• Environment

   (Showtime & Post-Show)

  The Environment team loves the outdoors and the Salmo River Ranch. This crew works hard to keep the festival grounds beautiful and pristine. Environment Crew aren’t afraid to get dirty while keeping it clean. Candidates are comfortable working on their feet in the beautiful outdoors.
   

• Farm Dec

  (Pre-Show)

  Creatives wanted! The Farm Dec team enjoys creating beautiful festival decor and are no strangers to general labour. Must have strong artistic abilities and practical building skills to help us bring public spaces and facilities to life. Examples of previous projects may be requested.

• Finance

  (Showtime)

  Party in the front, business in the back. Finance volunteers keep things running behind the scenes. Preferred candidates have experience in areas like bookkeeping, accounting, payroll or banking and are interested in putting their professional skills to work for something wild.

• Fire Rescue

  (Showtime)

  Are you a trained and experienced career firefighter? This role is well-suited to those with in-depth firefighting experience. S-100 Certification is an asset but not required. Help us keep the Farm safe!
  

• Garden

  (Pre-Show)

  The Garden team begins in the Spring and works shifts leading up to the festival on weekends/based on availability, so is best suited to Kootenay locals. Garden Team members participate in planting, pruning, watering and tending to the flower gardens in order to beautify the farm. This is a very physically demanding job that requires you to work outdoors in the heat. Landscaping experience is an asset. Upon completing their shifts, Garden team members are issued a ticket to the event and get to enjoy the festival in full, as a guest.

• Harm Reduction

  (Showtime)

  Includes Outreach, Sanctuary, Safe Space, ANKORS and Camp Clean Beats. Harm Reduction candidates are trained healthcare or social services professionals, with preference being given to those who have volunteered with harm reduction at other festivals and those who have knowledge of the Salmo River Ranch. Harm Reduction teams work together to provide care and resources to guests who are in need of a safe space, someone to talk to, or are seeking information. *Please note: Harm Reduction teams have a 24hr time requirement (2x12hr shifts)

  • Sanctuary: Volunteers need experience in: crisis intervention, anti-oppressive practice understanding, working at a domestic violence crisis centre/shelter, working at a homeless shelter, Zendo Project training, Counsellor/Therapist, Addictions Counsellor, First Responder, Public Health, SSW, BSW, PSW, RPN/RN, as well as students in related fields. Preference will be given to applicants who have attended the festival before.

  • Outreach/Safe Space: Volunteers need to have experience in one of the following fields: crisis intervention, social service work experience, nursing or related.
  

  • ANKORS: Recruitment is normally done internally, but if you are specifically interested in this team, please include a note on your application.

  • Camp Clean Beats: Recruitment is normally done internally, but if you are specifically interested in this team, please include a note on your application.

• Human Resources

  (Pre-Show & Showtime)

  Located at the gate and downtown, this team checks in Crew members using our festival database and answers inquiries. HR Crew members are friendly, organized, computer savvy, stay cool under pressure, and love the excitement of a fast-paced environment. Customer service and data entry experience are huge assets.
  

• Kitchen

  (Pre-Show, Showtime & Post-Show)

  Food is the fuel of the festival. Kitchen volunteers assist with preparation, dishwashing and keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary. Our Catering team also has positions for scanning badges, serving and packaging meals at our various meal service stations. Food Safe certification is an asset but not required.
  

• Shambassadors

  (Showtime)

  Have you attended Shambhala for 2+ years and been on the Crew at least once? Shambassadors capture the spirit of the festival. These festival ambassadors are in the business of customer experience. This includes sharing information at the Info Booth or by roaming the festival grounds. Members of this team are fun, outgoing, and require extensive knowledge of the festival and the Salmo River Ranch.

• Shambhalodging

  (Pre-Show, Showtime & Post-Show)

  As a Shambhalodging volunteer, you will act as a concierge for the Lodging guests. Responsibilities include checking guests into their camping accommodations, providing excellent customer service, and monitoring the Lodging zone to keep it looking great. Lodging Crew are outgoing, friendly and helpful.

