Volunteer Crew Descriptions

Administration

Our admin focused crews perform a variety of tasks, including money handling, organizing and tracking. We're looking for organized folks that can work well with others. 

This crew is for the accountant in all of us.  If you are organized, good with numbers and have a keen eye for detail, you will feel right at home with the Admin crew.

The JOB:

  • Handle incoming cash
  • Cash reconciliation and data entry on computer
  • Prepare and distribute cash floats
  • Prepare bank deposit forms
  • Complete forms for security firm for delivery and pick up of cash

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Cash-handling
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Experience in bookkeeping, accounting, banking, or payroll (asset)
  • Security clearance will be required

The CREW: This crew is the helping hand to the staff of the festival.  It is for those who love the administrative world, and can handle a variety of tasks. 

The JOB:

  • Reception coverage
  • Photocopying, word processing, organizing, sorting and other related office duties
  • Assist with special projects

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Daytime availability

*As a pre-festival crew, volunteers are required to work a minimum of 48 hours. Most shifts take place prior to festival however there are a handful of tasks that occur after the festival to wrap things up. 

The CREW: This crew is responsible for the sought after festival weekend gem, the program book!

The JOB:

  • Writing biographies, using material provided and checking internet websites if needed
  • Obtaining material from contributors
  • Editing & proofreading
  • Writing additional materials as required
  • Working alongside other volunteers to create layout and content for the book

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices, equipment & desktop publishing
  • Strong writing skills
  • Strong editing, layout and print experience

* As a pre-festival crew, volunteers are required to work a minimum of 48 hours. 

The CREW: Ever wonder how our crews work so well together?  Well, their ability to communicate quickly and effectively is a huge contributing factor.  The Communications crew is responsible for supplying, maintaining and training volunteers for the use communication devices used during festival weekend.

The JOB:

  • Set-up of site communication centre
  • Receive and return of communications equipment
  • Take inventory and label devices
  • Instruct people on the proper use of radios and cell phones
  • Maintain the radios and cell phones
  • Dispatch radios and cell phones for the weekend
  • Distribute radio channel and site phone number lists
  • Ensure all radios and spare batteries are charged and ready
  • Ensure all equipment is signed in and out properly

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment

Food Services

Volunteers working with food are generally placed on one of our sub-crews in the Festival Kitchen but other areas include Concessions and Plate wash. Our Site Kitchen and Site Kitchen Sous crews focus their time before and after the Festival. Some positions require food handling and cooking experience, while others do not. Lifting and standing is required in any of these roles.

The CREW:  This crew ensures all volunteers and artists are well hydrated. They make sure cold and warm beverages are available all weekend long. 

The JOB:

  • Keep the beverages flowing
  • Sell reusable mugs and cutlery 

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • A love for high energy and community filled environments
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work
  • Cooking and hospitality experience (asset)
 

The CREW:  This crew is responsible for inventory and storage of food and supplies needed by the other kitchen crews.

The JOB:

  • Receive and organize orders 
  • Assist in other areas of the kitchen when needed

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Work well with others
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work

The CREW: The role of this crew is pretty sweet (pun-intended)! They prep, bake, plate and serve dessert for every festival meal. 

The JOB:

  • Prep, bake and serve a variety of desserts 
  • Make and slice bread, squares and pastries
  • Pull supplies 

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work
  • Cooking and hospitality experience (asset)

The CREW: This crew is responsible for keeping the festival kitchen clean!

The JOB:

  • Sweep and mop floors 
  • Wash, dry, fold and put away aprons and cloths
  • Wash and sanitizer tables and chairs in dining tent
  • Refill paper towel and soap dispensers
  • Manage compost, garbage and recycling from the kitchen 

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work

The CREW: Our KP (Kitchen Patrol) crew takes care of the many pots, pans and dishes it takes to create meals throughout the festival. 

The JOB: 

  • Scrap and rinse all dishes 
  • Wash and sanitize dishes

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Ability to work in a face-paced environment
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work
  • Cooking and hospitality experience (asset)

The CREW: Bon appetite! These folks keep thousands of volunteers and performers happy and fed.  They slice, dice, stir and mix delicious meals for us all to enjoy. 

