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.