 

The Burning Man Org is hiring again! Do you have the Right Stuff for the job?

Having recently lost/let go of Quinn “Ghost Dancer” Yarborough (under, we should point out, reportedly amicable circumstances), the Org is now keen to fill the vacuum he left and hire a new Nevada Properties Manager. This is a full-time paid position, and the successful candidate will be eligible for benefits.

According to Kat Steinmetz, Black Rock City LLC’s Head of Human Resources and Administration, “this role is responsible for the management and oversight of Black Rock City’s Nevada properties and facilities. The Nevada Properties Manager is responsible for the complete maintenance of all facilities in Gerlach, Nevada, which include but are not limited to the Office, Helen’s House, the Saloon, the Trailer Park, the Showers Property, the old Theatre, and Black Rock Station (BRS).”

Note that you’ll need to live in or relocate to Gerlach, Nevada (population: small but pleasantly weird) in order to take the job. The NV Properties Manager traditionally resides at the DPW Ranch year-’round, which can get lonely and boring if you’re on your own and not easily entertained. The shrewd applicant will have an unruffled mind well-stocked with the kinds of thoughts that can carry one through a medium-length prison sentence without going stir crazy. A body devoid of all hint of genitalia may also be preferable, but in lieu of that you should be adept at arranging regular conjugal visits either in Reno, at the Ranch, or at one of the other ranches in between the two that exist specifically for that very purpose. If you’re the kind of person who thinks it would be a good goof to watch DPW roughnecks twitch and leap in response to every directive you bark at them in your Command Voice, then you may not mind the isolation and accompanying forced celibacy nearly as much.

The duties and essential job functions of the NV Properties Manager are as follows:

  • Manage and maintain all elements of the Nevada properties including BRS including the power, fuel, water, waste, structures, general environment and overall conditions of the ranch.
  • Manage and administer services to buildings, power plant, water system, gates, fences, signage as well as general housekeeping.
  • Initiate, develop, and maintain an inventory of the properties and associated equipment stored at BRS.
  • Maintain registration and insurance documents for the DPW Fleet Vehicles.
  • Responsible for the overall Burning Man event physical assets in Gerlach, Nevada and at the Black Rock Station.
  • Maintain permanent residence at BRS for 12 months per year with vacation to be agreed upon in advance.
  • During the off-season (November-March), greet and direct volunteers and visitors at BRS to best inform them of current rules, procedures and protocols and to best utilize the resources available. Work with the Nevada Operations Labor Coordinator to collect “round up forms”. Host orientation sessions. During the on-season (April-October), these duties are performed by the BRS Access Manager, assistant to the NV Properties Manager.
  • Inspect and ensure that fire extinguishers are current. Ensure that first-aid kits are on hand and maintained.
  • Help identify opportunities for and potential liabilities to the properties.
  • Manage the maintenance, development and acquisition of BRC’s purchased and leased property in Nevada
  • Prepare and manage annual Nevada Properties budget
  • Work with Federal, State and local agencies to ensure compliance with regulations affecting Properties and Operations
  • Manage and maintain communication equipment on property in Nevada as necessary. Work in conjunction with ESD Communications
  • Oversee routine care-taking, maintenance and landscaping on all BRC properties as necessary
  • Schedules and coordinates NVP’s construction activities and subcontractors
  • Ensure and maintain record of all tests of material requiring testing, e.g. fire certificates, electrical certificates, fire etc. Work with other BM departments as required.
  • Act as a liaison to local businesses and residents. Handle local public relations and policy decisions as necessary. Represent BRC in Nevada.
  • Communicate on a regular basis with BRC Board members and other DPW Council Members. Provide weekly reports and provide feedback as necessary. Commute or telephonically attend meetings as necessary
  • Oversee work weekends schedules, shop use and special project needs of BRS with assistance from the BRS Access Manager.
  • Review progress reports, cost reports, schedules and requirements for project completion
  • Observe and relate relevant information to the BRC Board pertaining to any major conflicts, problems, needs or needed repairs to all facilities.
  • Maintain radio communication with the Gerlach Office and others as necessary.
  • Understand the integrated plan (IP) with other departmental timelines and objectives for the completion of each phase of BRC development; setup, maintenance and tear down.
  • Maintain and monitor the BRS Ranch House power plant.
  • Supervise, Evaluate and Provide Leadership for the Year-Round Gerlach Staff, BRS Work Crews and Work Weekend Volunteers during the event season.
  • Serve as Primary Contact / Liaison for ALL Black Rock Station activities.
  • Work in concert with the LLC and the Nevada Ops Council in managing the DPW and other BM departments collective use and care of the various Nevada Properties/Assets during the event cycle and through out the year.
  • Research and secure any required permits and/or building codes related to Property developments. Work with BM’s Contracted Planners, County and State Agencies when necessary to establish and maintain mandated code compliance.
  • Enlist and supervise independent outside contractors or any specific professionals as needed to accomplish routine maintenance or fulfill specific task as needed or required.
  • Oversee the private storage containers project for the Burning Man Event.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned

