Volunteer

Our volunteers take time out of their busy schedules, giving their spare hours to make sure the convention runs successfully. Without them, Furnal Equinox simply wouldn’t happen. As our convention grows, we try to offer more to our attendees, and that requires us to constantly grow our volunteer team.

Volunteers often work just a few hours here and there while attending the con.

Click here to apply!

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 also Volunteers, but they are the core members of our team. They commit more time to working the convention than Volunteers, but they also receive more perks and rewards, and are assigned to a designated department under which they work. Some staff positions are very involved, while others are less so, and some positions get most of their work done in the months before the con even begins. See below to find positions that best fit you here at Furnal Equinox! 

Click here to apply!

Open Staff Positions

Convention Leadership Positions

Second-in-Command, Con Store & Merchandising

You’ll work closely with the Department Head to run the Convention Store prior to and during the convention weekend. You’ll also assist with sourcing, inventory, and selling quality products that interest people and promote the convention.

 

The Con Store will work closely with the Dealers Den, and all staff members in both departments are cross-trained on the basic duties and processes of the other department. 

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Sales and/or retail experience
  • Communication skills
  • Familiarity with the Microsoft Platform (Teams, Office)
  • Time Management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Cash handling experience
  • Basic math skills
  • Criminal background check

Bonus skills & Qualifications:

  • Merchandising Experience
  • Team Management and the ability to train others
Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer is accountable for maintaining a culture of financial stewardship within Furnal Equinox by establishing and maintaining annual budgets, supporting accurate record-keeping, timely financial reporting, and assisting with purchasing where required.

The Assistant Treasurer has a dual reporting responsibility to the following individuals:

  • Treasurer (Anthropomorphic Events of Ontario / AEO Board)
  • Director of Infrastructure (Furnal Equinox)

The Assistant Treasurer’s duties include:

  • Administers the convention’s budget process and collaborates with the Convention Chair, Directors, and Department Leads on submissions and resource allocation;
  • Maintains all books and records related to Furnal Equinox, and ensures the accurate and timely recording of financial transactions;
  • Prepares and provides regular reporting regarding the convention’s financial position and adherence to budget to the Furnal Equinox Directors and to the AEO Treasurer, and advises on the financial impact of significant operational decisions;
  • Administers the convention’s purchasing process of items approved in the budget, and supports with small purchases as previously approved;
  • Performs all other duties as the position may require.

Specific Requirements

  • Commitment and enthusiasm for AEO’s mission to grow and sustain the local furry community;
  • Previous experience in an accounting or bookkeeping position as an employee or volunteer, or similar formal education/training;
  • Knowledge of Quickbooks Online software;
  • Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with limited direction;
  • Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people throughout the organization;
  • Positive attitude with a commitment to ethics and integrity.

Application process

  • Apply by contacting us using the form on the Furnal Equinox website.
  • We will follow up directly with candidates who meet the requirements for the role for an interview process and additional screening as required.
  • Candidates must be prepared to obtain a police record check prior to formally accepting the role.

Convention Operations Positions

Head of Convention Operations

Con Ops helps organize and redirect staff or attendees during the convention. If there is a problem that needs solving, Con Ops acts as a hub for information! As the head of the department, you will be critical to successful operations. The ideal person will be a confident leader who can communicate well and has experience delegating tasks to others.

Required:

  • Must have onsite availability during the convention weekend
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong ability to coordinate with other people and departments
  • Welcoming, outgoing personality
  • Ability to problem solve, and to conduct & perform a needs assessment in a given situation
  • Ability to work independently and with a team
  • Experience scheduling a team
  • A criminal records background check (we accept background checks that are up to 5 years old)

Bonus:

  • Leadership experience
  • First Aid CPR – C/AED (Single/Dual Rescuer)
  • Experience with Microsoft Office 365 Business
  • Communication skills are an asset
  • Experience building and working within a budget
  • Prior volunteering or staffing experience at a convention
  • Knowledgeable in regards to radios, and certifications associated with them

Hotel Team Positions

Our Hotel Team helps Furnal Equinox communicate with our hotel and other business partners before, during, and after the convention. None of our room booking is handled through this communication, but there is still a lot of vital discussion on everything from banquets and catering to panel room planning and needs at con, and much more.

