NEOTROPOLIS will return
April 29th-May 3rd, 2026.
If you are planning on volunteering,
please do not purchase a ticket
until you hear back about your application status.
Volunteer applications are now live.
Neotropolis would not be possible without the help of dedicated, reliable volunteers.
WANT TO to be part of the team?
WHEN YOU’RE FINISHED READING, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK FOR VOLUNTEER APPS AT THE BOTTOM of this page.
Join our volunteer community and help the event grow bigger and better each year. Our volunteers are the backbone of the event, and get the benefit of a fully-comped ticket. most positions also receive an exclusive Volunteer souvenir.
But the best part of volunteering is in addition to helping the event run smoothly, you will absolutely have plenty of time to experience neotropolis!
Comped Tickets for volunteers
Most volunteer positions earn a comp ticket to the event.
(Tear Down and Trashbots must purchase tickets to the event, but,
those tickets get refunded once the required hours are completed.)
Most volunteer roles during the event itself only require two, 8-hour shifts to be completed.
Other roles, such as off-site build, pre-event build, and teardown require more.
For details on how comp tickets work (and refunds and bonus tickets),
see the bottom of this page.
Do NOT buy a ticket if you expect to volunteer.
We fully expect to get back to all applicants as to whether we will be able to use you this event cycle (or not). Everyone who applies will hear from us (either way), with enough time to purchase a ticket if needed. If for some reason you DID buy a ticket and then are confirmed to volunteer, yes, we will refund your purchase, but it's much easier for us (and for you) if you simply wait for your volunteer confirmation. If for some reason we were to sell out all tickets before your volunteer app is processed, you WOULD be still allowed to buy a ticket at the ticket tier you applied in, even if the event is sold out (provided you submitted your application while tickets were still on sale).
RULES:
The success and smooth operation of the event depends on a committed and reliable volunteer crew.
We absolutely welcome your help, but please apply only if you are confident you can fulfill the role,
and follow any/all event rules.
Please show up on time for your shift. You may not volunteer while under the influence, so plan your fun accordingly. If you show up drunk or otherwise unprepared to do your shift, you will be replaced and treated as a no-show. Neotropolis requires some kind of costume at all times, please dress in a way that fits our theme. But, more importantly, wear an outfit that allows you to perform your task. Your volunteer shift may not be the best time to strap on all your prop weapons and accessories (or that face mask that makes it difficult for people to understand you when you talk). And on the flip side, wearing too little can be unsafe for certain tasks.
No-shows will not be tolerated. Last minute cancellations and poor performance may result in you having to pay for your comped ticket and can lead to exclusion from future volunteer opportunities.
"I've submitted my app. What happens next?"
Great question! Here's a rough timeline of what happens and when.
How it works:
Phase 1: Applications open. Apps are reviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator, and are sent to team leads from the indicated department choices for review, as well as looking at the various skills and experience of the applicant. Some departments close sooner than others due to the amount of qualified applicants, so don’t wait too long to apply!
Phase 2: Team Leads reach out to applicants to either accept or decline them. Sometimes there are followup questions they’ll have for you, so you’ll want to make sure you respond as soon as you can. If the Team Lead feels the applicant isn’t a good fit for their department, they’ll be transferred to their second or third choice, or a high-priority position if needed. Volunteers will receive emails confirming approval or transfers, as needed. Please make sure the email address you provide in your application is the one you’ll actually check, as 90% of the reason an applicant gets declined is failure to respond!
IMPORTANT: Chosen volunteers MUST complete a confirmation step as indicated in an approval email before they will be fully confirmed and scheduled. Not completing this step will result in cancellation of volunteer approval.
Phase 3: Team Leads start scheduling approved volunteers. Approved volunteers will receive an email with more information. Volunteer tickets will be issued at this point as well. If a confirmed volunteer needs a refund from a previously purchased ticket, they will have access to a form to start the process.
ALL Neotropolis attendees (including volunteers) need a ticket for entry.
