We have many opportunities available for people of all ages with a variety of skills, passions and interests. Volunteer shifts are largely done by self-signup. Submit an application today so you can stay up to date with our latest volunteer news and be informed when shifts are available!

Browse our exciting volunteer positions listed below!

Accessibility: Please reach out to the volunteer department if you have any accessibility questions or requirements.

Besides interests in our general festival positions do you have any of the following special skills?

Coastal Jazz is always looking for committed individuals with qualifications such as:

  • Class 4 and Class 5 driver’s licenses
  • Staging and/or Drum Tech experience
  • SES/SIR certificate
  • FoodSafe certificate
  • OFA-2 (or higher) first aid certification
  • Leadership and management experience

Click here to submit a volunteer application. 

  • Administration

    You know this position is for you if…You are the kind of person that knows it’s the little details that are vital. You are known for your “attention to detail,” and can do a task over and over again, while keeping your focus and desire to make sure everything is just right! You are comfortable with technology, and others know you can be trusted with sensitive information. You are available for shifts on an as-needed basis.
    During your typical shift you will be responsible for assisting in assorted administrative tasks at the Jazz Festival Office, such as… Data entry Survey collation Assisting with mail outs Any other admin tasks that help staff bring the Festival to life!

    • Data entry
    • Survey collation
    • Assisting with mail outs
    • Any other admin tasks that help staff bring the Festival to life!

  • Airport Liaison

    You know this position is for you if…You love to play the host, and you come alive when you are being friendly and generous to guests and visitors! You bring endless patience to the job, and handle long periods of inactivity between guests with the poise of Yoda. Vancouver is your home, and you are familiar with the city’s routes. You are organized and comfortable being at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and can use a cell phone with ease.

    During a typical shift you will be responsible for meeting artists at the airport and directing them to appropriate transportation. This may include:

    • Meeting both international and domestic artists as they arrive at YVR
    • Coordinating artists’ connection to the Jazz Festival’s Artist Transport Drivers
    • Monitoring flight times to stay on top of actual arrivals
    • Maintaining cell phone contact with central dispatch
    • Being at YVR, domestic and/or international terminals for your shifts. (Note: Your ride to and from YVR can usually be arranged with the Artist Transport Drivers)

  • Artist Hospitality - Venue

    You know this position is for you if…You know what it means to be a good host, and to cater to people’s needs and wants. You respect artists’ privacy, and reading people’s social cues is second nature to you. No detail is overlooked with you on the job, and you know little things make big things happen. Lifting objects (like the artist’s favorite case of pop) up and down flights of stairs is no problem.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Reading, understanding and following the Hospitality Policy for your venue.
    • Reading the rider sheet for that day, and checking that the required items are available.
    • Checking dressing room(s) for cleanliness, and cleaning if necessary.
    • Arranging and monitoring food and drinks in the dressing room.
    • Maintaining a secure and calm environment in the backstage area
    • Being available to assist performers (but not hovering)
    • Cleaning and/or packing up the dressing room(s) after the show

  • Artist Hospitality - Warehouse

    You know this position is for you if…you have keen attention to detail and you know “it’s the little things that make the big things possible!” Food preparation for you comes with ease and grace, and you have the experience to show it. (Even better, you have FoodSafe.). You like to keep things tidy!

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for..

    Pre-/during Festival tasks:

    • Assembling venue bins. This involves testing all appliances (e.g. kettle), packing equipment, labeling as needed, and ensuring venue dishes are clean
    • Delivering bins to venues and green rooms
    • Using your creative skills to prep and assemble hospitality food for artists and special requests from the Artist Riders

    Post Festival tasks:

    • Wash and dry dishes, and pack into storage bins
    • Make note of any items needing repair, restocking or replacing.
    • Work alongside many other volunteers!