The following qualifications are required:

  • Facilities Management experience
  • Budget reporting skills and previous budget responsibilities
  • Ability to think on his or her feet, problem solve, critically think and remain calm under stress
  • Good communication, mediation and listening skills – ability to resolve interpersonal conflicts
  • Personnel management experience; proven leadership skills
  • Proven ability to interface well with the local community
  • Cheerful, outgoing, professional demeanor conducive to effectively presenting information and responding to questions from all levels of staff, volunteers and vendors. This position requires the ability to respond professionally to all individuals and work well as a team player.
  • Ability to maintain personal integrity and uphold high standards of confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and manage time appropriately.
  • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
  • Willingness and ability to live in Gerlach, a remote location
  • Able to travel for work
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of basic maintenance, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical skills necessary
  • Organizational skills
  • Strong computer, email and Internet experience
  • Knowledge of basic construction and shop practices
  • Has an awareness of the volunteer process, and has a welcoming attitude toward the integration of these volunteers into the installation and dismantling of BRC
  • Valid Class “C” Drivers’s License and clean driving record
  • Ability to lift up to 60 pounds

The following skills are not required, but candidates possessing them will be preferred:

  • Nevada Contractors license
  • Experience with Carpentry
  • Possess operating skills and certifications for Heavy Machinery
  • Experience in Property Maintenance

If you think you qualify and you’d like a shot at the job, you can submit your résumé and cover letter online at http://blackrockcity.theresumator.com/apply/5Shp1N/Nevada-Properties-Manager.html?source=staff

To be considered for employment, you must submit your application by 5:00 PM on Sunday, Aug 25th, 2013.

Good luck!

Mar 25 2013

The Digital Renaissance Faire: A New Burner Event Gets Off the Ground

by Whatsblem the Pro

DRF Logo by Corey 'Endeavor' Rosen

DRF Logo by Corey ‘Endeavor’ Rosen

The first annual Digital Renaissance Faire is coming up at the end of May in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. It isn’t particularly digital, and it’s not a Renaissance Faire; Corey ‘Endeavor’ Rosen‘s brainchild is, in Rosen’s own words, “a B.Y.O.E. (Bring Your Own Everything) community-based educational collaborative art festival practicing decommodification and sacred economy within a festival community environment.”

In other words, it’s a big burner party!

The DRF will be taking place near South Lake Tahoe from May 23rd to the 27th, with some familiar names among the theme camp participants that will be attending; Barbie Death Camp, for instance, will be hosting one of the distinct ‘villages’ at the event (Air Village), with Digital Apex providing sound.

Corey 'Endeavor' Rosen - Photo by Yobi Bear

Corey ‘Endeavor’ Rosen – Photo by Yobi Bear

“We’ll also have InpsydouT and their incredible black-light art gallery,” Rosen reports, “and the Financial Liberation Institute will be hosting a village workshop space. Remixed Ink will be bringing a screen-printing SWAG theme camp. MAP (Music, Art, Poetry) is presenting a live music and performance theme camp. . . and the YUM Truck will be cooking up some amazing food for us to sample on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Sacred Spaces will be hosting Earth Village, with the Hookahdome as their village sound camp. EVOLVER will furnish some workshop space, and don’t miss Healing Sensations‘ massage healing theme camp, even if you feel fine. SoulShine will balance your chakras with aromatherapy using scented candles, oils, soaps, and elixirs, which sounds like a pleasantly smellful time even if you’re ungroovy and don’t believe in chakras or care if they’re unbalanced.

FluxFire will be rapidly combining things with oxygen in order to threaten and enliven your very existence on this planet in Fire Village at the Digital Renaissance Faire, with soundtrack courtesy of The Othership. The folks from Leafy Green Gallery will be on hand with a sculpture gallery featuring live welding and glass-blowing demonstrations. Rainbow Heart will run a village workshop space while the Sensuality Salon will be hosting an activity theme camp designed to “connect your heart to your senses,” which is probably not as painful as it sounds. Our esteemed colleagues from Burn After Reading Magazine and Raised By Wolves will caffeinate you ’til you’re sore at their coffee bar, while PyroClastic Flow spins fire art.

Camp Happy Hour will host Water Village with a bar and art gallery, and sonic assistance from Sustainable Bass Collective. The Inversion Playground and outdoor workshop space will be available for your use courtesy of a coven of hawt adrenaline princesses known as the Tahoe Ciello Aerialists. There will be a photo booth run by Unique Exposures, and you might just find some stylin’ new (to you) duds at the Clothing Exchange.