If you are scheduled for a pre-event department, or your shift is scheduled to begin before say, noon of the first day the event is open, you will be issued an Early Entry (EA) pass. These just mean you are able to come into the event before we officially open to the ticketed public at 7am on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026. If you are issued an EA, you can only use it until Tuesday, April 28th at 10pm, when the gate closes. If you have an EA and do not arrive by that time, you will have to wait until the gate opens to the ticket-holding public at 7am on Wednesday morning.
No exceptions. (You can read more about our event entry etiquette here.)
Phase 4: Final emails go out to all confirmed volunteers with your schedule, and when/where you should check in on site. We make every attempt to get through these phases as fast as possible, but with hundreds of volunteers and a lot of moving parts to the planning, this phase may not happen until very close to the event.
At the Event: Once onsite and settled, volunteers are required to report to Command Center for volunteer check in, unless your Team Lead has told you otherwise. Schedules, reporting location/contact, camp location, and contact info will be double-checked. This step is to make sure our volunteers are onsite and all set to fulfill their commitment.
IMPORTANT: Those who do not check in at Command Center may be considered no-shows, and might not be allowed to volunteer in the future.
"What if this will be my first time at a Wasteland world event?"
Perfectly fine, and even encouraged. Volunteering is a great way to jump right in and get involved! First-timers will meet and volunteer alongside our amazing community, while getting to know the layout and feel of the event very quickly.
"How do you pick which applicants get approved?"
Ultimately the event's success depends on our volunteers at all levels. We definitely have far fewer spots to fill than applicants, so we choose who has the availability, and seems the best fit for the position and, to the best of our ability. But there are some other factors that help too.
We keep notes on how previous event applicants performed. If you volunteered for a previous event, and you received a good review from your team lead, then you will likely get priority placement.
Some positions are extremely popular, so we tend to fill those roles with people having relevant experience or background in those areas.
Some positions require a special certification, like our Medical Team. Those positions will ONLY be filled by those with the relevant, valid certification/license. Special requirements are noted in the position listing, including any certifications, date availability, and skills.
A lot of positions are going to fill up fast, especially some of the more popular roles, so don't wait to fill out an application.
A note about Sentinels and allegiance boothers
Sentinels are a special volunteer performer position.
If you are interested in being a Sentinel, do not fill out a regular volunteer application.
Allegiance Boothers are another kind of volunteer performer that do not fill out a regular volunteer application.
PERFORMERS
GoGo dancers and other performers like bands and DJs have their own application.
You can find that application (when it’s open) on the Entertainment page.
Keep reading to see this year’s volunteer positions, and to fill out an application (bottom of the page).
(position descriptions that are crossed out mean that that position is already FULL for this year)
If you have any questions about a particular role or the volunteer process, send an email to our Volunteer Coordinator.
If it’s a question about your application status or ticket, please make sure you include the email address you applied with, as well as your name, as this helps looking up your application much easier.
NEOTROPOLIS
VOLUNTEER
POSITIONS
Please read the description of the position(s) you are interested in before applying at the link at the bottom.
off-season Off-Site Team
Off-Season Off-Site Team: This is the team that is primarily located at our California City base of operations creating all of the structures, storage, and other things both creative and logistic that make our fantasy worlds come to life. These are the folks that are largely responsible for creating, building, and maintaining all of the structures, storage, decor, and other things both creative and logistic for Neotropolis and Wasteland Weekend, sometimes simultaneously.
We can use all manner of skills from carpentry, electrical, mechanical, metalwork, painting, and various types of fabrication. Some light to heavy lifting may be called for. The Off-Season Off-Site Team generally do 4 full days to earn an event ticket.
We get far more people applying than we need. Please give us specifics! The more you can describe your experience and how your skills could be useful for our organization, the more likely you are to be selected. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in doing, please fill out this application.
On site Build & Logistics
On site build positions require 4 full days. The most common way these days are done are either both weekends before the event, or starting the Saturday before the event. Other options may be available, but must be cleared by one of the Build Team Leads.