The JOB:

  • Season, chop, cut, de-package, thaw and cook food
  • Prepare meals from recipes 

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Be able to work in a team-oriented environment 
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work
  • Cooking and hospitality experience (asset)

The CREW:  Our Platter crew make sure volunteers and artists who can't make it to the kitchen are fed. 

The JOB:

  • Assemble trays with sandwiches, fruit, veggies, cheese, crackers and dessert
  • Deliver platters

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work
  • Cooking and hospitality experience (asset)

The CREW: This small crew makes and serves salads in the festival kitchen.

The JOB:

  • Chop and dice fixings for salad
  • Prepare all salads
  • Make a variety of salad dressings from scratch

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Work in a team-oriented environment 
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work
  • Cooking and hospitality experience (asset)

The CREW:  Serving Line volunteers greet all volunteers, artists and sponsors at the kitchen door during meal times, hand out plates, direct traffic and serve the main course! 

The JOB:

  • Greet and serve anyone entering the kitchen for a meal
  • Set up serving area with condiments and utensils 
  • Assist Salad and Platter crew with meal preparation when needed

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Work in a team-orientated environment 
  • Be comfortable with repetitive work
  • Cooking and hospitality experience (asset)

The CREW: It is a lot of work building a small village over the span of a few weeks.  This crew makes sure that everyone is fed and happy throughout the pre-festival process.

The JOB:

  • Cook and prepare food
  • Wash dishes
  • Clean general Site Kitchen and dinning area
  • Maintain water and juice for the Site crew during pre and post festival

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Training and/or experience in the preparation of meals for large groups (asset)

*As a pre-festival crew, volunteers are required to work a minimum of 48 hours.

The CREW: This crew's focus is on prep for the Festival Kitchen. Before thousands of meals are served during the Festival, there's lots of set up and sanitizing... with some delicious food from the site kitchen available along the way!

The JOB:

  • Sanitize and clean festival kitchen equipment
  • Set up prep, service and cooking areas
  • Assist site kitchen as necessary

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling (asset)
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting

*As a pre-festival crew, volunteers are required to work a minimum of 48 hours.

Hospitality

There's a lot of hosting happening in the background! From parties to shuttle service, we require folks who want to make the volunteer and performer experience the very best. Customer service experience is a real asset for all these crews, as is thinking on your feet, and adapting in quickly changing environments. Standing and lifting is once again required for several crews. Crews with a driving focus (i.e. Shuttle) require volunteers to be 25+ with a clean driver's abstract.

The CREW: For those who love to drive, the routes are scenic and the company is appreciative.  This crew is the first contact for our Festival guests arriving by plane, and offers unique experience outside of the Festival grounds!

The JOB:

  • Operate a 15 passenger van
  • Shuttle Festival guests to and from YEG and downtown
  • Assist with travel items
  • Interact with Festival guests

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 25 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's licence with a clean driver's abstract
  • Ability to drive safely with potential distractions
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Be ok sitting for periods of time

The CREW: Our Festival is world renowned for the hospitality we show our guests.  This crew plays an integral part in maintaining this reputation.

The JOB:

  • Greet guests at the hotel's performer hospitality suite
  • Provide appropriate accreditation to each guest
  • Prep and hand out information packages to guests 
  • Ability to identify guests and provide a welcoming environment
  • Keep hospitality suite organized, clean and inviting
  • Update bulletin board with daily press releases and reviews

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Cash-handling
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Attention to detail
  • Professionalism
  • Food and beverage training (asset)
  • Some driving may be required

The CREW: It says it in the name, locking up instruments is this crew’s game.

The JOB:

  • Responsible for tagging and safely storing all instruments on site

The MUSTS: 

  • A minimum age 16 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Ability to climb stairs up to 100 times per shift

The CREW: Festival weekend always proves to be ‘a buzz’, with lots of media personnel trying to capture the action.  The Media crew acts as the middle man, making sure all the magic is captured in an appropriate and controlled manner.

The JOB:

  • Arrange individual interviews with media
  • Set up performer news conferences
  • Answer questions about the Festival from media, performers and public
  • Set up media area
  • Help manage social media during the Festival

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Comfortable with public speaking
  • Knowledge of festival procedures and policies
  • Background in media, communications or public affairs
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting (during set up and teardown)

The CREW: As a volunteer, you are able to use a designated parking lot.  This crew helps everything run smoothly, making sure you get to your shift conveniently and on time.