The four traditional elements being insufficient for modern needs, there will also be an Aether Village, where the DRF Spirit Guides will man (or woman) an Information Booth, Ice Sales, and the Spirit Stage, a 24-hour open mic stage where YOU can be the star (or possibly jackass)! Rainbow Ranch will present a village workshop space, and Sk8&Create will welcome you into (out to?) their outdoor art gallery and mini skate park. 9Energies will be there, too, to determine which of the nine energies is your superpower.

The Auburn chapter of the Hip-Hop Congress is running the show in Youth Village, with ZeroDB‘s Silent Disco, and the Illumination Dissemination Theater, a movie theater providing educational documentaries and forward-thinking programs all weekend long.

It all promises to add up to an interesting event. Weather allowing, it should be a good time for everyone.

Even Cookie Monster. Photo by Tim Eliseo

Even Cookie Monster. Photo by Tim Eliseo

For More Information:

DRF Hotline: 916-WIRE-DRF
Event Website: www.digitalrenfaire.org
Ticket Page: www.pccn.ticketbud.com/digitalrenfaire
Facebook Community Page: www.facebook.com/digitalrenfaire
Facebook Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/530324116983560/

Mar 6 2013

Does Burning Man Need a New Home?

by Whatsblem the Pro

Whither goest thou, Man, in thy arty car in the night?

The struggle to allocate dollars for education and road projects has been heated between Northern and Southern Nevada in this session of the State Senate, and now Burning Man has come to the government’s attention as a ripe plum to contend over.

With over 60,000 participants annually and a ticket revenue of some 30 million dollars, “That Thing in the Desert” has become a sought-after cash cow for local and federal agencies.

Nevada State Senator David Parks

Nevada State Senator David Parks

State Senator David Parks, a Democrat representing the 7th District (which includes Las Vegas), made strong overtures toward the Org’s lobbyists after a committee meeting in which a presentation was given on the economic and cultural boost that Burning Man brings to Nevada.

“We have a lot of dry lake beds in Southern Nevada,” purred Parks seductively to the the lobbyists. “Have you ever contemplated, perhaps. . . off I-15, we’ve got the Ivanpah Lakebed.”

“It is definitely bringing people into our state,” said Black Rock Solar representative and lobbyist Tom Clark in reference to Burning Man. Clark also mentioned that a Regional event was at one time held in the desert outside of Las Vegas, but had to be canceled when the federal government began demanding permit fees for the event.

Ivanpah Dry Lake Bed

Ivanpah Dry Lake Bed

It remains to be seen how the Org intends to handle the problems presented by keeping the event in the Black Rock Desert. The cost of running the event has risen significantly as more and more city, county, state, and federal agencies have come to the table with their hands out, demanding larger and larger slices of ticket revenue.

We’ve also got a law enforcement problem on the playa; the number of on-duty officers from various agencies tripled on the playa between 2011 and 2012. Radical expression being arguably the most important of the ten principles, this is a situation that cannot be ignored for long.

Clearly, Burning Man needs to move. . . but where? Relocating to the Ivanpah Lakebed could be just the thing, or it could be going from the frying pan to the fire. There has been talk of purchasing Fly Ranch in the Hualapai Valley, but like Ivanpah, there are some serious challenges with that plan, not least of which are environmental. Private property, however, does seem to be in our future, given the decreased fees and increased freedom that holding the event on private property would bring.

But when?

Fly Ranch, Hulapei Valley - Photo by QPY

Fly Ranch, Hulapei Valley – Photo by QPY

Moving Burning Man would be good for all of us in many ways. Given the inroads made on our freedom to express ourselves and have a good time by the rapidly-growing law enforcement presence on the playa, you’d think this would be the Org’s top priority. . . but do they even care? They don’t seem to mind wasting literally years worth of our collective time with half-baked ticketing schemes, even though that problem could be (and should have already been) solved easily. Does the Org feel the pressure to move, or is that just our problem? They make their money either way; tickets will be in demand either way. . . but if we stay on BLM land, the rank-and-file burners will continue to find it increasingly difficult to find true freedom at Burning Man.

Fly Geyser - Photo by Jawsh

Fly Geyser – Photo by Jawsh

Relocation would also, I think, tend to invigorate our culture. People are highly prone to regarding things as sacred once they become traditional, and this is a corrosive influence. It starts with angry shushing at Temple Burn, and ends with Burning Man transmogrified into the Rainbow Gathering. Moving the event to new digs would help, for a while, to break that unwanted bond of holiness some of us seem so prone to forming with alkaline dust.

What would the downside of moving the Man be? The main reason we are tolerated at all by harrumphing officialdom is because we are a cash cow. If we move to private property and sidestep all those fees and permits, how will that affect, say, the way that police and highway patrol units treat us on our way in, or during Exodus? Local municipalities will continue to love us and our influx of dollars no matter where we go, but moving could have a chilling effect on the way State and federal authorities view burners. Would we rather be interfered with and potentially harassed on the highway coming in and out of Burning Man, or on the streets of Black Rock City itself? That may be the choice that must be made.