Ottawa Folk Festival Volunteers: 2009 Ottawa Folk Festival Volunteer Job Descriptions
2009 Ottawa Folk Festival Volunteer Job Descriptions
Wondering what kind of stuff you can volunteer for at our fest? Here's a rundown-
1. Box Office - The point for purchasing tickets to the Folk Festival located in the Trolley area between the parking lots and main gate, is also known as the Box Office
Title: Ambassador
Duties: checking in members of the folk festival, volunteers, media personnel etc. providing bracelets, t shirts and information. Checking credentials and ensuring arrivals are provided with pertinent information to locate their crew, stage or area.
Skills: superior customer service skills; work efficiently without supervision; learn new tasks quickly and effectively; attention to detail; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment; flexible and energetic.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; this position is mainly indoors but may require occasional tasks to be completed outdoors; sitting for long periods of time.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
2. Floaters - The floater tent is located next to the Dish Tent in the Volunteer Village. This is the home base for volunteers who are awaiting assignment to various areas within the festival.
Title: Floater
Duties: assist with any festival area where needed
Skills: ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment; flexible; effective communication skills; social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; some lifting may be required; duties may not be assigned immediately at beginning of shift - volunteers are assigned an area of the festival as needs arise.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
3. Artist Care – The artist hospitality area is located next to the Volunteer Food Tent. This is where hospitality volunteer hosts look after all the requests of the artists including but not limited to food, dressing room, and on-site requirements.
Title: Host
Duties: set-up, cleaning and shutdown of artist area; preparing food trays; inventory delivery to other areas.
Skills: detail-oriented; organizational and communication skills; ability to follow instructions; able to multi-task in a fast-paced, yet fun team environment as well as ability to work with little or no supervision when required.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
4. Coffee Tent - The Coffee Tent, located in the main patio area, is the home for Bridgehead Coffee Sales.
Title: Sales Rep
Duties: selling coffee and treats to festival patrons; balancing float and cash intake at end of shift.
Skills: cash experience and be comfortable handling money; team-work; responsible; courteous; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; flexible; social; energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; wheelchair accessible; some lifting may be required; socially minded individuals. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
5. Beer Tent Cashier – Beer Cashiers are a key part, the face of the beer tent.
Duties: handle money, make change, validate currency; count and verify float at start of shift; count and verify cash at close of day; monitor change types and quantities, and alert supervisor as needed; communicate with customers and pass on their orders to fellow crew in a friendly manner; check for "Age of Majority", being aware of valid IDs.
Skills: attention to detail; able to multi-task; be organized and able to follow directions; work in a team, at times under pressure; be professional and courteous; communicate clearly.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; integrity and honesty in handling cash; bartending/serving experience an asset, but NOT mandatory; Smart Serve certificate preferred, but NOT mandatory; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; wheelchair accessible.
Shifts: Shift times are approximate and subject to change.
6. Bike Park (Supervised) - The bike park is an open-air, supervised and worry-free area that patrons and volunteers can store their bikes while attending the festival.
Title: Bike Monitor
Duties: greet cyclists; tag bikes and provide claim chit to cyclists; log the tag number and time of entry/pickup; collect donations; position bicycles, in numerical order, along the barricades in the compound; return bikes to cyclists upon presentation of the claim chit; display/hand out cycling literature; answer questions.
Skills: courteous and friendly; reliable and trustworthy; ability to work in a fast - paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; attention to detail; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in at the volunteer trailer, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; light physical labor within parking compound;
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
7. Merch Tent - The Merch tent, located just across from the Main Stage, is an area on site where patrons can purchase Folk Festival merchandise
Title: Sales Rep
Duties: monitor inventory; customer service; creative display of merchandise.
Skills: courteous; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; people skills; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; attention to detail; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in at the volunteer trailer, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; sales experience an asset; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; some lifting may be required; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
8. Enviro Dish Crew - The Enviro Dish Crew has its headquarters located on the patio next to the Floater Tent. The area is used to clean the dishes used by volunteers and attendees, as a part of our green initiative. Its secondary tent is located among the vendors for pick up and drop off of the dishes.