The JOB:

  • Control the flow of traffic in and out of the parking lot
  • Mark parking lot
  • Control the flow of school buses to and from parking lot to site

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum age of 18 years of age (some youth as runners)
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Must be available Thursday - Sunday, festival weekend, with Thursday and Friday afternoon availability.

The CREW: Be responsible for the epic parties that take place every year showing volunteers how much the Festival appreciates them. You could be one of the valued members of The Party crew whose sole responsibility is to organize and run parties Folk Fest volunteers will be raving about for years to come!

The JOB:

  • Help organize and run festival parties for volunteers and guests
  • Provide beverage service and coat check
  • Security
  • Interact with volunteers & festival guests
  • Shifts are after hours 

The MUSTS: 

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Cash-handling
  • ProServe (asset)
    • opportunities to complete Pro-Serve available through Festival

The CREW: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is world-renowned for its hospitality.  This crew ensures that we live up to our reputation by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming atmosphere for performers and guests.

The JOB:

  • Pre-festival shopping for specific purchases
  • Setting up the hospitality area
  • Maintaining food and beverage within the hospitality area
  • Answering general questions
  • Making specific arrangements, when necessary
  • Assisting with schedules and giving general directions
  • Ability to identify guests and provide a welcoming environment
  • Acting as an ambassador for the festival

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Cash-handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Professionalism

The CREW: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is world-renowned for its hospitality.  This crew ensures that we live up to our reputation by providing information to artists and guests. 

The JOB:

  • Answering general questions 
  • Assisting with schedules and giving general directions
  • Ability to identify guests and provide a welcoming environment
  • Acting as an ambassador for the festival
  • Set up reception area 

The MUSTS: 

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Cash-handling
  • Have a valid driver's licence with a clean driver's abstract
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Professionalism

The CREW: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is world-renowned for its hospitality.  This crew ensures that we live up to our reputation.

The JOB:

  • Setting up massage area
  • Provide relaxing massages to artists and guests 

The MUSTS:

  • A registered massage therapist 
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism

The CREW: A picture is worth a thousand words, and luckily, we have thousands of pictures covering every year of the festival.  This crew is responsible for shooting our favourite festival moments so that we can relive them for years to come.

The JOB:

  • Capture festival moments for use on social media, the Festival website, in the program book, for archive purposes, etc. 
  • Edit images for Festival use 
  • Attend occasional meetings with Festival staff to decide on a photo list 

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum age 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Training and experience in photography
  • Professionalism

The CREW: For those who love to drive, the routes are scenic and the company is appreciative.  This crew is a great way to share our wonderful city with the Festival guests and volunteers. This crew offers a unique experience outside of the festival grounds!

The JOB:

  • Operate a 15 passenger van
  • Shuttle festival guests and volunteers to and from downtown and site, throughout festival weekend
  • Assist with travel items
  • Interact with festival guests

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 25 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's licence with a clean driver's abstract
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to drive safely with potential distractions
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Be ok sitting for periods of time

The CREW: We have a volunteer force of over 2,700!  Our volunteer services crew is there for our volunteers throughout the weekend, providing them with the hospitality and support they deserve.

The JOB:

  • Distribution of program books, t-shirts, badges and wrist bands
  • Field general questions
  • Record comments / concerns / complaints from volunteers
  • Manage and maintain the volunteer locker
  • Liaise with the Volunteer Managers

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age (some youth as runners)
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Attention to detail

Patron Services

We want to give our patrons a memorable festival experience, and show them the very best of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Patron focused crews vary widely.  Customer service experience/interest is a requirement, as is standing and walking for periods at a time. These roles are busy, with rapidly changing environments. These shifts fly by!

The CREW: This crew is happy to greet and provide assistance to patrons with disabilities or any others who may require additional assistance.

The JOB:

  • Greeting and guiding patrons with disabilities and their caregivers
  • Manage accessibility area(s)

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Be able to push a wheelchair, at the request of the patron
  • Experience/training with persons with disabilities (asset)

The CREW: Many happy memories are made in the beer garden, and these are the crews that help it all happen.