[Department Full] Advance Team aka Outriders: Arrives two weeks before the event. Deals closely with Logistics, Boundary, and the scaffolding team. Jack-of-all-trades preferred over any one skill set. Think of this as the tip of the spear for on-site build / setup crew. This position is not an available choice on the volunteer application. If you are interested in being an Outrider, please apply for Build Crew, and chose the maximum number of Build Team dates pre-event, and indicate your interest in the “anything else” prompt.
[Department Full] On-Site Build (4 day commitment): Assembles and erects major set pieces (stage, gates, various counters, shelters, and structures). Mechanical, electrical, and fabrication experience preferred, but not required. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be able to arrive onsite the days BEFORE Neotropolis, and continue (sometimes in hot or cold temperatures) until everything is done.]
[Department Full] On-Site Engineering Team (4 day commitment for pre-event): Builds and fabricates ON SITE to meet whatever needs our setup and logistics personnel may have. Requires a variety of skills with tools and machinery. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be able to arrive onsite the Friday BEFORE Neotropolis.]
[Department Full] Boundary Crew (4 day commitment): Responsible for putting up the event boundaries, roping off designated parking and camping areas, and placing informational signage. This is a highly physical position that sometimes involves hot or cold temperatures. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: must be available starting Saturday April 11th and Sunday April 12th.]
[Department Full] Heavy Equipment Loads & Logistics (aka HELL) CDL Driver (4 day commitment): Like the name says, you must have a current CDL license for this role. Driving loads to and from the event site. [EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. This role can span up to 2 weeks prior and 1 week after the event.]
[Department Full] Heavy Equipment Loads & Logistics (aka HELL)Transport & Logistics - Load Specialist (4 day commitment): Do you know your way safely around heavy equipment? This is a role providing support to our equipment operators. Properly securing trailer loads, assisting load management, keeping additional eyes/hands open for the operators. [EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. This role takes place up to 2 weeks before and 1 week after the event.]
[Department Full] Kitchen Crew (4 day commitment):Cooks for Build Crew during pre-event. Cooks for Teardown Team during post-event. Basic understanding of food safety a plus. (Runs during Pre-Event Build and Post-Event Teardown.)
[Department Full] Depot (4 day commitment): Manages the stockpile of supplies and construction materials needed for assembling and running the city. Organization and a good memory are key here. “Where can I find the X” is a question you’ll be answering constantly. This is a pre-event and during-event position.
[Department Full] Neotropolis Power & Cable aka NPC (4 day commitment): NPC lays out the power grid, plugs it all in, and keeps it all running. Shifts available before, during, and after the event. Experience with cabling and electrical is recommended, interest in learning and following protocol is required. We're also looking for those A/V cart kids with some tech knowledge for some cool network deployment stuff.
[DEPARTMENT FULL] Art Department (4 day commitment): Responsible for constructing and installing thematic elements of the event. Fabricates set pieces and props, designs lighting, audio and video elements, installs set dressing, decorative signage, neon, and much more. Looking for artists, builders, lifters and climbers, and detail-oriented doers. Experience in art department work, theater, film or television crew, set or scenic painting, construction/fabrication/soldering is welcome. Working on ladders and climbing scaffolding will be required. This is a flexible position, with shifts available during build, event week, and tear down – most shifts will be available during the 4-day lead-up to the event.
DOT Sign Placement: Positions, installs, and removes the temporary legally compliant traffic-control signs and equipment along county roads (not on the event site), to support safe festival operations. The role involves lifting materials, using basic tools, handling signposts and foundations, and is best suited for detail-oriented, safety-minded individuals. (Runs pre-event.)
Screen Team (A/V): Mounts, connects, and configures various screens around the event. Most of this role occurs during build, but we will be looking for a couple of people to do tech support during the event and a few to help with teardown after. You do not need to be a professional A/V tech, but you do need to know the difference between HDMI, DVI, 480p, 1080p, etc.. You should also be familiar with navigating playback with media players and thumb drives, and know how to troubleshoot basic video issues. If you actually know about video networking (both wired and wireless) and programming video walls, that would be a bonus (and please let us know that), but most amateur home theater or video enthusiasts should be well qualified for this. Screen team involves a lot of standing, being on ladders, walking, some carrying of TVs/monitors. (Runs pre-event, during-event, and post-event.)