Title: Enviro Host
Duties: Volunteers who work this area are responsible for gathering dishes from the milk crates located around the site, clearing the dishes for wash and washing dishes in the enviro friendly dish area.
Skills: able to have fun in a fast-paced environment; organized and able to follow directions; work as a team and work under pressure; social, energetic; effective communication skills; ability to respond to and fulfill requests efficiently.
Special Requirements: standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required.
Shifts:
FRIDAY: 5-9PM, 7-11PM
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: 9-1PM, 11-3PM, 1-5PM, 3-7PM, 5-9PM, 7-11PM
9. Main Gate – The Main Gate is the area that recruits volunteers to support the overall effective operation of admissions/tickets/wristba
Title: Gate Monitor
Duties: issuing wristbands to patrons that have already purchased tickets; answering festival related questions; checking for proper wristband accreditation
Skills: work in a fast-paced environment; organized and able to follow directions; work as a team; work under pressure; professional and courteous; social, energetic and willing to learn; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; attention to detail.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather;
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
10. Green Team/ Committee - The green team is a group of environmentally conscious volunteers who are responsible for supporting the effective operation of all greening initiatives, including garbage and recycling, and patron education at the Ottawa Folk Festival
Title: Green Team
Duties: Emptying and sorting of recycling containers and Cupsuckers throughout the site; collection of compost materials; engaging festival attendees and answering questions about the Ottawa Folk Festivals new environmental strategies; distributing information about the Ottawa Folk Festivals environmental initiatives; encouraging people to use the new waste reduction facilities such as recycling bins and cup suckers.
Skills: friendly, outgoing and motivated; sociable, outgoing, enthusiastic, and ENERGETIC!; positive attitude; professional and courteous; effective communication skills; ability to work in groups of 2 or 3 with little or no supervision.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; knowledge of environmental issues; some lifting will be required; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
11. Info Booth - The info booth, located beside the CD Warehouse, is an area where volunteers will be available to answer questions, and seek answers to patron requests.
Title: Festival Ambassador
Duties: answering customer questions both at info booth and roaming throughout site; handing out schedules.
Skills: superior customer service; work efficiently without supervision; effective communication skills; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment; flexible and energetic.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; wheelchair accessible. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
12. Survey Crew – The survey crew are responsible for speaking with patrons of the Ottawa Folk Festival and performing a quick questionnaire on various aspects of the festival and having the patron rank and give examples of items such as: Ease of transport to the festival, who did you travel to the festival with etc.
Title: Survey Crew
Duties: work with survey crew leader to have questionnaires completed at a variety of times of day, actual days with a wide spectrum of patron demographics
Skills: excellent interpersonal and communication skills; customer service experience; able to multi-task and follow instructions; work under pressure and with little or no supervision; professional and courteous; respond/fulfill requests promptly and efficiently; social, energetic and willing to learn; attention to detail and good judgment; comfortable working with a small team.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
13. Hospitality – The Food and Beverage area located on the patio next to the artist care tent, is responsible for cooking, presenting and serving food and drink to the festival volunteers, band members and members of our Folk Community.
Title: Host, Server
Duties: Volunteers who work this area are rotated between duties such as: checking credentials to gain access; cooking, serving and patron assistance; stock, set-up and clean-up duties;
Skills: Coordinating menus and food preparation for large groups of people. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; customer service experience; able to multi-task; work under pressure and with little or no supervision; professional and courteous; respond/fulfill requests promptly and efficiently; social, energetic and willing to learn; attention to detail.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
14. Photography- 14. Photography- The photography crew is responsible for covering all aspects of the Folk Festival from 'behind the lens" to create a visual documentation of the Festival and special events during the year including artists, performances, the crowd, volunteers and sponsor signage placement/visibility.
Title: Photographer
Duties: taking pictures, finding unique visions of all activities at the festival and providing the Photography crew chief with a selected set of digital images.
Skills: photography background, excellent interpersonal and communication skills; courteous; customer service experience an asset; able to multi-task and follow instructions; social, energetic and willing to learn; comfortable working with a small team; organizational skills.
