Volunteer
Our volunteers take time out of their busy schedules, to assist our staff over the duration of the convention. As our convention grows, we need more volunteers to deliver an amazing convention experience.
Volunteers often give just a few hours here and there while attending the con.
Volunteers can sign up during convention hours at Con Ops!
Staff
Staffing is a larger time investment, and usually involves duties before the convention as well as during. Our core team of Staff, Department Heads, and Directors work closely together to make sure the inner workings and fine details of our events go as smoothly as possible.
Staff are the core members of our team. They commit more time volunteering both at the convention, and in the months beforehand. Staff receive more perks and rewards, and are assigned to one of our departments. Staff members must be 18+ to apply. See below to find positions that best fit you here at Furnal Equinox!
Open Staff Positions
Charity Positions
The Charity team helps raise funds for our partner charity by managing auctions of attendee-donated items and collecting money.
Dealer’s Den Positions
The Dealers Den team manages all dealer relations and the physical den space before and during the con.
Finance Positions
The Finance team manages the convention budget, cash handling, and tracks purchases made for the event.
I.T. Positions
The IT team manages software used throughout the year as well as hardware used during the convention.
Logistics Positions
The Logistics team handles convention inventory, asset management, and off-site storage. They are responsible for transportation of convention property to and from the venue.
Merchandising Positions
The Logistics team handles convention inventory, asset management, and off-site storage. They are responsible for transportation of convention property to and from the venue.
Panels and Events Positions
The Panels & Events Department manages the submission, evaluation, scheduling, and execution of all panels, meetups, and social events at the convention.
Registration Positions
The Registration department manages the attendee check-in and online registration process, and maintains attendance related information systems.
Safety Positions
The Safety team responds to concerns about attendee health and wellbeing, including maintaining a safe environment at the convention.
Staffing Coordination Positions
The Staffing team manages onboarding, maintains staff records, and handles at-con volunteer coordination.
Tier Planning & Implementation Positions
The Tier Planning & Implementation team shapes the convention’s tiered registration ticket offerings, including merch and experiences offered to each tier.
Charity Team Member
Have a love of animals? Want to help support a great cause? What better way than to help the Furnal Equinox Charity Department raise money for our supported charity? FE is looking for outgoing individuals who can help to monitor and answer questions about the silent auction, and to help during the live auction.
REPORTS TO: Charity Department Lead
NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 4
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
- Monitoring items in the silent auction and answering questions about the auction process
- Helping to act as a liaison between FE and our Charity Representatives (during the convention)
- Assisting in collecting donated items for the auctions, and funds in support of the charity.
- Participating in the live auction, assisting in a potential variety of ways (helping to display the item, tracking the bids, gathering winning bidder info, etc.)
WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU:
- A completed Criminal Records Check (CRC) is required (free for volunteers residing in Ontario)
- Prior cash handling experiences is an asset
- Outgoing personality is an asset
- Must be available to attend and assist during the live auction (usually held on the Sunday of FE)
Dealer’s Den Staff
Visual artists, fursuit makers, crafters, and more – all are forms of art that form a cornerstone of the furry community! If vending and supporting artists are important to you, the Furnal Equinox Dealers Den needs your help! We’re looking for someone who can assist with the behind-the-scenes preparations and the at-con supervision of the regular Dealers Den, 18+ Dealers Den, and Artist Alley!
REPORTS TO:
- Head of Department, Dealers Den
- Second-in-Command, Dealers Den
NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 2-4
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
- Collaborate with the rest of the Dealers Den team to sort and organize applications.
- Help with the vendor vetting and selection process.
- Problem solve and give input in proposed ideas and changes.
- Respond to inquiries and address issues related to the regular Dealers Den, 18+ Dealers Den, and Artist Alley, both pre-convention and at-convention.
WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU:
- Customer-service experience is a must.
- Experience vending at a convention is an asset.
- Familiarity with the Microsoft Platform (Teams, Office)
- Willingness to learn new policies, procedures, and software.
- Be communicative and a team player to help make the con the best it can be.