Post-Event Teardown Team (4 day commitment): Post-Event teardown, load-out, and logistics. Involves dismantling of Neotropolis structures, loading/unloading trailers, and site cleanup. This is a highly physical role that sometimes involves hot or cold temperatures. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Position requires volunteer to remain on site a minimum of four days after the event ends. After wrap-up is complete, an ADDITIONAL paid ticket will be refunded, or a voucher for a future Neotropolis/Wasteland ticket will be given. In total, two comped tickets will be awarded for those who fulfill this role. NOTE: This is one of the few volunteer positions that awards TWO tickets.
Trashbot Team (2 day commitment): Post-event cleanup. This crew walks the event site making sure no trash is left behind. Fairly low impact, and does not require heavy lifting. Should be in a physical condition where walking is not an issue. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Position requires volunteer to remain on site Monday AND Tuesday after the event.]
Port Authority (Check-In)
[DEPARTMENT FULL] Check-In (aka Neotropolis Port Authority): Greets and checks all individuals into event at the gate. Checks IDs and scans tickets. Distributes waivers and verifies for legible and correct submission of information. Applies wristbands and performs vehicle searches. This position can require significant amounts of time walking and standing during your shift. This position may require some training time in the weeks before the event via video, though most training will occur onsite. (Learn more about our entry etiquette here.)
COMMAND CENTER
Command Supervisor: Partners with Command Center Managers to ensure volunteer assignments, front desk operations, and communication between CC managers and other departments as needed. The CC Supervisors remain at the desk for the majority of their shift to handle incoming CC arrivals and facilitate easy problem solving and solutions for CC managers. Multitasking, organization, radio experience, and previous Wasteland World events CC Admin/Supervisor experience preferred. CC experience required.
Admin: Partners with CC Managers and Supervisors to train, organize and manage volunteer teams directly related to Command Center. Leads "boots on the ground" teams of Gophers to on-site tasks as needed, serves as field supervisor/communications point for Gophers, Rations Runners, Dispatch and Disposal. Assist CC Supervisor with front desk as needed. Previous Wasteland World event CC experience preferred.
Dispatch: Manages walkie-talkies/radios and monitors radio activity in support of the Command Center Supervisor during the event. Checks radios and accessories in and out, refresh batteries as needed. Also assists the Command Center team with admin duties as time permits.
Gofer: Runs errands for Command Center staff and helps with anything that comes up. Sometimes reassigned to fill in other volunteer roles as needed. May include occasional heavy lifting, carrying, and working with your hands, or simple tasks like fetching items from other areas on site.
Information Services: Sits at Command and helps answer general questions from attendees. Previous event experience is required.
Errand Runner with Vehicle: Holds a valid driver’s license and owns a dependable, insured vehicle with moderate carrying capacity (must be able to load up with bags of ice, crates of water bottles, fuel cans, full bags of garbage, etc). You will be on standby at Command Center to make runs into town (expect at least one run every day you’re scheduled). SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: You MUST remain sober and fit to drive on your chosen shift days.
Generator Safety: Inspects and ensures generator compliance and fuel safety in all areas of the event, which includes Faction spaces within the Theme Zone, vendors, and general camping. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Previous NEO volunteer experience required.
Nu Yu Body Enhancement
Our Nu Yu body enhancement shop provides complimentary themed makeup and hair services for attendees. Applicants must have experience in this field. [DEPARTMENT IS FULL]
Hair Stylist: Styling hair for futuristic and cyber looks. Most supplies will be provided for you.
Makeup Artist: Enhance faces with futuristic and cyber looks. Most supplies will be provided for you. (Let us know if you have specific experience, like airbrush!)