Special Requirements: Photography experience is necessary, especially in live music settings, bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
14a. Photography crew chief – The photography crew chief is responsible for
1. Making sure the Festival and events through the year are appropriately covered by
a. Consulting with marketing and other office departments to define the needs.
b. Keeping an up-to-date schedule of events
2. Scheduling enough crew with proper equipment to do the job.
3. Editing the resulting selected images and delivering them to the office.
4. Being available to consult and provide expertise for any special photographic needs the OFF may require.
5. Developing and maintaining up-to-date the “photo archive”
15. Signage - The volunteers that are responsible for building decorations/ painting signs for the festival and setting up the signage on site.
Title: Décor Assistant
Duties: working with site designer; creating and restoring stage and park props.
Skills: artistic; ability to paint/trace/glue-gun/sew.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in with your area leader, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; comfortable using power tools; some lifting may be required; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: shifts are scheduled prior to the Folk Festival on weekdays and weekends, usually beginning in May; set-up prior to the Folk Festival and take-down after the festival.
16. Instrument Lockup - The instrument lockup area is located inside the Ron Kolbus Community Center, and is responsible for checking in/ out and securing instruments brought onto the site by performers.
Title: Instrument Care Rep
Duties: monitor and organize inventory; assist in the transport of equipment, issuing tags for instrument pick up.
Skills: comfortable handling expensive equipment; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi-task; attention to detail; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required;
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
17. Kid Zone - The kid zone tent, located just north west of the main stage, is an area that that features programs and activities for children and parents to enjoy while the festival takes place
Title: Kids Zone Staff
Duties: setting up kid zone area, developing program for child activities, monitoring children in an open air atmostphere.
Skills: comfortable working with children of all ages, must be a sociable, easily approachable person; able to work in a crowd; team-work; responsible; courteous; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; wheelchair accessible; socially minded individuals. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
18. Street Team - The street team is responsible for postering designated locations for our upcoming festival. This team is provided with materials, posters and a list of locations to speak with the manager on duty about placing our festival poster in their store.
Title: Street Team
Duties: taking materials, posters and list of locations across the City of Ottawa and having them approved for display by local merchants.
Skills: effective communication skills; ability to multi task; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment; attention to detail; willing to work independently, flexible; social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; standing/ walking for long periods of time; socially minded individuals.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
19. Production Crew – the production crew is a team of volunteers who support the effective movement and placement of stage equipment on several festival stages.
Title: Stage Hand
Duties: loading and unloading of trucks and moving equipment; setting of stage in preparation for shows; stage tear-down and clean-up; other duties as required.
Skills: must be a team player; must be able to follow complex, detailed instructions.
Special Requirements: steel-toe shoes/boots required for this position; must be capable of performing physical tasks including the loading and unloading of trucks and moving equipment; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; stage experience preferred. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: may require work outside of normal volunteer shifts, daytime availability may be required.
20. Performer Transport - This team of volunteers fulfills the ground transportation needs for artists arriving to Ottawa without their own means of transportation.
Title: Driver
Duties: transportation of artists mainly between point of arrival\departure (i.e. Airport, Train\Bus Station) and hotel and festival grounds; must be able to help performers and crew with vehicle loading\unloading of luggage and equipment.
Skills: patience, diplomacy and ability to multi-task are essential; friendly, courteous and enjoy interacting with others.
Special Requirements: 25 years of age and over; Class G driver’s license and a clean driving record; knowledge of Ottawa area; comfortable with driving a mini-van or SUV in Ottawa area. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol or smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to varying artist needs, volunteers are scheduled for driving assignments and shifts in the week leading up to the festival and one to two days following the festival. Late night and early morning driving assignments may be required. Shifts may also be required until 2:00 a.m. if Folk Festival shows are booked outside of the Festival weekend.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to varying artist needs, scheduling for volunteers occurs the week the festival begins. Late night shifts may also be required until 2:00 a.m. if club shows are booked.
21. Safety/ Security - Located in all over the Folk Festival site, the volunteer security team supports the efforts of the Security Crew Leader.
Title: Security Monitor
Duties: monitor gated areas and maintain festival rules; deal with unhappy or intoxicated customers; answer general information questions; check bags and coolers upon admission.