  • Artist Transportation Driver

    You know this position is for you if…You have a friendly and professional demeanor and hold a valid unrestricted Class 4 Driver’s license (some exceptions for Class 5 drivers permitted). You have the attitude and ability to drive in Vancouver’s traffic day and night with confidence and calmness! Your driving expertise gets performers (and their gear) safely from airport to hotels to concert venues. You can drive a rented fleet of 15-passenger and 7-passenger vans, as well as Town Cars, Lincoln and other luxury vehicles when required.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Ensuring the safe arrival, departure and in-city transport of out-of-town talent (note: Coastal Jazz provides the vehicles you will be driving)
    • Providing pick-up and drop-off at YVR, train stations, hotels and venues for artists, their gear, and other visiting guests of the Festival
    • Being able to engage in some supervisory tasks including lock-up and talent interface, on an as needed basis.

  • Audience Relations

    You know this position is for you if…You are responsible and reliable, and people can count on you! You are a people person, and can interact with a crowd or one-on-one with confidence and patience. You aren’t afraid to speak up when situations occur. You love being outdoors and can work in all conditions! You lead by example, and know that every interaction with the audience counts.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Confidently directing both traffic and the public in key staging & high pedestrian traffic areas
    • Monitoring stage and bistro areas, becoming the ‘eyes and ears’ for contracted security crew
    • Assisting with patron inquiries using the site map in the Jazz Festival guidebook
    • When at outdoor venue – wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather

  • Banner/Signage

    You know this position is for you if…You are comfortable climbing up and down ladders. You enjoy working independently and have the strength to lift heavy objects. You are the kind of person people rely on to get things done. You know your banners and signage are going to make a difference in ensuring people have a great festival experience.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Delivering, setting up, taking down, and returning banners and signage to indoor and outdoor Festival venues
    • Safely setting up A-frame signs on sidewalks, hanging banners above venue entrances and in lobbys, and attaching signage to fencing and stages
    • Possibly traveling to various parts of the city to work your banner and sign magic. (Familiarity with the city is an asset)

  • Bistro and Bars

    You know this position is for you if…You have the talent, skills, and background to aid in the operation of bars at various indoor and outdoor (tented) locations. You have the stamina to perform physical work and be on your feet throughout the shift. Your background in the restaurant or bar setting means you are the ideal person to work efficiently in a busy environment. You are able to comfortably deal with large groups of guests in short timeframes.

    During your typical shift,

    As Bartender you will be responsible for…

    • Taking orders and preparing bar drinks in an efficient manner
    • Taking payment, making change, processing card payments on Point-of-Sale units
    • Having a Serving it Right Certificate (SIR) or Special Event Server (SES)

    As Busser you will be responsible for…

    • Ensuring tables are ready to receive new guests
    • Maintaining a clean environment

    As Cashier/Ticket Seller you will be responsible for…

    • Handling large sums of money in an efficient manner
    • Having a background in cashiering or banking is preferred
    • Having a Serving it Right Certificate (SIR) or Special Event Server (SES) is preferred

  • Distribution - Poster/Program Guide

    You know this position is for you if…You are an independent soul that has a gift for great communication. You love to tell the world about a great thing! You are super reliable and are available to spread the word by distributing Festival materials in May.

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    • Distributing materials to predetermined routes around the Lower Mainland
    • Approaching businesses/locations on the routes that are assigned to you and asking them to display Festival promotional material
    • Recording the businesses’ names and locations and the amount of posters/booklets/cards/etc left with them on Route Sheets provided
    • Being relied upon to return completed Route Sheets

  • Environment and Waste Management

    You know this position is for you if…You have a passion for the environment, and know creating environmentally-friendly events is your way of helping the bigger picture! You enjoy engaging with the public and see yourself as an ambassador for zero-waste practices. You are able to stand/walk for long periods of time, and enjoy being outside in all conditions, and know how to dress for the Vancouver weather!

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    • Promoting environmental awareness and ensuring the event site remains clean
    • Guiding attendees in the use of on-site recycling and waste disposal containers
    • Helping with de-littering the site (ergonomic equipment provided)
    • Helping direct attendees to site services

  • Family Zone

    You know this position is for you if…You are a responsible fun-loving individual who enjoys arts and crafts, and has experience working with children and parents! You are a champion for providing a safe and fun environment, for children to play and grow. You enjoy working outdoors in all conditions, and are available on the weekends.