The JOB:
The sub crews include:

  • Bar - Processing payment, pouring beers, tapping kegs, setting up and the closing bar
  • Brigade - Provides general assistance

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Cash-handling
  • Must have or be willing to obtain ProServe and ProTect.

The CREW: The festival prides itself on its green initiatives, and as such, we love supporting alternate ways to access the site.  This crew helps make it possible for patrons and volunteers to safely leave their bicycle nearby during festival hours, so that they can go and enjoy the music.

The JOB:

  • Set up and teardown of the Bike Lock Up area
  • Tag bicycles
  • Count and record numbers of bikes on an hourly basis
  • Maintain security of the area via walkabouts

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting

The CREW: You help to supply patrons with that joyful little piece of paper that grants them access to everyone’s favourite weekend of the summer!

The JOB:

  • Distribute pre-purchased passes as required
  • Provide requested information to the public
  • Account for shift cash-outs
  • Help manage tickets overall

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Cash-handling
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Background check required

The CREW: One thing the festival is renowned for is its amazing selection of food!  This crew helps liaise between the festival and the concessionaires.

The JOB:

  • Set up and teardown of concession area
  • Maintaining security of area, between pedestrian and vehicle traffic
  • Administration and customer service
  • Ensuring the adherence to health and safety regulations, power consumption, water usage, water disposal, loading and unloading

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations and the Festival (asset)
  • Each shift should have crew members with First Aid training

The CREW: The festival is fortunate enough to exhibit the talents of local and talented craft vendors.  This crew assists the selection of the vendors and ensures that on festival weekend their products can shine!

The JOB:

  • Attend pre-festival jury sessions to determine which craft applications will be approved
  • Provide input on policy decisions
  • Set up and take down of tables
  • During the Festival weekend, provide liaison support between the Festival and craft vendors
  • Provide information to patrons and vendors.

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Knowledge of arts and crafts

The CREW: Ever see the adorable and creatively painted faces walking around the festival site, and wonder where they came from?  Well, you have this crew to thank!

The JOB:

  • Painting the faces and arms of (mostly) children during the festival!

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Friendly and enjoy working with the public, especially children
  • Experience in face painting or other artistic experience
  • Responsible with good time management
  • Experience painting faces (asset)
  • Experience working with children (asset)
  • First Aid and CPR (asset)

A Vulnerable Sector Check will be required. 

The CREW: The Festival prides itself on being family friendly, and these volunteers are the ones that make it happen year after year! This crew organizes and supervises our popular family area on Saturday and Sunday day times (9am - 6pm).

The JOB:

  • Supervise the games area
  • Ensure games are age-appropriate and that there is no overcrowding
  • Participate in storytelling and crafts 
  • Supervise wading pool

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Experience and training in crafts, storytelling and child care (assets)
  • Be prepared to complete two teardown shifts (hours are less during the festival and are made up this way)
  • First Aid and CPR (assets)

A Vulnerable Sector Check will be required. 

The CREW: These volunteers are the face of our festival in the grounds - they build relationships with patrons, work on conflict resolution, and generally ensure everyone is having an enjoyable, safe experience.

The JOB:

  • Roam the site and chat with everyone
  • Conflict resolution as necessary
  • Assist volunteers in other safety/access related roles
  • Work with First Aid to facilitate response to medical emergencies

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • ProServe and ProTect are an asset
  • First Aid and CPR (asset)

The CREW: Accidents happen.  Luckily our trained professionals who volunteer on the First Aid crew, make sure that medical attention is provided as needed, ensuring a safe and happy festival site!

The JOB:

  • Administering first aid
  • Assessment of condition and contacting ambulance, if required
  • Prepare incident reports on all non-routine events

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Specialized medical training and certification in one of the following Medical Doctor, Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic

The CREW: How do those candles get into the hands of all those folks sitting at main stage? Forever Folk Fest volunteers! Proceeds from our candle sales program go directly to the Festival's endowment fund to ensure we can enjoy music on the hill forever.