Skills: alert and attentive to detail, able to work with little supervision; effective communication skills; follow specific instructions; courteous; cooperative and flexible;
outgoing; good interpersonal skills.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; previous security experience an asset; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; Smart Serve certificate would be an asset, but NOT mandatory. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol or smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
22. Traffic – The traffic team is responsible for the safe and efficient direction of traffic onto the Folk Festival site, and aiding them in parking on our lot.
Title: Traffic/ Parking Monitor
Duties: Volunteers in this area will monitor incoming traffic, the current location of parking for incoming cars, keeping fire lanes and access clear, and directing and informing arriving patrons of necessary details.
Skills: attention to detail; learn new tasks quickly and efficiently; social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in at the volunteer trailer, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; some lifting may be required; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; sitting for long periods of time.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
23. VIP Check In - The VIP Check In area is located inside the Ron Kolbus Community Center where artists and their crews who have not yet received their packages at the hotel may check in to receive their Folk Festival packages.
Title: VIP Check In
Duties: Meet and greet any VIPs as they check in to the Folk Festival site, direct them to the green room or instrument lockup, arrange, if necessary for instrument transportation; give out complimentary badges/ bracelets, be in charge of T-shirts/badges/bracelets for Volunteers who have not picked them up earlier; redirect volunteers to their crew positions.
Skills: sociable; outgoing; enthusiastic; energetic; detail-oriented; organizational skills; professional and courteous; effective communication skills; ability to work with little or no supervision; ability to respond to and fulfill requests efficiently.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory, this position not suitable for those with handicaps
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
24. Crafts and Artisans- The Craft and Artisan area is located in the parking lot just West of the Main Stage
Title: Craft and Artisan Rep
Duties: meet and help guide artisans and crafters as they arrive at Folk Fest, ensure safe efficient setup of booths, aid throughout the weekend in answering questions or seeking items that may be required by these paid attendees of the Folk Fest.
Skills: sociable; outgoing; enthusiastic; energetic; detail-oriented; organizational skills; professional and courteous; effective communication skills; ability to work with little or no supervision; ability to respond to and fulfill requests efficiently.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time..
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
1. Box Office - The point for purchasing tickets to the Folk Festival located in the Trolley area between the parking lots and main gate, is also known as the Box Office
Title: Ambassador
Duties: checking in members of the folk festival, volunteers, media personnel etc. providing bracelets, t shirts and information. Checking credentials and ensuring arrivals are provided with pertinent information to locate their crew, stage or area.
Skills: superior customer service skills; work efficiently without supervision; learn new tasks quickly and effectively; attention to detail; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment; flexible and energetic.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; this position is mainly indoors but may require occasional tasks to be completed outdoors; sitting for long periods of time.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
2. Floaters - The floater tent is located next to the Dish Tent in the Volunteer Village. This is the home base for volunteers who are awaiting assignment to various areas within the festival.
Title: Floater
Duties: assist with any festival area where needed
Skills: ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment; flexible; effective communication skills; social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; some lifting may be required; duties may not be assigned immediately at beginning of shift - volunteers are assigned an area of the festival as needs arise.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
3. Artist Care – The artist hospitality area is located next to the Volunteer Food Tent. This is where hospitality volunteer hosts look after all the requests of the artists including but not limited to food, dressing room, and on-site requirements.
Title: Host
Duties: set-up, cleaning and shutdown of artist area; preparing food trays; inventory delivery to other areas.
Skills: detail-oriented; organizational and communication skills; ability to follow instructions; able to multi-task in a fast-paced, yet fun team environment as well as ability to work with little or no supervision when required.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
4. Coffee Tent - The Coffee Tent, located in the main patio area, is the home for Bridgehead Coffee Sales.
Title: Sales Rep
Duties: selling coffee and treats to festival patrons; balancing float and cash intake at end of shift.
Skills: cash experience and be comfortable handling money; team-work; responsible; courteous; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; flexible; social; energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; wheelchair accessible; some lifting may be required; socially minded individuals. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
5. Beer Tent Cashier – Beer Cashiers are a key part, the face of the beer tent.
Duties: handle money, make change, validate currency; count and verify float at start of shift; count and verify cash at close of day; monitor change types and quantities, and alert supervisor as needed; communicate with customers and pass on their orders to fellow crew in a friendly manner; check for "Age of Majority", being aware of valid IDs.
