Playground Staff

Job Title

Playground Staff

Division

Gaming

Department

Playground

Reports to

Gaming Director

Position Type

Unpaid Volunteer

Location

Remote with occasional in-person meetings (location-dependent), may be expected to be on-site during convention dates, including the day before and the day after for setup and teardown.

About Anthro SoCal

Anthro SoCal is a community-driven convention celebrating furry fandom through art, performance, gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Anthro SoCal was formally known as Another Furry Con in 2024-2025.

Position Overview

The Playground Staff member is a proactive, hands-on team member responsible for creating and maintaining dynamic, orderly, and highly interactive social gaming spaces across the convention center and event hotel(s). Operating at the staff level, you will handle the physical lifecycle of our interactive playground setups. This includes unpacking, assembling, and arranging games and activities before the convention kicks off, and organizing, cleaning, and packing them away once the event concludes. During the convention, you will serve as a visible floor host, keeping the playground tidy and assisting attendees. If you are an active, organized individual who enjoys transforming spaces and ensuring attendees have a fun, safe place to hang out, this role is an excellent fit.

Time Commitment

Year-round

None

As convention approaches

Attend online staff meetings and trainings when requested

Convention weekend

On-site presence is required with flexible hours

Pre and post-convention

On-site presence is required to assist with setup and teardown activities the day before and the day after the event

Key Responsibilities

Your shift will center around spatial setup, physical labor, area upkeep, and attendee hospitality

Pre-Con Setup & Assembly

Assist in the physical transformation of convention and hotel spaces before the event opens. This includes unpacking bins, assembling oversized or interactive games, and moving heavy activity sets into their designated layouts

Post-Con Teardown & Logistics

Execute the safe disassembly and packing of all playground assets after the convention closes. You will meticulously organize items back into their original condition and custom storage containers, preparing them securely for freight shipping and long-term storage

Periodic Area Upkeep

Conduct regular walkthroughs of the playground zones during operational hours to reset scattered game pieces, wipe down high-touch surfaces, and tidy up common areas to keep the space clean and inviting

Qualifications

Required

Physical Stamina & Capability

Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and move bulky game components, as well as stand and walk for prolonged periods during heavy setup and teardown days

Strong Organizational Skills

High attention to detail when following packing instructions, sorting loose parts, and ensuring complex activities are packed back into their exact designated containers

Punctuality & Reliability

Strict adherence to setup and teardown schedules. Pre-convention prep timelines are rigid, and the playground must be completely assembled before attendees arrive and taken down after the convention

Preferred

Fandom & Convention Knowledge

A strong understanding of convention culture and how attendees utilize casual social spaces, helping you anticipate high-traffic needs

Basic Tool & Assembly Familiarity

Comfort using basic hand tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hex keys, mallets) to safely assemble and disassemble interactive structural games or furniture

What We Offer

While this is an unpaid volunteer position, we provide

Free convention membership and staff perks

Staff hospitality (meals/snacks during your shifts at-con)

Exclusive staff events and social opportunities

Recognition in convention materials

Experience in event management and team leadership

A supportive, creative community environment

References and recommendation letters upon request

Anthro SoCal is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.