- Important: If you are selected as a vendor, you will need an assistant to watch your table during your shifts. 10-16 hours of dedicated volunteering will be requested of all Dealers Den team members during the convention weekend.
Finance Team Member
Do you love spreadsheets, see in dollar signs, or have a knack for balancing financial tables? Then we have the role for you! FE is looking for general finance staff to assist with yearly budget preparation and manage the cash office during the convention weekend.
Reports to: Director of Infrastructure
What you will be doing:
- Assisting with budget preparation
- Basic bookkeeping
- Purchasing management
- Managing cash office during con
- Proactive loss prevention and self-auditing
- End-of-year analysis of budget and breakdown
What we want from you:
- Experience using Microsoft Excel
- Attention to detail
- Good number sense
- Cash handling experience
Bonus points:
- Experience using Quickbooks
- Previous experience with professional budgeting
- Previous experience in a similar finance role
I.T. Team Member
We are seeking a dedicated and tech-savvy volunteer to join our IT team as General IT Staff. This role is perfect for someone passionate about technology and looking to gain hands-on experience while contributing to a meaningful cause. Volunteers will assist in supporting day-to-day IT operations, troubleshooting technical issues, and helping maintain our organization’s digital infrastructure.
REPORTS TO: Head of IT
NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 5
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide basic technical support to staff and volunteers (hardware, software, and network issues).
- Assist with setting up and maintaining workstations, devices, and user accounts.
- Help with software updates, backups, and IT documentation.
- Support the maintenance of inventory records for IT equipment.
- Ensure cybersecurity protocols are followed and report any concerns
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Basic knowledge of computers, operating systems (Windows/macOS), and Microsoft Office.
- Familiarity with troubleshooting common technical problems.
- Willingness to learn and take initiative.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Previous IT experience or education is a plus but not required.
Logistics Coordinator
Department: Logistics
Supervisor: Head of Logistics
Job Description: The Logistics Coordinator is the person assigned responsibility for designated areas within the event space during Logistics tasks. They coordinate with logistics staff and other departments to ensure that event setup and teardowns go smoothly. This is a year round position.
Job Elements:
- Assist with Logistics tasks and paperwork
- Developing yearly operational plans for designated areas
- Review and maintain training materials and spearhead training sessions
- Coordinate setup/teardown operations in designated areas
- Coordinate volunteers for Logistics tasks in designated areas
- Coordinate with Logistics drivers, other coordinators and staff
- Coordinate with other departments as required
- Assist with asset and inventory audit initiatives
- Coordinate with hotel liaison and hotel staff as required
- Be available for Logistics tasks year round
Required:
- 18+ age
- Background check
- Must be physically mobile within designated areas
Logistics Inventory Coordinator
Department: Logistics
Supervisor: Logistics Department Lead
Job Description: The Inventory Coordinator is responsible for maintaining assets and inventory for the organization. They will primarily support the organization storage locker by maintaining the business relationship with the storage company, receiving assets, and overseeing asset and inventory audits. They will coordinate with other departments regarding their respective assets and inventories, as well as with Logistics staff for audits and transportation plans. This is a year round position.
Job Elements:
- Assist with pre/post convention Logistics tasks and paperwork
- Coordinate access to storage locker as required by convention department staff
- Developing yearly operational plans for designated areas
- Review and maintain training materials and spearhead training sessions
- Receive assets and inventory at storage locker
- Coordinate with Purchasing teams
- Maintain asset and inventory control systems ie. AssetTiger
- Oversee asset and inventory audit initiatives
- Coordinate with drivers, other coordinators and Logistics staff
- Lead asset and inventory audit initiatives
- Coordinate with other departments
- Be available for Logistics tasks year round
Required:
- 18+ age
- Volunteer background check
Training:
- Project Management
- Asset and Inventory Management
- People Management
- Workplace Safety Course
- Train the Trainer
Logistics Inventory Staff
Department: Logistics
Supervisor: Logistics Coordinator
Job Description: The Inventory Staff is responsible for assisting in the maintainance of organization assets and inventory. They primarily support the organization storage locker; maintaining the business relationship with the storage company, receiving and overseeing asset and inventory audits. They will coordinate with Logistics staff for audits and transportation plans. This is a year round position.