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    • Assisting in the arts and crafts area for children
    • Helping set up and strike the tent
    • Assisting with patron inquiries using the site map in the Jazz Festival guidebook
    • Wearing closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather, when at outdoor event

  • Front of House

    You know this position is for you if…You if love being where the ‘where the action is!’ You are friendly, and your inner sense of calm remains no matter how busy the environment! You have cash handling experience (box office/merchandise), and can stand for long periods of time. And when asked to lift chairs and other heavy objects, no problem (usher)! All this means you are ready and willing to bring all you are to ticketing, seating and patron management.

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    Ushers:

    • Managing audience traffic within venue and provide Festival information to customers
    • Scanning tickets and seating audience members
    • Setting and packing up seating before and after shows

    Box Office, Will Call:

    • Selling tickets, managing guest lists and will call
    • Providing general and festival information to customers
    • Reconciling cash at end of night

    Merchandise Sales:

    • Counting in inventory, selling artist merchandise, maintaining inventory and handling cash
    • Reconciling cash at end of night with assistance from Venue Manager

  • Fundraising 50/50

    You know this position is for you if…You have an outgoing personality and are comfortable talking to strangers. This is a vital position to help Coastal Jazz sell 50/50 tickets at our public events and entry points to seated shows.

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    • Chatting with Festival attendees about our 50/50 raffle and encouraging ticket sales
    • Explaining the 50/50 ticket prices and where the money goes
    • Managing a POS unit, a “tap to pay” portable payment system
    • Working on a team of 2-4 people

  • Info Booth

    You know this position is for you if… You know all about the Jazz Festival (or you’re ready and willing to do your research)! It is your friendly and outgoing personality that is a magnet for patrons and the public to stop and ask you Festival questions!

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    • Providing festival information to the public
    • Promoting festival ticketed events at various venues

  • Office Driver

    You know this position is for you if…You love to drive in the city (especially in your own beloved car) and secretly dream of being a courier for the rich and famous. You have a valid BC Class 5 license and cell phone. When others describe you, the words responsible, reliable, and independent are what they say. You are ready and willing to use your own personal vehicle for shifts (and have the kilometers reimbursed by the Festival).

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    • Handling pickups and deliveries of documents and materials between the Jazz Festival Office and other locations around Metro Vancouver

  • Production - Venue

    Note: In addition to completing the volunteer application form, new volunteers interested in Drum Tech or Staging roles will need to fill out a Production Questionnaire in order for us to determine experience level prior to gaining access to sign up for those shifts. After you register as a volunteer please go to the link to complete the questionnaire if you are interested in Drum Tech or Staging. After completing the questionnaire please allow 48 hours for your new shift options to appear. If you have no live music staging experience we encourage you to sign up for shifts in Equipment – Warehouse to learn the basics (equipment, cabling, etc.).

    Drum Tech
    You know this position is for you if…You know drums and can set up or assist on stage set up and teardown of all drum kits and percussion instruments. You have experience in live staging events. Your solid knowledge of musical and sound equipment, especially drum kits and percussion instruments, give you the experience to get the job done! For you, lifting heavy objects is just ‘part of the job.’

    During a typical shift you will be responsible for

    • Assisting the venue staff and performers with loading in and out drum equipment
    • Setting up drum and percussion equipment on stage
    • Assisting with changeover of bands during the event
    • Making sure gear is used and managed properly
    • Maintaining a safe working environment
    • Possibly working with artists on an “as needed” basis

    Staging
    You know this position is for you if you…delight in working reliably and responsibly with a team to assist our performers with equipment and stage setup. You have some familiarity with stage crew work, like wrapping cables and setting up mics, backline, etc. You possess good knowledge of musical and sound equipment and can help ensure that all gear is used and managed properly. You also don’t mind wearing dark clothing while on your shift or lifting heavy objects.

    *Please note: This is a stagehand position. While you may be asked to help with patching, you will not be involved in audio mixing or running the board.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Carrying out general stage crew work (wrapping cables, setting up mics, backline, etc)
    • Setting up equipment on stage
    • Assisting with the changeover of bands between sets
    • Maintaining a safe environment (taping down cables, etc.)
    • Helping bands load gear in and out

  • Production - Warehouse

    Note: In addition to completing the volunteer application form, new volunteers interested in the Drum Assistant role will need to fill out a Production Questionnaire in order for us to determine experience level prior to gaining access to sign up for those shifts. After completing the questionnaire please allow 48 hours for your new shift options to appear.