Skills: attention to detail; able to multi-task; be organized and able to follow directions; work in a team, at times under pressure; be professional and courteous; communicate clearly.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; integrity and honesty in handling cash; bartending/serving experience an asset, but NOT mandatory; Smart Serve certificate preferred, but NOT mandatory; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; wheelchair accessible.
Shifts: Shift times are approximate and subject to change.
6. Bike Park (Supervised) - The bike park is an open-air, supervised and worry-free area that patrons and volunteers can store their bikes while attending the festival.
Title: Bike Monitor
Duties: greet cyclists; tag bikes and provide claim chit to cyclists; log the tag number and time of entry/pickup; collect donations; position bicycles, in numerical order, along the barricades in the compound; return bikes to cyclists upon presentation of the claim chit; display/hand out cycling literature; answer questions.
Skills: courteous and friendly; reliable and trustworthy; ability to work in a fast - paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; attention to detail; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in at the volunteer trailer, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; light physical labor within parking compound;
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
7. Merch Tent - The Merch tent, located just across from the Main Stage, is an area on site where patrons can purchase Folk Festival merchandise
Title: Sales Rep
Duties: monitor inventory; customer service; creative display of merchandise.
Skills: courteous; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; people skills; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; attention to detail; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in at the volunteer trailer, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; sales experience an asset; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; some lifting may be required; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
8. Enviro Dish Crew - The Enviro Dish Crew has its headquarters located on the patio next to the Floater Tent. The area is used to clean the dishes used by volunteers and attendees, as a part of our green initiative. Its secondary tent is located among the vendors for pick up and drop off of the dishes.
Title: Enviro Host
Duties: Volunteers who work this area are responsible for gathering dishes from the milk crates located around the site, clearing the dishes for wash and washing dishes in the enviro friendly dish area.
Skills: able to have fun in a fast-paced environment; organized and able to follow directions; work as a team and work under pressure; social, energetic; effective communication skills; ability to respond to and fulfill requests efficiently.
Special Requirements: standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required.
Shifts:
FRIDAY: 5-9PM, 7-11PM
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: 9-1PM, 11-3PM, 1-5PM, 3-7PM, 5-9PM, 7-11PM
9. Main Gate – The Main Gate is the area that recruits volunteers to support the overall effective operation of admissions/tickets/wristba
Title: Gate Monitor
Duties: issuing wristbands to patrons that have already purchased tickets; answering festival related questions; checking for proper wristband accreditation
Skills: work in a fast-paced environment; organized and able to follow directions; work as a team; work under pressure; professional and courteous; social, energetic and willing to learn; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; attention to detail.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather;
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
10. Green Team/ Committee - The green team is a group of environmentally conscious volunteers who are responsible for supporting the effective operation of all greening initiatives, including garbage and recycling, and patron education at the Ottawa Folk Festival
Title: Green Team
Duties: Emptying and sorting of recycling containers and Cupsuckers throughout the site; collection of compost materials; engaging festival attendees and answering questions about the Ottawa Folk Festivals new environmental strategies; distributing information about the Ottawa Folk Festivals environmental initiatives; encouraging people to use the new waste reduction facilities such as recycling bins and cup suckers.
Skills: friendly, outgoing and motivated; sociable, outgoing, enthusiastic, and ENERGETIC!; positive attitude; professional and courteous; effective communication skills; ability to work in groups of 2 or 3 with little or no supervision.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; knowledge of environmental issues; some lifting will be required; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
11. Info Booth - The info booth, located beside the CD Warehouse, is an area where volunteers will be available to answer questions, and seek answers to patron requests.
Title: Festival Ambassador
Duties: answering customer questions both at info booth and roaming throughout site; handing out schedules.
Skills: superior customer service; work efficiently without supervision; effective communication skills; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment; flexible and energetic.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; wheelchair accessible. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
12. Survey Crew – The survey crew are responsible for speaking with patrons of the Ottawa Folk Festival and performing a quick questionnaire on various aspects of the festival and having the patron rank and give examples of items such as: Ease of transport to the festival, who did you travel to the festival with etc.