Job Elements:
- Assist Inventory Coordinator as required
- Assist with pre/post convention Logistics tasks and paperwork
- Coordinate access to storage locker as required by convention department staff
- Assist with receiving assets and inventory at storage locker
- Maintain asset and inventory control systems i.e. AssetTiger
- Coordinate with drivers, other coordinators and Logistics staff
- Assist with asset and inventory audit initiatives
Required:
- 18+ age
- Volunteer background check for keyholder to storage locker
- Must be able to work in a physically demanding role
Training:
- Workplace Safety Course
- Asset and Inventory Management
Merchandising Team Member
Passionate about con merchandise? Love taking home physical items to remember another year in Toronto? Our Merchandising team is look for people to help design new merchandise for our store and to help run the store for the duration of the con! This is a great opportunity to meet new people and have a direct impact on all the great FE-branded items offered to attendees.
REPORTS TO: Merchandising Lead / Assistant Lead
NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 4 to 5
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
- Providing assistance to Furnal Emporium Store prior to convention start
- Operating the convention store and ensuring sales are completed properly following all financial protocols
- Ensuring pre-ordered merch is picked and checked out of the system correctly
- Providing input on new merchandise for the sponsors and the internal store
- Working with the team to create a beautiful merch people will cherish for years to come
WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU:
- Sales and/or retail experience
- Communication skills
- Familiarity with the Microsoft Platform
- Time Management Skills and the ability to meet a deadline
- Cash Handling Experience
- Basic Math Skills
- Criminal Background Check
- Square POS Experience (optional)
- Merchandising experience (optional)
Head of Panels and Events
Leads the Panels & Socials team in managing all panel, meetup, and event submissions. Oversees the use of Sessionize, sets review criteria, schedules sessions, and coordinates with hosts. Manages team members, communicates A/V and room setup needs, runs monthly meetings, and handles the department’s budget and post-con reporting.
REPORTS TO: Events Director
NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 1
KEY DUTIES:
- Set up and manage Sessionize for submissions
- Create and apply review criteria for panels and socials
- Lead the team in selecting and scheduling sessions
- Schedule and manage the department staff members and on-site coverage
- Run monthly team meetings to plan and delegate tasks
- Communicate with hosts before and during the convention
- Make sure rooms are set up properly and sessions run on time
- Work with the A/V team to share tech needs for sessions
- Create and manage the department’s budget
- After the con, collect feedback and write a short report
HELPFUL SKILLS:
- Good organization and leadership
- Clear communication
- Passion for helping create fun, inclusive programming
- Comfort with spreadsheets, data organization, and tracking
- Willingness to maintain a 72-hour response time on TEAMS and Outlook
Panels and Events Member
Panels and Events Staff handles pre-con and at-con correspondence between panelists and the convention. They will help review submitted panels/workshops/performance and aid in the scheduling of panels and events for the con. During the convention, programming staff ensure things remain on schedule and provide panelists with the necessary resource.
Panels and Events Staff also will communicate any deviations from the set schedule to the affected parties so that these changes may be communicated to attendees in an expedient manner.
Required Skills:
- Customer service experience
- Multitasking
- Able to take direction, but also self starter
- Work to deadlines issued by head/assistant head of department
Assistant Head of Registration (2iC)
The Assistant Head of Registration supports the Head of Registration in managing the department’s operations before and during the convention. They help oversee the setup and execution of attendee registration using Brushfire, assist in staff management, and ensure the registration desk runs smoothly. This role involves responding to attendee inquiries, troubleshooting registration issues, and assisting with ID verification and badge distribution at the event.
