Volunteer Positions

If you have any questions please feel free to contact volunteers@kinkfest.org

Accessibility Support Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Accessibility Support 80% Staff Accessibility station (table) - answer questions, provide information, etc. 20% Physically assisting a person. Possibly showing them where something is, pushing a wheelchair, etc. - not to include personal care or lifting

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be good with people, some of whom may be frustrated. Good with explaining information. It's helpful if you understand issues around physical or hidden disabilities, but not a requirement. Information needed will be provided. Good position for service oriented folks. Must be able to sit for long periods of time, work with general public, answering questions.

Accessibility: ASL Interpreter (Lead Approval Required) Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Provide interpretation services for workshops

What skills are good for this position or team?

Certification needed, Prior experience in this field or team is required, Skills demonstration will be required. Must meet State Requirements.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

This is a paid position.

Accessibility: Disability Parking Attendant Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Volunteers will be expected to sit/stand outside for up to 3 hours at a time and manage the flow of traffic in and out of sectioned off parking lot, only allowing entrance to vehicles with DMV placards. Additionally, volunteers will need to be able to set up, reset, and tear down cones and signage as needed. All occurs during KF

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be able to stand for long periods of time

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

Volunteers need to have the ability to firmly but politely say no to people

AV Duties & Qualifications

The position description for this role is being reviewed. We will update here once it has been approved. You can still apply for this position in the meantime.

Bootblack (Lead Approval Required) Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Not only does Kinkfest have the largest dungeon, but it also has the largest space on the west coast with bootblacks from nearly sun up to sun down over the three day weekend. Bring your supplies and your skills and apply to be a bootblack for Kinkfest. Eight hours gets you a full scholarship into kinkfest and a ticket into the raffle to be one of our bootblacks to star at the Cigar social Saturday night.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

Bootblack stands are supplied, but personal supplies are not.

Chairs and Stages Duties & Qualifications

The position description for this role is being reviewed. We will update here once it has been approved. You can still apply for this position in the meantime.

Coat Check Attendant Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Coat check attendants run our coat check service. They store coats and toy bags in exchange for payment. They also assist the Accessibility Team by storing and charging mobility devices. They are familiar with basic KinkFest info like rules, schedules and locations so they can answer questions from attendees.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be kind and helpful with terrific customer service skills. Be familiar with accepting payment (card, cash), trustworthy, and able to lift heavy toy bags.

Code Awareness Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

All duties are carried out during KF. Check wristbands and Daily Temperature check stickers, access control, check Accessibility cards if there is a dispute, clear out Classroom and vendor hall, keep vanilla areas vanilla, remind people of the CoC.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be able to stand for long periods of time, Must be able to sit for long periods of time, Conflict resolution, lack of apprehension for getting involved in conflict, excellent communication skills.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

You have to be able to make a judgment about the rules and stick with it. Know that the team will have your back when you report someone.

Community Events Assistant Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Main duties include, but are not limited to: Setting up and breaking down community event spaces (including moving equipment), answering questions from community events facilitators and attendees, and directing any requests to the Community Events Team Leaders. May also support Kinkfest endorsed evening socials at the Courtyard Marriott, in addition to day time and evening events at the Expo Center.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Comfortable with public speaking/customer service and ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

Will often be working alongside/collaborating with Education, Performances, and other teams.

Dungeon Crew Duties & Qualifications

Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and overhead.
Ability to stay on task and work with minimum supervision.
Will be loading and unloading trucks to transport dungeon furniture from the warehouse to the expo center and back to the warehouse after the event.
Must have the ability to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, and climb ladders repeatedly and for long periods.
Proficient with the use of hand tools, dollies, etc.
Must have the ability to coordinate work with others for heavy lift projects.
Must be able to travel to/from the warehouse or coordinate rideshare with dungeon crew/ other volunteers.
Please wear closed toed shoes for your own safety.

Dungeon Monitor (Lead Approval Required) Duties & Qualifications

Please note you will be vetted for this position!

Prevent congestion of walkways around scenes that attract attention.
Be aware of broken furniture that could pose a hazard. If this is found, the DM should report it immediately to the Head DM. The Head DM will relay the information to Dungeon Crew.
Be aware of actions that could be unintentionally harmful to an attendee. Think 'danger to life and limb'. This could include but not be limited to a bottom that is unconscious, violent blows to the head, heavy striking to internal organ areas and spine, loss of circulation (during a rope scene), etc.
Patrol the floor as instructed by your Head DMs, keeping spread out as to make sure that the dungeon stays covered.
Communicate with the DM staff and KinkFest team via in-ear radio regarding questions, concerns, and logistical issues that arise during your shifts.
Evaluate and respond to concerns expressed by attendees.
Must be able to stand on concrete for at least two hours without a break.
Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and should be able to support another person's body weight if necessary.
Should be DM trained and willing to present either certification of training or materials from training upon request.