The JOB:

  • Sell candles on the main stage hill
  • Cash handling
  • Customer service

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Must be available for shifts each evening during main stage performances (5:30-10:30pm Thursday through Sunday)

The CREW: This crew is the “warm welcome” of the festival!  They can be found running the lottery, maintaining the line ups for site access and greeting the park and ride patrons as they arrive to the festival site.  These volunteers are high energy individuals who get people excited about the festival!

The JOB:

  • Organize and maintain the lottery line for the daily festival tarp run
  • Answer a multitude of festival questions
  • Assist patrons entering the festival grounds
  • Work with the public
  • Work early morning shifts

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Be available for early morning shifts
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Love high energy and social situations

The CREW: Are you passionate about green initiatives?  Share your passion with festival attendees and help us reduce the Festival’s impact on the environment by promoting our compost program and other initiatives.

The JOB:

  • Promoting and maintaining the festival’s composting program
  • Have fun!

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum age of 16
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills

The CREW: There are always questions, and this crew is here to make sure they get answered!

The JOB:

  • Answer general questions from the public and volunteers regarding the Festival
  • Assist lost children (or parents)
  • Provide a message board
  • Attend to lost and found items
  • Record comments/concerns/complaints from the public
  • Sell program books
  • Distribute hearing impaired devices and braille programs where needed

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum age 16 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Cash-handling
  • Knowledge of Festival site and procedures

*A Vulnerable Sector Check will be required. 

The CREW:  This crew helps patrons get their hands on the freshly designed Festival swag (t-shirts, crew necks, hats, bandana's and more) each year!

The JOB:

  • Promote and sell merchandise within the store
  • Monitor stock and maintain related records
  • Provide good customer service

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age 
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time

The CREW: Who doesn’t want to take home a little memorabilia?  This crew helps our patrons get their hands on album or t-shirt of their favourite artist!

The JOB:

  • Promote and sell merchandise within the store
  • Monitor stock and maintain related records
  • Provide good customer service

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age 
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time

The CREW: The SASS crew is your last stop on your way out of the merch tent! They are responsible for taking payment for festival and artist merchandise. 

The JOB:

  • Operating the cash registers, credit card/debit machines 
  • Account for sales at end of shift 

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age 
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Cash-handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time

The CREW: Extra! Extra!  Read all about who is playing where and when.  This crew distributes the sought after Program Book during the festival.

The JOB:

  • Maintain control the inventory of Program Books
  • Sell Program Books to patrons
  • Account for sales at end of shift
  • Greet patrons as they enter the site and promote program book sales
  • Youth volunteers assist Coordinator and crew members during busy periods by collecting meals and organizing program books and keeping track of sales

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum age 16 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Cash-handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time

The CREW: The Public Gate crew is responsible for managing our North and South gates, and are generally the first volunteers patrons encounter when arriving at Gallagher Park. This crew represents the beginning of a great festival!

The JOB:

  • Taking tickets
  • Applying wristbands
  • Checking badges
  • Bag checks

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Cash-handling (tickets viewed as ‘cash’)
  • An attention to detail, ensuring that all tickets and passes are valid

The CREW: Everyone is hoping to win “The Golden Tarp”, and you could be the one to sell the golden ticket!  This crew is in charge of the organization and distribution of the festival raffle tickets.

The JOB:

  • Maintain control of the inventory of raffle tickets
  • Sell raffle tickets to patrons at Raffle Tent and throughout the site
  • Account for sales at end of shift

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum age 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Cash-handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time

The CREW: Another great crew to promote our green initiatives; this crew is for those who like clean and green...and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, doing it.

The JOB:

  • Pick up recyclables
  • Manage garbage on site 
  • Change garbage bags and trash receptacles

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's licence with a clean driver's abstract
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time

The CREW: There is a lot going on in the Cloverdale community festival weekend, with everyone wanting to gain access to the site.  However, only certain authorized vehicles are able to drive into Cloverdale.  This crew ensures the regulation of this traffic.

The JOB:

  • Direct traffic
  • Answering questions
  • Check for the appropriate parking and vehicle access into Cloverdale

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Attention to detail

Production

Managing the physical site is tough work. Site Production, Beer Garden Production, Signage and the Site Schleppers build the site itself by completing 48 hours before and after the festival, with crews like Stage and the Festival Schleppers coming in to hold down the fort during the festival itself. These are highly physical roles, sometimes comprising of repetitive movements, plus standing and walking. Please keep that in mind!

