Volunteer Positions

VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS FOR
WASTELAND WEEKEND 2026 ARE CLOSED.

If you applied but did not hear back, please email volunteers@wastelandweekend.com with the name and email address you used to apply, as well as your reason for emailing. The main reason someone gets rejected as a volunteer is they don’t respond to emails from us, so its really important you use an email address you’ll actually check.

Click on the departments and listings below to find out more about each position.

The application link is at the bottom of this page.

Use a desktop computer, not a mobil device, to fill out the application.

Please do not select a position without first familiarizing yourself with its requirements. Some departments require prior experience, or specialty training

NOTE: Positions marked “FULL” and/or crossed out are no longer available – but if you have already applied and haven’t heard back, you may still be in consideration for that role.

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ON-SITE BUILD

On-Site Build positions require 4 full days. The most common way these days are done are either both weekends before the event, or starting the Saturday before the event. Other options may be available, but must be cleared by one of the Build Team Leads.

Advance Team aka Outriders

Arrives two weeks before the event. Deals closely with Logistics, Boundary, and other branches of the Build Crew. Jack-of-all-trades preferred over any one skill set. Think of this as the tip of the spear for on-site build / setup crew. This position is not an available choice on the volunteer application. If you are interested in being an Outrider, please apply for Build Crew, and chose the maximum number of Build Team dates pre-event, and indicate your interest in the “anything else” prompt.

Boundary Crew

(4 day commitment for pre-event) Responsible for putting up the event boundaries, and roping off designated parking and camping areas. Arrives first and gets boundaries set up to keep the event secure. This is a very physical job, you can think of it as “arm day,” every day. They pound t-posts, set rope, and when they finish they jump into build crew and help where they are needed most. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be able to work BOTH weekends PRIOR to the event.

On-Site Build Crew

(4 day commitment for pre-event): Assembles and erects major set pieces (stage, gates, various structures). Mechanical, electrical, and fabrication experience preferred, but not required. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be able to arrive onsite the days BEFORE Wasteland, and continue (sometimes in hot or cold temperatures) until everything is done.]

Engineering

(4 day commitment for pre-event): Builds and fabricates ON SITE to meet whatever needs our setup and logistics personnel may have. Requires a variety of skills with tools and machinery. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be able to arrive onsite the Friday BEFORE Wasteland Weekend.]

Depot

[TEAM IS FULL] Manages the stockpile of supplies and construction materials needed for assembling and running the city. Organization and a good memory are key here. “Where can I find the X” is a question you’ll be answering constantly. This is a pre-event, during-event, and post-event position.

Kitchen Crew

(4 day commitment):Cooks for Build Crew during pre-event. Cooks for Teardown Team during post-event. Basic understanding of food safety a plus. Runs during Pre-Event Build and Post-Event Teardown. (Please indicate which crew you are applying for- Build or Tear Down).

~~PUBLIC WORKS~~

PUBLIC WORKS

(4 day commitment): May include one or more of the following duties: DOT Sign Placement, Road Crew, reallocating portable toilets to other locations (you WILL NOT be cleaning them, just moving them around). This could involve fairly strenuous activity, working with shovels, and other tools. This role takes place the Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before the event.

~~HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOADS & LOGISTICS (aka HELL TEAM)~~

Heavy Equipment Loads & Logistics (aka HELL) CDL Driver

(4 day commitment): Like the name says, you must have a current CDL license for this role. Driving loads to and from the event site. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. This role can span up to 2 weeks prior and 1 week after the event.

Heavy Equipment Loads & Logistics (aka HELL) Transport & Logistics - Load Specialist

(4 day commitment): Do you know your way safely around heavy equipment? This is a role providing support to our equipment operators. Properly securing trailer loads, assisting load management, keeping additional eyes/hands open for the operators. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. This role takes place up to 2 weeks before and 1 week after the event.

Heavy Equipment Loads & Logistics (aka HELL) Equipment Operators

(4 day commitment, pre-event and post event) Experience behind the wheel of various equipment, and enjoy grueling days in the sun picking up and putting down, soaking roads, driving trailers? If you like to operate machinery (such as VR telehandling forklifts, dust abatement water trucks, front end loaders, trenchers, and gooseneck/ bumper pull 30 foot + trailers) in various capacities please submit information relating to your experience in addition to what you would be looking to do. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. This role can span up to 2 weeks prior and 1 week after the event.

~~WASTELAND POWER CORPS (WPC)~~

Wasteland Power Corps- Power and Networking (WPC)

(4 day commitment, shifts available before, during, and after the event) WPC lays out the power grid and keeps it running during the event. Experience with cabling, electrical, and/or rigging preferred, attention to detail and ability to follow safety protocol required. This team also handles network setup/management and occasional AV/lighting around the site, and we’re looking for folks with experience in those areas, as well.

