Bag Checker

Position Overview

Join our festival security team as a Bag Checker! Help ensure the safety and security of all Songscape attendees while being part of an exciting music event. This role is essential in maintaining venue security and preventing prohibited items from entering the festival grounds.

Festival Culture & Approach

Our festival creates a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued. As a Bag Checker, you're an important first representative that attendees meet. We expect security that's both thorough and friendly - your job is serious, but your approach should be positive. Good bag checkers are detail-oriented while still being personable. Follow security protocols with warmth rather than sternness. Greet people politely, explain policies when needed, and thank them for their cooperation. Work efficiently while keeping interactions pleasant. You represent our festival values with every bag you check, and a positive entry experience enhances an attendee's entire weekend. The best volunteers help people feel both safe and welcomed while maintaining our festival's friendly spirit.

Key Responsibilities

- Conduct thorough but efficient bag inspections for all attendees entering the festival grounds

- Check bags against the festival's prohibited items list

- Direct attendees to amnesty boxes for voluntary surrender of prohibited items

- Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor while conducting searches

- Work collaboratively with security staff and other volunteers

- Report suspicious items or behavior to security supervisors

- Help manage crowd flow at entry points

- Assist attendees with questions about permitted/prohibited items

Required Qualifications

- Must be 18 years of age or older

- Ability to stand for extended periods 

- Strong attention to detail

- Good communication skills in English (additional languages are an asset)

- Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations

- Must be able to follow detailed security protocols

- Must have valid government-issued photo ID

Preferred Qualifications

- Previous experience in security or crowd management

- First aid certification

- Experience working at music festivals or large events

- Knowledge of common prohibited items at music festivals

Time Commitment

- Mandatory attendance at a training session prior to the festival

- Minimum commitment of two shifts during the festival

- Must arrive 15 minutes before shift start time for briefing

Benefits

- Free festival admission for all days of the event

- Festival t-shirt and volunteer credential

- Invitation to volunteer party

- Opportunity to meet new people and be part of an exciting event

- Valuable event industry experience

- Certificate of volunteer service upon request

- Complimentary refreshments during shift

Working Conditions

- Outdoor environment

- Standing for extended periods

- High-volume, fast-paced environment

- May involve lifting bags up to 10kg for inspection

Compliance Requirements

- Must adhere to Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act guidelines

- Must follow all festival policies and procedures

Note

This position requires a criminal background check. All volunteers must comply with local health and safety regulations as well as Songscape policies and code of conduct.