Title: Survey Crew
Duties: work with survey crew leader to have questionnaires completed at a variety of times of day, actual days with a wide spectrum of patron demographics
Skills: excellent interpersonal and communication skills; customer service experience; able to multi-task and follow instructions; work under pressure and with little or no supervision; professional and courteous; respond/fulfill requests promptly and efficiently; social, energetic and willing to learn; attention to detail and good judgment; comfortable working with a small team.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
13. Hospitality – The Food and Beverage area located on the patio next to the artist care tent, is responsible for cooking, presenting and serving food and drink to the festival volunteers, band members and members of our Folk Community.
Title: Host, Server
Duties: Volunteers who work this area are rotated between duties such as: checking credentials to gain access; cooking, serving and patron assistance; stock, set-up and clean-up duties;
Skills: Coordinating menus and food preparation for large groups of people. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; customer service experience; able to multi-task; work under pressure and with little or no supervision; professional and courteous; respond/fulfill requests promptly and efficiently; social, energetic and willing to learn; attention to detail.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
14. Photography- 14. Photography- The photography crew is responsible for covering all aspects of the Folk Festival from 'behind the lens" to create a visual documentation of the Festival and special events during the year including artists, performances, the crowd, volunteers and sponsor signage placement/visibility.
Title: Photographer
Duties: taking pictures, finding unique visions of all activities at the festival and providing the Photography crew chief with a selected set of digital images.
Skills: photography background, excellent interpersonal and communication skills; courteous; customer service experience an asset; able to multi-task and follow instructions; social, energetic and willing to learn; comfortable working with a small team; organizational skills.
Special Requirements: Photography experience is necessary, especially in live music settings, bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
14a. Photography crew chief – The photography crew chief is responsible for
1. Making sure the Festival and events through the year are appropriately covered by
a. Consulting with marketing and other office departments to define the needs.
b. Keeping an up-to-date schedule of events
2. Scheduling enough crew with proper equipment to do the job.
3. Editing the resulting selected images and delivering them to the office.
4. Being available to consult and provide expertise for any special photographic needs the OFF may require.
5. Developing and maintaining up-to-date the “photo archive”
15. Signage - The volunteers that are responsible for building decorations/ painting signs for the festival and setting up the signage on site.
Title: Décor Assistant
Duties: working with site designer; creating and restoring stage and park props.
Skills: artistic; ability to paint/trace/glue-gun/sew.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in with your area leader, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; comfortable using power tools; some lifting may be required; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather.
Shifts: shifts are scheduled prior to the Folk Festival on weekdays and weekends, usually beginning in May; set-up prior to the Folk Festival and take-down after the festival.
16. Instrument Lockup - The instrument lockup area is located inside the Ron Kolbus Community Center, and is responsible for checking in/ out and securing instruments brought onto the site by performers.
Title: Instrument Care Rep
Duties: monitor and organize inventory; assist in the transport of equipment, issuing tags for instrument pick up.
Skills: comfortable handling expensive equipment; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi-task; attention to detail; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; some lifting may be required;
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
17. Kid Zone - The kid zone tent, located just north west of the main stage, is an area that that features programs and activities for children and parents to enjoy while the festival takes place
Title: Kids Zone Staff
Duties: setting up kid zone area, developing program for child activities, monitoring children in an open air atmostphere.
Skills: comfortable working with children of all ages, must be a sociable, easily approachable person; able to work in a crowd; team-work; responsible; courteous; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; effective communication skills; ability to multi task; flexible, social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; wheelchair accessible; socially minded individuals. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
18. Street Team - The street team is responsible for postering designated locations for our upcoming festival. This team is provided with materials, posters and a list of locations to speak with the manager on duty about placing our festival poster in their store.
Title: Street Team
Duties: taking materials, posters and list of locations across the City of Ottawa and having them approved for display by local merchants.
Skills: effective communication skills; ability to multi task; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment; attention to detail; willing to work independently, flexible; social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; standing/ walking for long periods of time; socially minded individuals.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
19. Production Crew – the production crew is a team of volunteers who support the effective movement and placement of stage equipment on several festival stages.
Title: Stage Hand
Duties: loading and unloading of trucks and moving equipment; setting of stage in preparation for shows; stage tear-down and clean-up; other duties as required.
Skills: must be a team player; must be able to follow complex, detailed instructions.