Education Desk Volunteer Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Assists with checking in Classroom Monitors and changing signage, answers attendee questions and/or concerns, offers directions, records data, and is available by radio to communicate with Education Team throughout classes.

What skills are good for this position team?

Must be willing and able to cover a Classroom Monitor shift if required.

Education: Classroom Monitor Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Main duties include, but are not limited to: Greeting Presenters, setting up and breaking down classrooms as needed (including moving equipment), introducing classes and assisting with attendee Q&A, monitoring rooms for max capacity and accessibility, enforcing classroom rules if broken, working with A/V in the event of technical issues, keeping time, and reporting requested stats to Education Directors.

What skills are good for this position team?

Comfortable with public speaking and ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

Additional support will be provided by A/V and Concierge team volunteers.

First Aid (Lead Approval Required) Duties & Qualifications

First aid volunteers are expected to show up for their scheduled shifts on time, alert and sober, and work the entirety of the shift. Primary duties are to provide attendees with any needed first aid interventions including supplies. Attendees are encouraged to utilize their own supplies when appropriate. There will be a radio present at the First Aid table, which volunteers will monitor for communications from other KinkFest volunteers. In the event an attendee is unable to travel to the table, two volunteers will travel to the attendee's location while one volunteer remains behind and attends the table. A first aid volunteer must be present at the table at all times. In the event of an emergency, it is the job of first aid volunteers to notify dungeon monitors and the DM lead on shift who will then determine whether or not to contact Emergency Services (9-1-1). If there is a suspected neck or spinal injury, the injured attendee should not be moved.

Floor Taper Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

On Wednesday starting at noon, they will come in and start laying down sections of tape at the chalk marks that have been laid out. Frequent bending/stooping to the floor. Wheelchair users welcome! You just need to be able to reach the floor repeatedly.

What skills are good for this position or team?

must be able to reach the floor repeatedly

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

You get your steps in! Please bring a snack because it is a very active few hours

Hospitality Angel Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Setup and organize rooms, maintain food/beverage stock, meet needs of Performers/Presenters.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, Must be able to stand for long periods of time, Must be able to sit for long periods of time

K.I.N.D. Team (Lead Approval Required) Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

"The K.I.N.D (Kinky Informed Neuro-spicy De-escalation) Team is a part of the Attendees team and hosts the Information desk and works in cooperation with Code Awareness Team, Dungeon Monitors, and the First Aid team as well as all other KF teams that may require their assistance. The K.I.N.D. Team provides KinkFest attendees with information, resources, kind presence, and facilitates implementation of our Consent Revocation policy. Members of this team are trained in trauma-informed de-escalation practices and are on call in shifts to respond to support overwhelmed guests with guidance to conference resources and resources for self-care. "

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must have trauma-informed de-escalation skills, kindness, customer service mindset.

Littles Attendant Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Helps set up and takedown of Littles Day Camp, planned dungeon and party spaces. Face 2 Face engagement. Helps explain rules, events, and any other information a attendee must need to interact with the spaces. Helps host planned activites in LDC.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time and lift 30 lbs. Creativity, Patience, and Empathy.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

Must be comfortable around littles, also be able to hold yourself in adult space to maintain order.

Merchandise Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Set up volunteers for merch are on site Thursday from 2pm to 5pm setting up Merch space, unpacking, and inventorying merch. Merch volunteers during KF will be selling items to attendees, restocking as needed, have a general knowledge of convention map, and using point of sale system. Strike volunteers will help teardown Merch area, count inventory, record inventory numbers, pack up remaining items, and label boxes.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be able to stand for long periods of time, Must be able to sit for long periods of time

Operations Duties & Qualifications

The primary role of Ops is to ensure the event runs smoothly by making sure all the little things have not been forgotten about, answering attendee questions, & reporting compliance issues to Dungeon Monitors or Guest Services.
(Pre-KF) Inventory consumables and order supplies. Printing services for timetables, signage, and misc items. Working with Dungeon team to identify supply tables. Verifying all the little things are loaded and nothing is forgotten. (Requirement of lifting up to 50lbs occasionally).
(At-KF) Placement of signage, stocking toiletries and dungeon consumables, ensuring food & snacks are fully stocked at all times during dungeon party hours. Answering questions of attendees, verifying armbands/badges are visible, as well as masks (if applicable). Kindly enforcing the cell phone / camera policy. Notify Guest Services or Dungeon Monitors of violators. Interaction with guests will be limited to answering basic questions or referring to appropriate departments.
(Load-out) Packing consumables and misc gear, loading of operations bins into trailers, tracking post event inventory, removal of signage, and verify all areas have been cleared of KF owned items. Unloading of trailers (requirement of lifting 50 lbs occasionally

Operations: Clean Team Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Before: In the days leading up to KF, we may need a few hands to help out with trash needs and making sure the event is ready for all of our lovely incoming folks! During: Help keep our KinkFest clean! maintaining restrooms, taking out trash, and helping to restock our dungeon; clean team is a newer team that will greatly benefit *every* *single* *person* who attends our amazing conference, and we very very would love your help and support :) After: Clean up! we expect to take out tons of recycling, and to have a team walkthrough of spaces to make sure kinky materials are all where they belong(be that in the trash/recycling or in the care of keepers!)