REPORTS TO: Sales Director
NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 1
KEY DUTIES:
- Assist in setting up and maintaining the Brushfire registration system
- Support the Head of Registration in scheduling and managing registration staff
- Help staff the registration desk during the convention, ensuring smooth check-ins and badge distribution
- Respond to attendee inquiries and issues via osTicket
- Monitor and assist with ID verification and badge accuracy
- Troubleshoot registration problems and provide on-site solutions
- Provide guidance and training to registration staff on event-day procedures
- Ensure registration-related materials and supplies are stocked and ready
- Assist with data entry and reporting post-convention
HELPFUL SKILLS:
- Good organization and leadership
- Clear communication
- Familiarity with data privacy and ID verification processes
- Comfort with spreadsheets, data organization, and tracking
- Willingness to maintain a 72-hour response time on TEAMS and Outlook
- Prior experience in event registration or front-line operations preferred
Safety Team Member
The Safety Team is a customer service department, focusing on assisting attendees in a general capacity as well as providing a source of safety at event.
Core Responsibilities
- Answering general attendee questions and directing them to locations where they can get further information (Convention Operations, Information Desk)
- Monitoring the convention space and serving as a representative to identify issues of various types and to assist with resolution
- Assist in managing the lines for large events
General Staffing Coordination Team Member
Do you like to talk to people? Do you like helping people? The Furnal Equinox Staffing team is looking for a few enthusiastic individuals to help coordinate and assist other staff members while the convention is happening.
Reports to: Head of Dept.
Open Positions: 3
What you will be doing:
- Providing convention attendees with directions/assistance/information when they approach the booth.
- Helping other departments with last minute tasks while the convention is happening.
- Providing staff with snacks/refreshments when they ask.
- Monitoring the staffing room while it is in operation.
Attendee Liaison
The Tier Planning & Implementation team shapes the convention’s tiered ticket offerings. The Team conducts research into current trends, defines the value and benefits associated with each tier, and aligns with the current pricing strategy. They collaborate closely with other departments to deliver perks, including merch and experiences, that meet our promise to each tier, providing a consistent and high-quality experience across all access levels.
REPORTS TO: Sales Director
NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 5
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
- Research attendee expectations and trends to inform tier design and benefit structures
- Develop and refine tiered ticket offerings, ensuring clear differentiation and value at each level
- Collaborate with the Registration and Finance teams to align tier benefits with ticket pricing strategy
- Coordinate with Merch, Panels & Events and other departments to ensure seamless delivery of merch and experience associated with each tier
- Document and track tier benefits and deliverables across departments to ensure timely and consistent execution
- Evaluate the effectiveness of tier offerings post-event, incorporating attendee feedback and performance metrics into future planning
- Maintain an attendee-first perspective, ensuring all offerings are meaningful, accessible, and contribute to a positive convention experience
- Assist in developing materials (digital or print) that clearly explain tier benefits to attendees
WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU:
- Ability to assess and interpret attendee feedback
- Strong cross-team collaboration skills
- Clear, professional communications (written and verbal)
- Detail-oriented, excellent time management and a creative thinker
- Comfort with spreadsheets, data organization, and tracking
- Interest in improving attendee satisfaction and engagement
- Willingness to maintain a 72-hour response time on TEAMS, OsTicket and Outlook
Closed Staff Positions
These departments are not currently looking to fill specific roles!
Accessibility
The Accessibility team handles all requests before and during the convention for accommodations. This department is at staff capacity!
Art & Publications
The Art & Publications team handles the creation of all art assets used by convention and coordinates printing of required materials such as signage or conbooks.
Audio/Video
The Audio/Video team handles the design, installation, and management of all A/V aspects of convention events.
Business Outreach
The Business Outreach team works to create and maintain partnerships between Furnal Equinox and local Toronto businesses.
Content Management
The Content Management team creates content for and manages Furnal Equinox’s website, social media presence, and mailing lists. They also coordinate photography volunteers and manage outside media passes.
Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance department creates and maintains documentation to ensure consistency and quality of all convention operations. They provide support to encourage continued success of the event.
Convention Operations
The Convention Operations team manages the central operational hub of the convention and provides assistance to both staff and attendees of the convention as necessary throughout the weekend.
Guest of Honour Team
The Guest of Honour team acts as liaisons for the guests of honour at Furnal Equinox each year.
Hotel Team
The Hotel heam helps Furnal Equinox communicate with our hotel and other business partners before, during, and after the convention.
Lounge Team
The Lounge team manages the gaming lounge, which offers board and video games 24/7 through Furnal Equinox.