• Site

  (Pre-Show)

  Help us prepare our magnificent temporary city for the arrival of thousands! This team consists of people with trades experience to help build and maintain the festival grounds. Jobs include construction, maintenance, set-up/tear-down, general labour, cleaning, etc. Must be comfortable getting dirty and working hard. Please note any specialized experience on your application.
  

• Task Force

  (Pre-Show & Showtime)

  Sometimes teams can find themselves short staffed. Formerly known as the Anything Goes Team, the Task Force team fills the gaps when needed. Task Force volunteers have a diverse range of skills, are able to learn the basics of a job quickly, and can easily switch to new tasks or wait patiently for their next assignment. This team is a great choice for first-time Crew to get acquainted with our many different teams.

• Ticket Gate

  (Showtime)

  Ticket Gate Scanners scan tickets, distribute wristbands and collect early entry and re-entry fees. Scanners also provide accurate Parking & Camping information to guests and sell upgrades as requested. Candidates are friendly, efficient, highly accurate, and comfortable with standing and moving around for long periods of time. Great team if you want to work directly with your friends.
  

• Traffic Control

  (Pre-Show & Showtime)

  Traffic Control volunteers assist staff with keeping the flow of vehicle traffic moving through the parking and camping areas. This can be a challenging position, but it is also one of the most vital roles to ensure the festival operates safely and smoothly. Candidates are friendly and comfortable with standing for long periods of time, in all weather conditions.
  

• Baristas (Cafe Night Owl)

  (Showtime)

  Shambhala’s official coffee house! Night Owl is powered by experienced baristas who bring their passion for crafting exceptional coffee to keep the festival fueled and energized
  

• Bathrooms

  (Showtime)

  One of the highest-paid entry-level jobs on-site, this team maintains the supplies and cleanliness of the port-o-potties during showtime and assists the Septic Truck Driver with their rounds. It’s not as shitty as you think!
  

   

• Beverage Kiosks

  (Showtime)

  Beverage Kiosk attendants are outgoing and personable and have sales and cashier experience. Kiosks are mini-stores, with canned beverages as the main focus but also offer other small items and select Shambhala merchandise. 

• Cashiers

  (Showtime)

  Be the friendly face of our hospitality team! Front-of-house roles, such as Cashier, focus on creating a positive experience for guests by managing orders, handling payments, and keeping the energy upbeat. Experience in customer service and FoodSafe Certification are an asset. 
  
  Teams with Cashier positions include:

  • Blaze Burgers
  • Cafe Night Owl
  • Farm Phresh Smoothies
  • Oink Pulled Pork
  • Pasta Joint
  • Pucker Up Lemonade

• Customer Service

  (Showtime)

  Ready to be the friendly face that spreads the festival magic? Customer Service Volunteers tackle all things customer care, from answering emails to assisting guests on-site and keeping the vibes high at the Ticket Gate.
  

• Dispatch

  (Showtime)

  Dispatchers are highly organized, good listeners, have experience working with radios and knowledge of the Salmo River Ranch is an asset. Members of this crew must be able to multitask and communicate clearly. Previous dispatch experience is an asset.

• Finance

  (Showtime)

  Party in the front, business in the back–somebody has to do the paperwork. Finance team members keep things running behind the scenes. Preferred candidates have experience in areas like bookkeeping, accounting, payroll or banking and are interested in putting their professional skills to work for something wild.

• Ice Sales

  (Showtime)

  Ice Ice Baby! This is a fast-paced job and requires candidates with cashier experience who can keep the line steadily flowing, and move heavy bags of ice.

• Hospitality (Back of House)

  (Showtime)

  Be the backbone of our hospitality team! Back-of-house roles include Prep, Cook, Blender Operator and Attendants. These positions focus on maintaining kitchen operations, and supporting smooth service. Experience in the kitchen and FoodSafe Certification are an asset.
  
  Teams with Back of House positions include:

  • Blaze Burgers
  • Cafe Night Owl
  • Farm Phresh Smoothies
  • Oink Pulled Pork
  • Pasta Joint
  • Pucker Up Lemonade

• Kitchen

  (Preshow, Showtime & Post-Show)

  The Crew Kitchen is made up of camp cooks with plenty of kitchen experience. This crew works to prepare food to keep our crew nourished and energized. We also have a Catering department that oversees meal delivery, scanning, and food service. Lengthier summer contracts available, as well as showtime positions. Food Safe certification is preferred.