The CREW: This crew creates the beautiful lanterns that you see in the lantern parade each night at the festival.

The JOB:

  • Building and repairing lanterns pre-festival
  • Minimum of 40 volunteer hours 

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Experience with artistic mediums (ex: sculpture, design, woodworking, painting, etc)
  • Available for pre-festival hours

The CREW: This crew is the festival’s “wayfinding” extraordinaire.  They place signage effectively so patrons can navigate the festival site with ease.  Aside from not getting people lost, this work typically occurs in advance of festival opening so you have the full weekend to enjoy it.

The JOB:

  • Creating and manufacturing signs for the festival
  • Implementing and installing existing signage on site

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Graphic or signage creation experience
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting

The CREW: This is the crew for the “jack of all trades” or for those who are hands on folk!  Our Site crew is responsible for building the small village that is our home during festival weekend.  They also help out with odd jobs required for year round maintenance.

The JOB:

  • Set up and teardown of the site including scaffolding, electrical, lighting, tents and fences
  • Hauling equipment and materials to and from the warehouse
  • Perform trade-related duties throughout including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and welding

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Have a valid driver's licence with a clean driver's abstract (asset)
  • Trades experience (asset)
  • First Aid/CPR and WHMIS training (asset)

The CREW: Our schleppers are the muscles of the festival (literally someone who "carries or lugs" something!).  They transport construction materials around the festival site and handle general site preparation.

The JOB:

  • Transporting materials throughout the festival grounds
    • Some off site deliveries & pick-ups, as required

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 25 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's licence with a clean driver's abstract
  • Ability to drive safely with potential distractions
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting

The CREW: This crew's primary responsibility is to move stage equipment, but it helps move any and all equipment and materials around the entire site and for any crew that requires such assistance.

The JOB:

  • Driving gear and other necessary materials, festival weekend
  • Working alongside various crews to ensure the transportation of needed materials

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 16 years of age
  • Drivers must be a minimum of 25 years with a valid licence with a clean driver's abstract
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting

The CREW: This crew makes sure that everything is in its right place, so that the show can go on!

The JOB:

  • Set up equipment and instruments including set changes
  • Ensure basic hospitality (i.e. water) is provided

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Physical labour; includes heavy lifting
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment

The CREW: Lights, camera, action!  This crew is responsible for producing the video of main stage performances, that are viewed throughout the hill.

The JOB:

  • Operate video cameras using tripods, studio mount and handheld equipment
  • Record switcher output to various VTR formats
  • Switch and direct video cameras for use on large screens and various VTR formats

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Proficient in the use of technical devices & equipment
  • Training and/or experience as a video camera operator, switcher and television director

Safety/ Access

Our safety and access crews are tied in with almost every crew. We aren't aiming for 'bouncers' or any intensive force here. Volunteers on these crews are focused on ensuring everyone is enjoying the festival, that the festival spirit is alive, and that everyone on site is safe. Walking and standing is major for most crews here.

The CREW: The goal of our security crews is to uphold the Spirit of the Festival - a safe environment that is friendly, music-driven, and relaxed, while also ensuring a high standard of professionalism. In short, no one person's experience should come at the cost of another's.

Administration Security focuses on the area around our administrative crews, ensuring safety of both volunteers and festival property. This crew focuses on internal personnel.

The JOB:

  • Keep building secure by managing access

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with conflict resolution
  • Uphold a positive festival environment

The CREW: The goal of our security crews is to uphold the Spirit of the Festival - a safe environment that is friendly, music-driven, and relaxed, while also ensuring a high standard of professionalism. In short, no one person's experience should come at the cost of another's.

Front of Stage Security focuses on the area directly in front of Mainstage, and volunteers during all evening mainstage operating times. They ensure the area stays safe and accessible for all by managing any issues or conflicts. This is a crew focused on patron interaction.

The JOB:

  • Keep an eye on tarps and crowds in front of Mainstage
  • Manage dance area
  • Remain professional at all times (everyone can see you!)