What skills are good for this position team?

Ability to be on the move for at least 1-3 hours depending on shift length(we'll be flexible!), attention to detail, comfortable lifting 5-15lbs bags of trash

Operations: Radio Dispatch Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Listen to the official KF radios, track, monitor and respond to events during the KinkFest event, checking radios in & out This is a key decision-making position during the event. The dispatcher will relay directions and tasks to the Ops Runner for execution.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be able to sit for long periods of time, ability to operate computers & communication radios, good listening skills, calm demeanor, ability to work under pressure, think on one's feet and an attention to detail.

Operations: Runner Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Works with the Radio Dispatcher and the entire KF Core Team, to respond to events. Some possible tasks include:

Being available to respond during the event
Hang flags in the lobby
Iron tablecloths
Assemble name tags
Hanging signage
Stocking & refilling food & drinks
General event setup / tear-down tasks

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, Must be able to stand for long periods of time, Customer service, attention to detail, calm demeanor

Performances Assistant Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Help with tech rehearsal, production assistant for stage, assist performers, possibility of announcing/MC'ing acts

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, Prior experience in this field or team is required, Would like to work with folks who have stage management experience.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

AV and rigging training will be provided. And will try to schedule at least one possible MC per shift

Pipe & Drape Team Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

"Before KF, this team assembles and erects all of the pipe-and-drape walls and segmentation throughout the Expo Center. During KF, if there are any issues with the drapes, they will respond. After KF, they disassemble it all, and pack it back into the trucks."

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, Must be able to stand for long periods of time

Presenter Liaison Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

KF Presenter Liaison Team: a team of volunteers who builds and maintains relationships between KF and KF Presenters and acts as a point of contact for all presenters.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must have trauma-informed de-escalation skills, kindness, customer service mindset. Must be able to provide transportation with POV, and have strong organizational skills and problem solving strengths.

Registration Staff Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Registration staff welcome people standing in line and check them into KinkFest. They are familiar with basic KinkFest info like rules, schedules and locations so they can answer questions from attendees. When working the line, reg staff distribute waivers, hand out stickers to cover phone cameras, and oversee name tag creation. They direct vendors/ volunteers/ presenters/ performers to the "Special Check-In" (if it's open). When working the desk, they use our computer system to check people in. They collect signed waivers and issue wristbands and swag bags.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be welcoming and able to sit or stand for long periods of time, have basic computer skills, and keep confidential info to yourself)

Sponsorships: Swag Bag Stuffer Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

"Filling swag bags with event program and other advertising items. Will need to move completed bins to registration tables. Ability to lift 25-50 lbs preferred. Must be available during the day Wed/Thurs prior to event. Arrive at 8am with minimum 8 hour shift w/ break for lunch. Work may extend past 5pm if the volume calls for it. All work expected to be completed prior to doors opening."

Taster (Lead Approval Required) Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Tasters provide 1-2 hours of tastings to Kinkfest attendees in the dungeon over Friday and/or Saturday night. Tasters provide a mini-kink experience in 10-15 minutes to folks who are curious about a new BDSM activity. All tasters will be vetted and require lead approval.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Tasters need technical proficiency in their kink activity, but most importantly excellent communication/negotiation skills and clear consent practices.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

Only available as a Goodwill opportunity. If you would like to offer tastings while on a full or partial scholarship, your required hours must be fulfilled by a different department/role. Must be available Friday and/or Saturday night during open dungeon hours to provide a 1-2 hour tasting shift. Email volunteers@kinkfest.org if you have any questions.

Truss Crew Duties & Qualifications

Please note this is a very physically demanding job!

The Truss Crew should be proficient in the safe use of hand tools, particularly socket and crescent wrenches to tighten nuts and bolts in small spaces that often can't be seen.
Truss crew should also be capable of safe, repeated lifting of 50 pounds, working on knees and/or above head for extended periods, and capable of working on ladders (~6ft. high).
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Must be available to work the two days leading up to the event for set-up and directly after to tear down the event.
Tools and Equipment: The Truss Crew should have closed toed shoes, and gloves that allow for dexterity (rubber coated construction or gardening gloves work well).

Vendors Duties & Qualifications

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Before KF: monitor vendor load in, assist with questions and troubleshooting. During KF walk and monitor vending floor, assist with vendor questions and troubleshooting, maintain presence at vendor services table, watch booths to allow vendors to use restroom. After KF, monitor vendor load out.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be able to stand for long periods of time, Must be able to sit for long periods of time, Must be able to walk the vendor floor for long periods of time

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

This a fun position for people who enjoy helping others.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact volunteers@kinkfest.org