Host: Helps make appointments for guests with the appropriate artist, keeps track of the time, and helps with scheduling during open hours.
THE ATOMIC CAFe
[Department Full] Community Bar Server / Bartender: Mixes and serves drinks and oversees stock and operations of the bar. Ensures the bar is secured at the end of the shift. Shifts will be after dark, Wednesday-Saturday. There will be mandatory training for ALL Atomic Cafe staff. Relevant experience required. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: You must be 21 years old or older to do this position.]
{Department Full] Community Bar Barback: Oversees stock and operations of the bar and assists the servers, communicating regularly with CC to maintain stock and inventory levels of AC. Serves beverages as needed during rushes. Ensures the bar is secured at the end of the shift. Shifts will be after dark, Wednesday-Saturday. There will be mandatory training for ALL Atomic Cafe staff. Relevant experience required. [SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: You must be 21 years old or older to do this position.]
SECURITY
[Department Full] Security: Performs unarmed, non-confrontational duties, including wristband checks. Observes and reports as needed under the supervision of the Security Manager. Will probably require significant time walking during shift, all security personnel WILL have a night or graveyard shift (however some of the overnight shifts may be shorter and still count as a FULL SHIFT, so overnights can result in fewer total hours). May require filling out incident reports and working alongside the Security Manager with local law enforcement. This is an OBSERVE AND REPORT POSITION ONLY. Let us know if you have a current GUARD CARD (Not required, but preferred).
Entertainment / Stage Crew
Assistant to Entertainment Director: Assists our existing Entertainment Director onsite throughout the weekend, helping with wrangling non-music performers and facilitating shows at both the main stage and other performance areas.
Stage Tech: Arrives before the stage opens for the night and checks gear with the light board operator and sound engineer and assists them and the stage supervisor throughout the evening. Also needed are stage techs that can help set up in the days BEFORE the event begins.
Light Board Operator: Arrives before the stage opens for the night and checks gear with the light board operator and sound engineer and assists them and the stage supervisor throughout the evening. Helps bands get their gear on and off stage (roadie). Also needed are stage techs that can help set up in the days BEFORE the event begins.
Hotel Driver (for out of town bands): You will do one round trip to the Best Western in California City each morning (10 or 11am-ish) and go back there once late at night (1am-ish). This goes from Wednesday night through Saturday night. If you have room for more than two passengers for doing the hotel runs, that would be great, please let us know. You must have your own vehicle, in good running order, current insurance, a clean driving record, and be sober while on your shift. Your vehicle must have space for two passengers (minimum) and some luggage. We will reimburse you for gas as well as giving you a comped event ticket.
Airport Driver (for out of town bands): You will need to pick up one or two passengers at either Burbank or Los Angeles (LAX) airport on either Wednesday or Thursday afternoon and then return them there on the afternoon of Sunday the 28th. You must have your own vehicle, in good running order, current insurance, a clean driving record, and be sober while on your shift. Your vehicle must have space for two passengers (minimum) and some luggage. We will reimburse you for gas as well as giving you a comped event ticket.
Gaming Dome Bit Boss: The Bit Boss overseas video gaming in one of our two gaming domes (multiple Bit Bosses will be needed). They will help with setup of the game consoles/machines, monitor gaming and give technical assistance as needed. If you’re feeling outgoing, you may also be asked to MC gaming tournaments etc.. Knowledge of video games (especially retro games) and basic A/V setup preferred (or be willing to learn). Mostly night shifts.
Gaming Dome Volunteer: Reports to Bit Bosses in order to get the gaming dome logistics set up and fix any technical issues. Will also oversee Laser Tag and Disc Combat rentals. Must have some A/V setup experience and knowledge of game consoles preferred. Volunteers also needed 1 day pre and post event for setup and teardown.