~~CHECK-IN~~

Check-In

[DEPARTMENT FULL] Greets and checks all individuals into event at the gate. Checks IDs and scans tickets. Distributes waivers and verifies for legible and correct submission of information. Applies wristbands and performs vehicle searches. This position can require significant amounts of time walking and standing during your shift. This position may require some training time in the weeks before the event via video, though most training will occur onsite. (Learn more about our entry etiquette here.)

~~COMMAND CENTER~~

Command Supervisor

Partners with Command Center Managers to ensure volunteer assignments, front desk operations, and communication between CC managers and other departments as needed. The CC Supervisors remain at the desk for the majority of their shift to handle incoming CC arrivals and facilitate easy problem solving and solutions for CC managers. Multitasking, organization, radio experience, and previous Wasteland World events CC Admin/Supervisor experience preferred. CC experience required.

Command Admin

Partners with CC Managers and Supervisors to train, organize and manage volunteer teams directly related to Command Center. Leads “boots on the ground” teams of Gophers to on-site tasks as needed, serves as field supervisor/communications point for Gophers, Rations Runners, Dispatch and Disposal. Assist CC Supervisor with front desk as needed. Previous Wasteland World event CC experience preferred.

Radio Dispatch

Manages walkie-talkies/radios and monitors radio activity in support of the Command Center Supervisor during the event. Checks radios and accessories in and out, refresh batteries as needed. Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions is a must. My also assist Command Center team with admin duties as time permits.

Info Tire Attendant

Stays at the Info Tire (information booth at the Command Center) offering general event information, and assisting with various Command Center projects like Volunteer Check-In. Available for both day and night hours. Previous Wasteland Weekend attendance / experience required.

Gofer

Runs errands for Command Center staff and helps with anything that comes up. Sometimes reassigned to fill in other volunteer roles as needed. May include occasional heavy lifting, carrying, and working with your hands, or simple tasks like fetching items from other areas onsite.

Errand Runner with Vehicle

Holds a valid driver’s license and owns a dependable, insured vehicle with moderate carrying capacity (must be able to load up with things like bags of ice, crates of water bottles, fuel cans, full bags of garbage, etc). You will be on standby at Command Center to make runs into town (approximately one run every day). You will be a designated driver. You -must not- drink alcohol or otherwise become unfit for driving. Must be available and sober from Wednesday morning to Saturday night.

~~GENERATOR SAFETY~~ [DEPARTMENT FULL]

Generator Safety

Inspects and ensures generator compliance, extinguisher requirements, and fuel safety in all areas of the event, which includes Tribe spaces within the Theme Zone, vendors, and general camping. Must maintain radio communication and remain on call during shift days. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Previous Wasteland Weekend volunteer experience required.

~~ATOMIC CAFE~~ [DEPARTMENT FULL]

Community Bar Bartender

Cafe servers mix drinks from donated supplies at our free community bar (taking BYOB to the next level). Shifts will take place at sunset and run late, Thursday-Saturday. There will be mandatory training for ALL Atomic Cafe staff. You must be on time, functional, and be prepared to do your entire shift. Intoxication at any point during your shift will result in your dismissal and a ban on future volunteering. Prior bartending experience a major plus, so let us know. The Atomic Cafe is located very close to the Main Stage, so you will be able to catch performances and listen to music pretty much all night. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: You must be 21 years old or older to work this position.

Community Bar Barback

Shifts will take place at sunset and run late, Thursday-Saturday. There will be mandatory training for ALL Atomic Cafe staff. You must be on time, functional, and be prepared to do your entire shift. Intoxication at any point during your shift will result in your dismissal and a ban on future volunteering. Prior bartending experience a major plus, so let us know. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: You must be 21 years old or older to work this position.

~~MEDICAL~~

Medical Provider

Provides basic first aid and emergency medical care (BLS), under the direction of the Medical Manager. Medical Providers will have licenses and/or certifications confirmed by Kern County EMS prior to being approved for this position. Provider shifts are exclusively during the event and some night shifts are a requirement. Providers are exempt from Medical Build and Medical Tear Down shifts. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must hold current certification as a: Medical Doctor (ER/Trauma a plus), Nurse (RN), If you are a EMT-B/EMT-P you MUST hold California State certification. It is recommended that you have professional liability insurance for this event. If you do not, you can find affordable insurance at: http://www.hpso.com/ NOTE: If you are an LVN or LPN you cannot provide patient care outside a hospital/hospice setting in Kern County, you must volunteer as a Scribe (see below).