    Equipment
    You know this position is for you if you…are a ‘behind the scenes’ kind of person, and would love to spend your time assisting in the loading and delivery of stage, sound, and musical (backline) equipment. Attention to detail is second nature to you, and you are able to work both independently and on a team.

    During your typical shift you may be responsible for…

    • Applying inventory tags to equipment
    • Following a checklist to package equipment for various venues
    • Loading equipment into/out of trucks for transport to and from venues and various suppliers
    • Doing what is needed to maintain a clean and organized warehouse
    • Making sure equipment is used and managed properly
    • During Downtown Jazz: unloading/loading trucks, moving equipment from stage to stage as needed

    Drum Assistant
    You know this position is for you if you…are a ‘behind the scenes’ kind of person, and would love to spend your time assisting in the organization and prep of all drum kits and percussion instruments. You have some knowledge and experience of setting up and tuning drums, and want to help where you can. You are able to lift up to 25lbs.

    During a typical shift you may be responsible for

    • Helping maintain inventory and care of drum kits
    • Prepping kits to go out to venues
    • Changing drum heads
    • Assist in moving equipment to and from venues and suppliers
    • (Post festival) Prepping kits to go back to suppliers
    • Helping with other Production Equipment tasks as required

  • Set Up/Strike

    You know this position is for you if…You have a knack for organizing event spaces and preparing them for others to enjoy. You’re handy with Festival equipment like stages, tents, and fencing. Working outside in all conditions and lifting heavy objects are challenges you look forward to. You enjoy working in a team to efficiently set up and tear down Festival sites.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Setting up stages, tents, fencing
    • Distribution and arrangement of tables and chairs
    • General site set-up and tear-down

  • Special Events Host

    You know this position is for you if…You are the master of customer service and can switch between roles in the blink of an eye! Your experience in event management, and in serving/hosting ensures you have the skills to be on the ‘front lines’ at special events. Your previous experience and knowledge of the Festival, makes you the perfect choice to represent Coastal Jazz.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Working at special events in multi-functional role.
    • Being flexible in your abilities, including welcoming guests, registration, serving and bussing, ushering, providing information about Coastal Jazz and, set-up and takedown
    • Acting as an ambassador for Coastal Jazz

  • Sunshine Crew

    You know this position is for you if…You if love supporting your fellow volunteers! You are friendly, outgoing, and full of sunshine no matter the weather. You have customer service experience (serving/retail), and can stand and walk around outside for long periods of time pulling a wagon full of treats to share with other volunteers.  Large crowds don’t bother you and you love to get to know people. All this means you are ready and willing to bring all you are to answering questions, and providing goodness to help make the volunteer experience great for all of our fabulous volunteers!

    During your typical shift, you will be responsible for…

    • Preparing a wagon with rain ponchos, sunscreen, water, and snacks
    • Navigating a full wagon (not too heavy) through crowds of people to reach other working volunteers to provide nourishment, hydration and other things that might be needed
    • Answer questions that volunteers might have, or at least be prepared to find the answer if you don’t know
    • Restock the wagon when you are low on things
    • Provide good cheer and general support to volunteers

  • Volunteer Package Pick Up

    You know this position is for you if…being ‘organized is the name of the game!’ You enjoy down time but you are ready to kick it into high gear if needed. You bring a friendly personality to anything asked of you, and your experience in an office/administration environment is a plus!

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Welcoming and handing out packages to volunteers and artists during Volunteer Package Pick Up hours of operation
    • Assisting with daily set-up and take down of the Volunteer Package Pick Up
    • Packet prep shifts only: prep volunteer information packages which include: schedules, info sheets, Festival IDs, and other materials

  • Volunteer Festival Check-in

    You know this position is for you if…You have a contagious smile and love to meet other volunteers. You’re the kind of person who stops to help if you see someone in need. You are super responsible, have great people skills, and one of your secret powers is being radio savvy.

    During your typical shift you will be responsible for…

    • Checking in Volunteers, Crew Chiefs and their respective teams
    • Signing in and out radios
    • Handing out supplies as needed