Network Tech

Job Title

Network Tech

Division

Technology

Department

IT

Reports to

IT Manager

Position Type

Unpaid Volunteer

Location

Remote with occasional in-person meetings (location-dependent), 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 Network Tech helps build, configure, and maintain the convention's digital nervous system. In this role, you'll assist with deploying and configuring the event's network infrastructure - helping registration desks set up printers, keeping staff workstations and equipment connected, and ensuring services like security cameras stay online throughout the weekend. You'll get hands-on experience with network hardware, cabling, configuration, and troubleshooting in a fast-paced event environment while working alongside experienced team members.

Whether you're already comfortable with networking or you're looking for an opportunity to build practical IT skills, we'd love to have you. A willingness to learn, ask questions, and work as part of a team is just as important as prior experience. If you enjoy solving problems and are excited to learn how large event networks come together, this is a great role to grow your skills.

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. Must plan to work the minimum volunteer hour requirement posted on the website

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 combine physical infrastructure deployment, software configuration, and real-time IT support

Network Infrastructure Setup

Assist with the physical deployment, mounting, and cabling of networking equipment (switches, cameras, access points) throughout the designated event space according to pre-designed network plans

Workstation Deployment

Set up laptop workstations/peripherals, configure network settings, and physically or wirelessly connect them to the event network to ensure immediate staff readiness

Registration Department Support

Work closely with the Registration team to set up network, and test hardware equipment, with a specific focus on badge printers and local print servers

Surveillance Setup

Deploy, position, and connect Unifi security cameras in key event spaces to maintain safety and monitoring capabilities

Network Configuration

Configure network hardware and manage settings as needed utilizing the Unifi Site Manager controller platform

Network Triage & Troubleshooting

Remain readily available during scheduled operational hours to coordinate solutions, diagnose connectivity drops, manage bandwidth allocation, and rapidly troubleshoot network or hardware issues as they arise

Qualifications

Required

Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to "think on your feet" and methodically isolate network, hardware, and OS faults under pressure during a live event

Physical Capability

Ability to carry equipment, climb ladders safely to mount access points or cameras, and run lengthy cable drops across event floors

Organizational and Collaboration Skills

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work collaboratively with professional venue staff and diverse volunteer teams

Eagerness to Learn

Possesses strong drive, curiosity, and willingness to learn about networking and IT

Preferred

Previous Networking Experience

Solid fundamental knowledge of networking principles, including applied knowledge of how to setup hardware and connect devices

Ubiquiti Ecosystem Expertise

Direct, hands-on experience with Unifi / Ubiquiti networking hardware and the Unifi Site Manager interface is highly ideal

Desktop Support Experience

Previous experience providing tier-1/tier-2 IT helpdesk or desktop support (troubleshooting OS settings, printer drivers, and hardware peripherals)

Convention or Event IT Knowledge

Familiarity with the unique nature of conventions. Previous volunteer experience within the furry fandom or large-scale conventions

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.