Medical Scribe

Works in the Medical Tent, Foot Patrols and Vehicle Patrols documenting patient care while Providers treat patients. A background in medical terminology or past experience as a EMS dispatcher, EMT or other relevant emergency medical experience is recommended. Positions within Scribe: Radio Dispatcher, Patient Check-in.

Medical Wellness

Medical Wellness volunteers provide mental and emotional health advocacy services to ensure diversity and inclusion for Wasteland Medical patients. Diversity and inclusion are about recognizing, respecting, and valuing differences based on gender, race, skin color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, physical ability, and sexual orientation. Wellness volunteers also provide one-on-one care to persons experiencing emotional and mental health emergencies. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Experience in Psychological Care, Crisis Intervention, CBT, TF-CBT and PTSD Counseling are preferred.

~~SECURITY~~

Security

Performs non-confrontational duties, including wristband checks. Observes and reports as needed under the supervision of the Security Manager. Will probably require significant time walking during shift, all security personnel should EXPECT to have an overnight / graveyard shift (however some overnight shifts will be shorter and will still count as a FULL SHIFT, so working overnights can result in fewer total hours). May require filling out incident reports and working alongside the Security Manager with local law enforcement. This is an OBSERVE AND REPORT JOB ONLY. Let us know if you have a current GUARD CARD (Not required, but preferred)

~~ENTERTAINMENT~~

Assistant to Entertainment Director

Assists Entertainment Director onsite throughout the weekend, helping with wrangling performers and facilitating shows at both the main stage and other performance areas. Some pre-event communications likely.

Stage Tech

Arrives before the stage opens for the night and checks gear with the light board operator and sound engineer and assists them and the stage supervisor throughout the evening. Helps bands get their gear on and off stage (roadie). Also needed are stage techs that can help set up in the days BEFORE the event begins.

Light Board Operator

Film Festival Attendant, Projectionist

~~Arrives sometime Thursday late afternoon to set up and test equipment for the Wasteland Weekend International Film Festival. Some tech knowledge a plus, ability to learn quickly a must.~~

~~BODY SHOP~~ [Daytime Positions]

Body Shop Host

Greets and invites attendees into the Body Shop for complimentary thematic makeover services. Reviews the design choices and schedules flow of service traffic to the next available hair or makeup artist. If you’re outgoing and a bit of a stylist, this would be a great position for you. Hosts may offer beard or hair oils as additional bonus services.

Body Shop Hair Artist

~~Cut, style, and primp up the hairs of the Wasteland! Preference given to those who provide links/photos as portfolio samples. Cosmetology license not required.~~

Body Shop Makeup Artist

This can be battle makeup, warpaint, blood & dirt, and more. Preference given to those who provide links/photos as portfolio samples. Wasteland will provide makeup supplies, but you are welcome to bring some of your own tools if they can be kept hygienic/sterile. Bonus if you have airbrushing experience! Cosmetology license not required.

Body Shop Henna Artist

Bring some grace to the wastes. Professional henna artists will use industry approved products to stain the masses. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: MUST provide link to portfolio examples in order to be considered.

TEAR DOWN (POST-EVENT)

Tear Down Crew

(4 day commitment) Post-Event teardown, load-out, and logistics. Involves dismantling of Wasteland structures, loading/unloading trailers, and site cleanup. This is a highly physical job that sometimes involves working in hot temperatures. This is the legendary TEAR DOWN CREW. The ones who bring the City down and return the site to empty desert when it’s all over. Amazing camaraderie and hard work that begins when the rest of Wasteland has left. If you commit to this, you are one of our heroes, but you sure as hell need to SHOW UP. Do NOT volunteer for this job if there is any chance of you bailing on it at the last minute. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Position requires volunteer to be on site for FOUR DAYS starting the Monday after the event. So Monday through Thursday (and if you can stay longer, that’s even better). After wrap-up is complete, an additional paid ticket for a friend of your choice will be refunded (from the CURRENT year) OR you can receive a voucher for yourself for NEXT YEAR. NOTE: This is one of the few (often only) volunteer positions that awards TWO tickets for the event (because you’re working 4 days, not just 2 days).

Trash Panda

(2 day commitment!) Post-event cleanup. This crew walks the event site making sure no trash is left behind, leaving it clean for next year. Fairly low impact, and does not require heavy lifting. Must be in a physical condition where walking is not an issue. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Position requires volunteer to remain on site Monday AND Tuesday AFTER the event.

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Found something you like? If you are interested in a position listed above, fill out the Volunteer Application when it is live.
If you don’t see a position from a previous year, it either was changed/removed, or it’s now being internally staffed.

Remember, you’ll know your application went through properly when you see the “Thank You” page after you hit submit.

If you don’t see that page, it means something is not filled out correctly.
You will remain on the application page so you can find the problem, correct it, and try submitting again.