Special Requirements: steel-toe shoes/boots required for this position; must be capable of performing physical tasks including the loading and unloading of trucks and moving equipment; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time; willing to work in all types of weather; stage experience preferred. No smoking while on duty.
Shifts: may require work outside of normal volunteer shifts, daytime availability may be required.
20. Performer Transport - This team of volunteers fulfills the ground transportation needs for artists arriving to Ottawa without their own means of transportation.
Title: Driver
Duties: transportation of artists mainly between point of arrival\departure (i.e. Airport, Train\Bus Station) and hotel and festival grounds; must be able to help performers and crew with vehicle loading\unloading of luggage and equipment.
Skills: patience, diplomacy and ability to multi-task are essential; friendly, courteous and enjoy interacting with others.
Special Requirements: 25 years of age and over; Class G driver’s license and a clean driving record; knowledge of Ottawa area; comfortable with driving a mini-van or SUV in Ottawa area. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol or smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to varying artist needs, volunteers are scheduled for driving assignments and shifts in the week leading up to the festival and one to two days following the festival. Late night and early morning driving assignments may be required. Shifts may also be required until 2:00 a.m. if Folk Festival shows are booked outside of the Festival weekend.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to varying artist needs, scheduling for volunteers occurs the week the festival begins. Late night shifts may also be required until 2:00 a.m. if club shows are booked.
21. Safety/ Security - Located in all over the Folk Festival site, the volunteer security team supports the efforts of the Security Crew Leader.
Title: Security Monitor
Duties: monitor gated areas and maintain festival rules; deal with unhappy or intoxicated customers; answer general information questions; check bags and coolers upon admission.
Skills: alert and attentive to detail, able to work with little supervision; effective communication skills; follow specific instructions; courteous; cooperative and flexible;
outgoing; good interpersonal skills.
Special Requirements: 18 years of age and over; previous security experience an asset; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; willing to work in all types of weather; standing for long periods of time; Smart Serve certificate would be an asset, but NOT mandatory. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol or smoking while on duty.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
22. Traffic – The traffic team is responsible for the safe and efficient direction of traffic onto the Folk Festival site, and aiding them in parking on our lot.
Title: Traffic/ Parking Monitor
Duties: Volunteers in this area will monitor incoming traffic, the current location of parking for incoming cars, keeping fire lanes and access clear, and directing and informing arriving patrons of necessary details.
Skills: attention to detail; learn new tasks quickly and efficiently; social, energetic and willing to learn.
Special Requirements: 15 years of age and over; when checking in at the volunteer trailer, anyone 17 years of age and under must present a waiver form signed by a parent
prior to the start of their first shift; some lifting may be required; bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; sitting for long periods of time.
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
23. VIP Check In - The VIP Check In area is located inside the Ron Kolbus Community Center where artists and their crews who have not yet received their packages at the hotel may check in to receive their Folk Festival packages.
Title: VIP Check In
Duties: Meet and greet any VIPs as they check in to the Folk Festival site, direct them to the green room or instrument lockup, arrange, if necessary for instrument transportation; give out complimentary badges/ bracelets, be in charge of T-shirts/badges/bracelets for Volunteers who have not picked them up earlier; redirect volunteers to their crew positions.
Skills: sociable; outgoing; enthusiastic; energetic; detail-oriented; organizational skills; professional and courteous; effective communication skills; ability to work with little or no supervision; ability to respond to and fulfill requests efficiently.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory, this position not suitable for those with handicaps
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.
24. Crafts and Artisans- The Craft and Artisan area is located in the parking lot just West of the Main Stage
Title: Craft and Artisan Rep
Duties: meet and help guide artisans and crafters as they arrive at Folk Fest, ensure safe efficient setup of booths, aid throughout the weekend in answering questions or seeking items that may be required by these paid attendees of the Folk Fest.
Skills: sociable; outgoing; enthusiastic; energetic; detail-oriented; organizational skills; professional and courteous; effective communication skills; ability to work with little or no supervision; ability to respond to and fulfill requests efficiently.
Special Requirements: bilingualism is an asset, but NOT mandatory; standing for long periods of time..
Shifts: All shift times are approximate and are subject to change.