Florida Afterburn and the events organized by Burnt Oranges Inc. are created by the community, for the community. Every stage, art installation, welcoming smile at the gate, and late-night moment of magic exists because someone chose to contribute their time, creativity, and care.
Volunteers are the heart of what we do. Whether you’re helping guide participants, building infrastructure, supporting artists, or making sure everyone feels safe and welcome, your contribution matters. The work you put in directly shapes the experience for everyone who attends.
When you volunteer, you’re joining a team that values collaboration, accountability, and community spirit. We ask volunteers to show up for their scheduled shifts, communicate with their team leads, and approach their role with a positive, supportive attitude. In return, you’ll gain a deeper connection to the event, meet incredible people, and help create something truly special together.
CATS help protect the community by monitoring and responding to fire safety concerns. With heightened awareness of flame behavior and surroundings, CATS are often among the first to notice potential hazards. They stand watch during fire performances, help maintain safety perimeters, and assist in ensuring that controlled fire remains where it is intended to be.
If you are interested in fire safety, this is a great place to learn. Experience is helpful but not required—there are supporting roles where you can observe, learn the rhythms of fire safety, and still play a meaningful part in the event.
DOGS keep the event functioning smoothly behind the scenes. This department supports the essential systems that make the event possible, including water distribution, power management, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental safety.
They are the hands that keep the ground beneath the community stable and cared for. Without DOGS, the event simply could not operate. If you enjoy solving practical problems, working with your hands, or helping systems run reliably, this department is a strong fit.
Earth Guardians serve as stewards of the land we are privileged to use. Their role is to help preserve the natural environment by promoting Leave No Trace practices, organizing and supporting MOOP (Matter Out of Place) removal, and encouraging participants and camps to minimize their environmental impact.
Earth Guardians may help lead cleanup efforts, assist camps with sustainable practices, and serve as visible reminders of our shared responsibility to leave the land as we found it. This role is ideal for people who enjoy working outdoors, connecting with others, and helping protect the environment for future gatherings.
Event Art Coordination supports the installation, placement, and logistical integration of art projects across the event space. Volunteers in this department work with artists and organizers to help ensure that art pieces are positioned safely, have appropriate space, and are accessible for participants to experience.
This role is a good match for people who enjoy working with creative projects, solving spatial problems, and helping bring artistic vision into the physical environment of the event.
Greeters are often the first human connection participants encounter when arriving at the event. They help welcome attendees, answer basic questions, and set the tone for the experience ahead with warmth and openness.
The goal of the Greeter team is to help participants transition from the outside world into the community space of the event. This may involve offering guidance, sharing information, or simply providing a kind and welcoming presence. Volunteers who enjoy meeting new people, creating positive first impressions, and fostering connection tend to thrive in this role.
The Medics department supports participant health and safety by providing basic medical assistance and coordinating response efforts when needed. Volunteers in this area help maintain a calm, professional presence and assist qualified medical personnel in caring for participants.
You do not need to be a medical professional to join this department, but training, emotional composure, and the ability to follow safety protocols are essential. Guidance and support will be provided.
Placement helps guide theme camps, art installations, and participants to their designated locations on the event map. This department works closely with camps and organizers to ensure that spaces are used effectively and that the layout of the event supports safety, accessibility, and community flow.
If you enjoy organization, spatial planning, or working with people to find the right place for their project, Placement may be a good fit.
Rangers support the community by upholding event principles, helping participants navigate conflicts, and promoting safety through education and de-escalation. Rangers serve as a visible, approachable presence across the event, offering guidance, resource connection, and assistance when situations require additional support.
Rangers focus on keeping the community experience positive and respectful by helping participants find solutions, understand expectations, and make informed choices during challenging moments.
If you are interested in completing training before volunteering in this department, please reach out to the Ranger coordination team to ensure you meet their training requirements.
Sanctuary provides a quiet, supportive space for participants who may feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or in need of emotional grounding during the event. Volunteers in this department offer compassionate, nonjudgmental presence to people who need a moment away from the intensity of the environment.
You do not need to be a mental health professional to volunteer with Sanctuary. Patience, empathy, and the ability to hold space for others are the primary requirements. Training and team guidance are provided.
The Sound Marshall department helps maintain balanced sound levels across the event while respecting both artistic expression and participant comfort. Volunteers monitor sound environments, communicate with artists and participants when adjustments may be needed, and help ensure that music and performances coexist respectfully with the surrounding community.
This role is well suited for people who are comfortable with basic technical observation, communication, and working with performers or event staff to maintain a positive auditory environment.
You’re invited to be part of what makes Florida Afterburn possible. Take the next step by signing up to be notified when volunteer registration opens, or apply now if you’re interested in becoming a Department Lead for the 2026 season. Whether you can offer a few hours of your time or want to take on a larger role helping guide a team, there’s a place for you here.