• Retail

  (Showtime)

  Retail Staff are highly experienced in retail sales, organized and are extremely comfortable operating a till. Must be energetic and keen to sell. Cashiers and attendants are required at the Beatique merch store, General Store and Showers.

• Security

  (Showtime)

  Security staff help us keep the festival safe and secure, have experience working event security and have a current security workers license. If you are not currently licensed but you are interested in getting your event security certification please indicate this on your application.

• Shambhalodging

  (Pre-Show, Showtime, Post-Show)

  Help set up campsites and accommodations for our Shambhalodging guests! Lodging Staff are friendly, helpful, and enjoy working as a team to accomplish something big. Staff positions involve moderate to heavy general labour, landscaping, and setting up campsites as well as providing customer support to guests during the festival. Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Site

  (Pre-Show & Showtime)

  Help us prepare & maintain our magnificent temporary city! Most staff positions on the Site team are Supervisor roles that oversee and work with teams of plumbers, carpenters, electricians, heavy equipment operators, and labourers. Jobs include construction, maintenance, set-up/tear-down, general labour, etc. Experience in trades is required. Must be comfortable getting dirty and working hard. Please note any specialized experience on your application.

• Software

  (Showtime)

  Are you a software expert? Join the Software team and keep the magic alive by troubleshooting problems and delivering real-time solutions to ensure systems run smoothly and stress-free!

• Stagekeepers

  (Showtime)

  Stagekeepers check wristbands and provide access control at stages. This crew also works directly with Security, keeping a watchful eye for potential safety or first aid issues on the dancefloor. Must be comfortable working a 12-hour shift on your feet, daily or nightly throughout the festival.

• Tech Support

  (Showtime)

  Calling all IT professionals. This team provides support to all Shambhala Crew teams experiencing technical difficulties. Must have extensive computer knowledge and have experience troubleshooting technical issues.

• Ticket Gate

  (Showtime)

  Welcome to the frontline of our event's heartbeat! The Ticket Gate team is comprised of detail-oriented individuals who thrive in managing the flow of festival attendees. Experience in events, supervising teams, and strong communication skills are essential. As part of this team, you'll oversee our scanner volunteers and ensure the check-in gate operates seamlessly. If you're ready to be a part of this dynamic team and elevate the festival experience, this impactful team awaits you.
  

• Traffic Control

  (Pre-Show & Showtime)

  Formerly known as the Parking team, Traffic Control staff regulate the flow of vehicle traffic moving in the parking and camping areas. This team directs traffic, ensures cars are parked efficiently, keeps roadways and fire lanes clear. This can be a challenging position but it is also one of the most vital and integral roles to operate the festival safely and smoothly. Candidates are friendly, observant and comfortable with standing for long periods of time in all weather conditions.

• Transportation

  (Showtime)

  Positions available for a variety of license class levels. Transportation drivers facilitate deliveries both on and off-site of supplies and people. Candidates have an impeccable driving record, are comfortable driving large vehicles and/or busses in a crowded environment. Heavy equipment operator experience an asset. Please indicate any licenses and specializations on your application.

• Vendor Support

  (Showtime)

  Are you interested in providing behind-the-scenes support to food and artisan vendors? Positions on this team include Forklift Operator, Vendor Assistant and Refrigeration “Reefer” Pad Manager. Good communication, warehousing experience and problem-solving skills are assets.

Crew FAQ

• Is there an age restriction to apply for the Crew?

  Persons under 19 years of age are not eligible to join the crew.

• Do international applicants need a work visa?

  Yes. Only citizens or those who are legally eligible to work in Canada can apply. Please do not submit an application if you don't already have a valid work permit.

• Will I be on the team that I apply for?

  We will do our very best to assign you to the crew you request but we cannot guarantee preferred placement. Select all teams that you are interested in and specify your top two preferences. After you apply, we’ll reach out with a potential team/schedule, if that doesn’t work for you we’ll do our best to find a better fit. The earlier you apply, the more options there will be!

• If I have a GA ticket, can I transfer it to a Volunteer Deposit in order to apply for the Crew?

