The Zozobra team is looking for a lot of help this year. Everyone always asks me how they can help so here’s your chance.

It's time to apply for Zozobra Positions!

Below is a list of the available leadership positions for the 102nd Burning of Zozobra, listed alphabetically with requirements.  New Kiwanis members, we welcome you to apply and use your abilities to help create a spectacular burn for America's 250th anniversary year! If you have questions about any positions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Event Chair Ray Sandoval at burnhimburnzozobra.com.

**DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026, PM**

We know this is a lot to read, but attention to detail helps us succeed. Please note that we will resume ticket and merchandise sales earlier this year, per our tourism partners' recommendations, so some deadlines are scheduled earlier in the year.

oAVAILABLE DEPARTMENT HEAD 

POSITIONS

TICKETS: Stipend $2,000 *Possible 1099*

Description: This person will be responsible to work with the Event Chairto find an affordable and reliable vendor company to handle the printing of tickets and wristbands, provide event staffing, and produce accurate post-event reporting

Duties include:

-Work closely with website designer and Event Chair to produce a visually pleasing ticket containing all information necessary for safe entry and enjoyment of the event

-Work with Event Chair to set ticket capacities and prices

-Recruit, vet, and manage tickets volunteers and if needed, contract with outside agencies for affordable paid staffing

-Identify placement of ticket booths and coordinate with the Field -Logistics Deputy for necessary infrastructure

-Work with Gates Chair to ensure seamless entry and ticket scanning

-Work with the Event Chair to create and send informative ticket-buyer emails

-Report to the Board and Event Chair regarding credit union ticket sales locations before and during the event

-Understand and accept responsibility for tracking and accounting for every ticket

-Understand and be able to explain pricing, details, and location of each viewing area

-Determine appropriate deployment of ticket volunteers

Qualifications:

• Organizational skills

• Budgeting skills

• Must be articulate and able to represent the desires of the Club and the needs of the event

• Ability to make solid, logical decisions under pressure and in changing conditions

FIELD LOGISTICS: DEPUTY POSITION UNDER FIELD LOGISTICS CHAIR: Stipend $500

Description: This position is responsible for assisting the Field Logistics Chair with obtaining infrastructure and equipment reequired to produce this event.

Duties include:

-Working with the Field Logistics Chair to obtain multiple quotes for services and equipment

-Ensuring that required deposits are made on time

-Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the terms of the contracts with vendors

-Being on-site during the delivery and set-up of equipment and during the burning event

-Keeping accurate, detailed records of expenses and ensuring a timely return of any remaining funds and receipts to the Treasurer

Qualifications:

• Friendly, personable manner

• Possess a good understanding of field layout

• Good organizational skills and record-keeping

• Ability to create and maintain Google spreadsheets

• Ability to work well in a stressful environment in changing conditions

NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISON: DEPUTY POSITION UNDER EVENT CHAIR: Stipend $250

Description: This individual is responsible for maintaining good relationships in the neighborhoods surrounding Fort Marcy, with particular attention during the two weeks leading up to the burning.

Duties include:

-Attending neighborhood meetings

-Assisting in the production of neighborhood letters

-Familiarity with neighborhood groups

-Awareness of road closures and times

-Interface with neighbors on a one-to-one basis as needed

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Fort Marcy neighborhood and its character

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Ability to deal with neighbor frustrations in a non-confrontational manner

RISK CHIEF/SAFETY OFFICER: Stipend $500

Description: This person may come in contact with irate, hostile, or antagonistic people who may respond to the potential of an enforcement action with verbal abuse or threats of physical harm.

Duties include:

-Assist in ensuring compliance with all policies, established safety practices, and security for Zozobra events to prevent safety incidents or loss.

-Assist Department Chairs in carrying out accepted safety practices and compliance with safety policies.

-Assist in Safety Awareness Training during the construction and staging of Zozobra.

-Ensure that accepted necessary safety procedures and OSHA guidelines are followed, including safety equipment compliance. 

-Assist the Zozobra Security team in keeping the Staging areas secure

-Identify workplace hazards and bring them to the attention of Department Heads and the Risk Management Chair.

-Ensure that required safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and fire blankets, is in place during the staging and burning of Zozobra.