MEDICAL
Medical Provider (EMT, Paramedic, etc.): Medical Providers are there to care for injuries of participants, staff and volunteers who attend Wasteland Weekend™ and Neotropolis™. Providers use their respective education and clinical skills to perform a field assessment to treat life threatening injuries according to Kern County BLS protocols. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: EMT-B and EMT-P (Paramedics) must be certified in California as of January 2024 to volunteer as a Provider. Registered Nurses are under National Compact and can work as a provider regardless of where you are licensed. Medical Doctors have no interstate restrictions. LVN’s and LPN’s cannot provide medical care in California outside a clinical environment but are welcome to volunteer as scribes or wellness. It is recommended that you have professional liability insurance for this event. If you do not, you can find affordable insurance at: http://www.hpso.com
Medical Wellness: Provides one-on-one care to persons experiencing emotional and mental health emergencies. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Experience in Psychological Care, Crisis Intervention, CBT, TF-CBT and PTSD Counseling are preferred.
Medical Scribe/Recorder: Help Medical Providers with recording patient care information so they can concentrate on treating patients. Scribes will fill out PCR’s (Patient Care Reports) and work with providers after patient care is finished to complete the PCR. It is recommended you have some basic knowledge of medical terminology. Free courses in Medical Terminology can be found here.
Health & Sanitation
[Position Full] Porto Deployment: Does not personally clean portapotties, or handle trash. Helps place portable restrooms, coordinates with the rental company and Build Crew, and conducts quality-control checks to ensure proper placement, cleanliness, and accessibility for attendees. (Runs pre-event and during-event.)
[Position Full] Dumpster Attendant (aka Cash 4 Trash): Does not personally handle trash. Monitors the use of the outdoors community dumpsters during specified hours. Must be able to handle cash in a responsible manner, collect disposal fees, instructs on proper waste drop-off protocols, and keep the dumpster area clean and organized. Must be available all day Sunday post-event. (Runs Friday and Sunday of the event.)
Found something you like? If you are interested in a position listed above, then fill out and sumbit a Volunteer Application, which you can find below. If you don't see a position from last year, it either was changed/removed for this year, or it's now being internally staffed.
You’ll know your application was successfully submitted when you see the “Thank You" page after you hit submit.
(This is NOT a confirmation of your acceptance as a volunteer, it just means you’ve successfully submitted your application.)
If you don't get that page, it means something is not filled out correctly.
You will remain on the application page so you can find the problem, correct it, and try submitting again.
Please allow up to 3-4 weeks to hear back from a Team Lead.
E-mail volunteers@neotropolis.com with the name and email address used in your submission for info on your application if you have any questions, need to make changes to your availability or department choices, or if you are no longer able to participate after applying.
How volunteers at our events earn comp tickets and bonus tickets
(and how many you can earn):
Off-season build: 4 days of off-season build are required to earn one comp ticket. Extra days past those 4 days do not earn extra tickets.
On-site build: 4 days required for one comp ticket.
During-event volunteering: 2 shifts required to earn one comp ticket.
Trashbot: 2 days required to earn one comp ticket (or refund).
Teardown: 4 days required to earn one comp ticket (or refund) AND one bonus comp ticket or refund.
As you can see above, working teardown is the only way you can earn more than one comp ticket or refund.
If you volunteer to do two roles, such as four days of off-season build plus 2 shifts during the event (or you are also a performer or someone that would get a comp ticket via another channel) you DO NOT earn more than one comp ticket to the event.
The ONLY path to earning more than one comped admission or refund per event is to be part of the teardown crew.
The maximum comp tickets anyone can earn per event is 2 (and the only way you get to 2 is to be part of the teardown crew).
The maximum number of comp tickets you can earn PER YEAR is 4, and this would be done by doing teardown at both events or some combination of another role plus teardown at both events.
Any and all comp tickets or bonus tickets or refunds must be used within 1 year of earning them, or they are no longer valid.
Finally, a reminder we do not want volunteers to buy tickets. You will be issued a volunteer ticket once you are confirmed. The only exception are teardown and trashbot volunteers, who must buy their ticket prior to the event and then get it refunded after their role is complete (so that they can’t simply no-show for their duties after getting into the event for free).