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with conflict resolution
  • Uphold a positive festival environment

The CREW: The goal of our security crews is to uphold the Spirit of the Festival - a safe environment that is friendly, music-driven, and relaxed, while also ensuring a high standard of professionalism. In short, no one person's experience should come at the cost of another's.

Mainstage Security manages access to the backstage areas at both mainstage and side stages, as well as other backstage areas.

The JOB:

  • Check badges of those coming into restricted areas
  • Manage any issues or access where not allowed
  • Keep an eye on the general area and answer questions from those accessing backstage areas as required

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with conflict resolution
  • Uphold a positive festival environment

The CREW: The goal of our security crews is to uphold the Spirit of the Festival - a safe environment that is friendly, music-driven, and relaxed, while also ensuring a high standard of professionalism. In short, no one person's experience should come at the cost of another's.

Music & Merch Security focuses on our bag check area and loss prevention in the Music & Merch tent. This crew focuses on patron interaction.

The JOB:

  • Manage bag check, entry and exits in Music & Merch tent
  • Keep an eye on general area and provide support to other crews as needed

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with conflict resolution
  • Uphold a positive festival environment

The CREW: The goal of our security crews is to uphold the Spirit of the Festival - a safe environment that is friendly, music-driven, and relaxed, while also ensuring a high standard of professionalism. In short, no one person's experience should come at the cost of another's.

Nighthawks focuses on overnight security during our Site build and teardown operations, and mitigate the risk of property loss during that period by walking around the site or monitoring digital security systems.

The JOB:

  • Ensuring a safe festival environment
  • Overnight monitoring of festival site and security cameras
  • Shifts run from 9AM-9PM
  • A minimum of 3 pre-festival shifts and 1 post-festival shift required
  • Pre-festival shifts begin in mid July and end before the festival begins. Post festival shifts begin right after the festival ends, up until the end of August.
  • Breakfast and dinner provided during shift
  • The entire festival weekend is off

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Attention to detail
  • Be comfortable with long overnight shifts
  • Walking for periods at a time
  • Uphold a positive festival environment

The CREW: The goal of our security crews is to uphold the Spirit of the Festival - a safe environment that is friendly, music-driven, and relaxed, while also ensuring a high standard of professionalism. In short, no one person's experience should come at the cost of another's.

Perimeter Security focuses on securing the perimeter fence line of the festival.

The JOB:

  • Look for any compromised fencing.
  • Answer questions patrons or others may have.

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with conflict resolution
  • Uphold a positive festival environment

The CREW: The goal of our security crews is to uphold the Spirit of the Festival - a safe environment that is friendly, music-driven, and relaxed, while also ensuring a high standard of professionalism. In short, no one person's experience should come at the cost of another's.

Volunteer Gate Security manages all gates not utilized by ticket holders, and manages access. They focus on volunteer and guest access.

The JOB:

  • Manage access at gates
  • Ensure alcohol doesn't leave site
  • Help with end of night exit
  • Manage internal gates as various areas of festival closes

The MUSTS:

  • A minimum of 18 years of age
  • Working with the public; strong interpersonal skills
  • Standing for periods at a time
  • Be comfortable with conflict resolution
  • Uphold a positive festival environment

Youth

Volunteers ages 12-17 are generally placed on one of the crews included here. Additional opportunities on other crews are available on a case-by-case basis once youth are 16 years of age.

The CREW: This team of youth makes Gallagher looks brand new each morning following the show (Friday through Monday). 

The JOB:

  • Make the hill spotless
  • Work morning shifts
  • Have fun!

The MUSTS:

  • Be between the ages of 12 - 15
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Must be sponsored by a current adult volunteer (at least 25 years of age) in good standing with the Festival. This person must be a parent or guardian of the youth applicant.

The CREW: At the Folk Fest, our volunteers have each other’s backs.  There are some positions that are away from the action, and require constant attending. The Perimeter Support crew is there to make sure that these volunteers stay hydrated and comfortable.

The JOB:

  • Deliver beverages, snacks, messages and other required items to and from these crew members.

The MUSTS:

  • Be between the ages of 15-17
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Walking or standing for periods at a time
  • Some lifting may be required
  • Must be sponsored by a current adult volunteer (at least 25 years of age) in good standing with the Festival. This person must be a parent or guardian of the youth applicant.