Qualifications:

Understand exposure to any and all physical/environmental safety and health conditions found in the workplace

Work a flexible work schedule during the construction and staging of the event

Ensure necessary safety equipment, such as safety vests, hard hats, and closed-toe shoes, is utilized. Dark-color, long-sleeved shirts are required for the Burning of Zozobra in the pyro zone.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITING AND SCREENING: Stipend $250

Description: This person will be responsible for helping to find and screen potential volunteers and/or contracted staff

Duties include:

-Screening new volunteers to find a good fit within the event

-Ensure that new volunteers have passed a background check before receiving an assignment

-Assist Dept. Heads in obtaining and evaluating contracted services, when necessary

Qualifications:

• Experience with volunteer management

• Technical communications skills

• Good organizational skills

• Friendly and patient personality

KIWANIS EOC LIAISON: Stipend $250
Description: This individual is responsible for being the liaison between Kiwanis event security and City safety professionals.

Duties include:
-Attending specified safety meetings with City personnel
-Represent Kiwanis in the off-site City Emergency Operations Center during the burning
-Familiarity with risk and safety protocols
-Awareness of need for confidentiality

Qualifications:
Friendly, professional and manner
Respect for authority in dealings with governmental personnel
Familiarity with the Zozobra event
Ability to work well in a stressful environment in changing conditions

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**REQUIRED POLICES AND PROCEDURES**

Record-Keeping Requirements for Department Heads

As part of our commitment to maintaining accurate and transparent records, all Department Heads are required to adhere to the following record-keeping guidelines:

1. Meetings and Notes:

  - Maintain detailed records and notes of all departmental meetings, including agendas, discussions, and action items.

  - Store meeting notes in designated department Google Drive folder.

2. Receipts and Invoices:

  - Ensure that all receipts and invoices related to departmental expenses are scanned or photographed and uploaded to the designated department Google Drive folder.

  - Link receipts within the Google Sheet budget for the department for easy reference and tracking.

3. Contemporaneous Record-Keeping:

  - Records, receipts, and notes must be kept contemporaneously, meaning they should be uploaded immediately after the meeting or upon receipt of the invoice or receipt.

  - Photos of receipts, invoices, and meeting notes should be promptly uploaded to the department's Google Drive folder to ensure real-time record-keeping.

4. File Naming and Description:

  - When uploading receipts or notes, avoid using personal names in the file names. Instead, use a standardized naming convention that includes the year, date, and document type.

  - Provide a brief description or note when taking a picture of the notes or receipts to provide context and aid in organization.

5. Assisting Merchandise

 - Department Heads are required to volunteer for a minimum of two hours assisting in the merchandise booth during at least two of the annual Zozobra sales dates: Stuffing Day, July 4th, and/or ZozoFest.

6. Soliciting Sponsorships:

 - Department Heads are responsible for finding monetary or in-kind sponsorships from businesses or individuals to help fund their stipend. In addition, Department Heads are required to work on obtaining discounts on materials listed in their department's budget; target goals will be discussed on an individual departmental basis during initial meetings.

7. Compliance and Stipend Consideration:

  - Compliance with these record-keeping requirements is mandatory for all Department Heads.

  - Failure to adhere to all requirements may affect your eligibility to receive stipends and could impact your standing within the Zozobra organization.

It is essential that all Department Heads take these record-keeping requirements seriously in order to ensure financial transparency and accountability within the organization. If you have any questions or need further clarification on these guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate administrative personnel.

DEPARTMENT SAFETY PLAN AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN REQUIREMENT

To ensure the safety and well-being of all department staff and volunteers, it is imperative to create a comprehensive safety plan that addresses potential risks and emergencies. The safety plan should cover the following areas, with specific details for our department:

1. Safe Use of Tools:

  - Provide guidelines and best practices for the safe use of tools commonly used within the department.

  - Ensure that all staff and volunteers receive appropriate training on tool safety and usage.

2. Trip and Fall Hazards:

  - Identify potential trip and fall hazards within the department's workspace.

  - Implement measures to mitigate these hazards, such as proper storage of equipment and clear pathways.

3. Handling Dangerous Materials:

  - Detail protocols for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of dangerous materials relevant to our department's activities.

  - Provide information on personal protective equipment (PPE) required for handling such materials.

4. Sunstroke and Dehydration Prevention:

  - Educate staff and volunteers on the risks of sunstroke and dehydration, especially during outdoor activities or in warm environments.

  - Encourage regular hydration and provide shaded areas or breaks during outdoor work.

5. Emergency Meeting Place Procedures:

  - Establish a designated meeting place for all staff and volunteers in the event of an emergency or evacuation.

  - Clearly communicate the procedures for assembling at the meeting place and accounting for all individuals.

Map of Safe Meeting Place:

  - Create an