  No - since not all positions require a Volunteer Deposit (such as Medical Volunteers or paid Staff), it's best that you pay your deposit after you apply to avoid purchasing it unnecessarily. We are not able to transfer GA tickets to Volunteer Deposits.

• Why are new volunteer applicants required to pay a Volunteer Deposit?

  Shambhala needs each and every one of its volunteers to be fully committed. We need to ensure that you’re going to show up and do the job that you’ve agreed to do. While we’d love to trust everyone that signs up, the Volunteer Deposit is in place because of people not fulfilling their commitments in the past. We don’t want your money-we would much rather give it back to you. So please show up on time, stay on task, and don’t break any rules. Successful returning crew are not required to pay a Volunteer Deposit.

• When do applications for the Shambhala Crew close? Is it hard to get a position?

  Applications will be available on our website until all positions have been filled or July 8, 2024, whichever comes first. It is best to apply early to increase your chances of getting your top team and schedule preference. 

  We do our very best to be accommodating but cannot guarantee placement on your preferred team/schedule.

• How do I get my Volunteer Deposit refund?

  First, make sure you sign in & out of each shift with your Supervisor on a timesheet so all of your hours are recorded. After the festival, our HR department will review the hours you worked.

  If there are no missing hours, your refund will be processed. Refunds are processed as quickly as possible but may take at least 4-8 weeks after the festival. We are unable to process any refunds on site. If your volunteer hours may have varied from your original schedule, let HR know right away so we don't think you missed a shift.

• Can I help out for a few hours in exchange for early entry, or for a Sunday-only pass?

  Unfortunately, we are not able to facilitate partial volunteer commitments.

• Can I apply to work with the stages?

  Stage production and technical positions are provided by the production companies contracted to operate our stages, as are stage set up crews. These positions are not hired through our HR department, have an extremely high retention rate, and are generally filled by word-of-mouth. We are not able to facilitate placement on these crews, if you are interested in working in a stage environment please review the Event Staff position.

• Can I cancel my application?

  If you must cancel email hr@shambhalamusicfestival.com immediately. We request you give us as much notice as possible so we can promptly re-staff the shifts you are withdrawing from. 

  Cancellations after June 20, 2024 may negatively impact your standing on the Shambhala Crew, except in extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of Shambhala. Cancellations after this date will not be processed until after the festival.

• Can I work with a friend?

  We'll definitely do our best to schedule you together if requested! Just indicate on your applications that you want to work with one another, or at a similar shift time on different teams.

• I am a Doctor/Nurse/Paramedic. Can I volunteer with your medical team?

  Yes. We also need NP, RN, RPN & LPN, ACP, PCP, EMR, OFA3 and MOA’s. Indicate your level of training on the application form. If you would like to apply for this highly-skilled team please fill out the ‘Medical Application’.

• I am a DJ/performer. Can I volunteer to play at the festival?

  Each of our six stages are produced by independent production companies who are responsible for booking their own performers. Shambhala does not accept artist submissions.

• Can my friend/partner/driver who is not Crew arrive at the same time as me?

  No. GA ticket holders will not be allowed entry until Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 8 AM. If you are arriving before this time please plan separate transportation.

• Can I bring my RV?

  You can camp with your RV or trailer in the Crew Camping zone free of charge. If you wish to camp with your RV, trailer etc. in another zone, you must pay for the corresponding parking upgrade, which becomes available at 8 AM on Tues. July 23, 2024

• Can I leave the grounds after I have checked in?

  Yes, but you will not be able to skip the line when you come back in. We strongly advise that you do not leave the grounds, especially on a day you have a shift. Bring all of your camping supplies and food when you check in before the festival.

• What type of clothing should I bring?

  Pack for all types of outdoor conditions including warm waterproof shoes, extra socks, sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear and a good hat for sun or rain. Bring layers. It is extremely cold at night and can be extremely hot in the day. Closed-toe shoes are required while on shift, and at all times downtown prior to Tues. July 23, 2024. Be sure to check out our packing recommendations here.

• More questions?

  If you have any questions that aren't answered here feel free to reach out to us at hr@shambhalamusicfestival.com.