Hotel Team Lead

Our Hotel Team Lead acts as a point of contact between the convention, our venue, and businesses that work with the event, and will work to build a small but skilled Hotel Team to assist with this. You’ll have opportunities to research potential new vendors, in addition to maintaining our existing relationships. As such, the ideal Hotel Team Lead is local to the Toronto area to facilitate easy communication with our hotel and other businesses, and has at some professional experience with business outreach. This position reports to the Director Team, and will delegates tasks to the Hotel Team.

 

Required:

  • 1-2+ years experience in sales, marketing, or other business outreach
  • Background check
  • Task delegation/management skills
  • Excellent communication skills and responsiveness while on-the-job
  • Experience working in a team environment
  • Availability before and during the convention
  • 1-2 years of experience in management, preferably with a convention, in a Department Head or higher-level role

Preferred:

  • Local to Toronto or GTA
Hotel Team Member

Our Hotel Team supports the Hotel Team Lead with much of the communication between the convention, our venue, and our business partners. You’ll have opportunities to research potential new vendors in addition to maintaining our existing relationships as well. Hotel Team Members don’t need to live closely to Toronto, but must be able to either support the at-con team in communicating with the hotel, or in advance of the con by articulating Furnal Equinox’s needs to the hotel via email. The main goal of this team is to simplify communication and discussions with our hotel and other businesses, and may do so in email, as well as in group chats with Hotel staff, as well as occasionally over the phone and, when at the convention, in person. This position reports to the Hotel Team Lead.

Required:

  • Some experience in sales, marketing, or customer service
  • Background check
  • Friendly, approachable, and responsive in all forms of communication
  • Experience working in a team environment
  • Availability before and during the convention

Bonus (not a requirement):

  • Availability before and during the convention
  • Local to Toronto or GTA

Nightingales Positions

The Nightingales are our safety & security team. They respond to concerns about attendee safety, and require a background check.

Safety & Security Team Member

The Security 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 of the Staff Team to identify issues of various types and to assist with resolution
  • Assist in managing the lines for large events.

Charity Positions

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: 6 

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 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) 

Finance Positions

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
     

Merchandising Positions

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) 

        A/V Positions

        Video Content Editor

        Are you a wizard at making kickass videos? Do you find yourself watching lots of videos on editing workflows to maximize your creativity? Well perhaps this job will be for you!! We’re looking for one or two talented video editors who can take raw video from various videographers and turn them into amazing videos that can be scaled for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms.

        REPORTS TO: Video Content Lead

        NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 1-2

        WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING: 

        • Post production of video content (ingesting footage, editing, rendering, etc.)
        • Working closely with AV leads, as well as PR leads, to create engaging content for broadcast and social
        • Follow the policies and procedures of Furnal Equinox during the production of video content

          WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU: 

          • Proven track record of video production skills
          • Understanding of content creation for various social platforms
          • Timeliness on deliverables / deadlines
          • Ability to multitask, prioritize projects, and work either individually, or with others
          • Love of content creation and an eye for creative storytelling
          • Ideal candidates should be able to provide a demo of their work
            Video Content Producer

            If there’s one thing at Furnal Equinox we love to do, it’s providing memorable moments for everyone who attends. We aim to bring a new level of storytelling to the convention in a way that’s never been done at FE before! We’re introducing a Video Content team that will produce, shoot, and edit short form videos for broadcast and social before, during, and after the convention. If you have a passion for telling stories and creating content, this is the job for you!!

            REPORTS TO: Video Content Lead

            NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 2-3

            WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING: 

            • Preproduction of video content (writing scripts, brainstorming ideas, etc.) 
            • Execution of video production on location (shooting, interviewing, etc.) 
            • Post production of video content (ingesting footage, editing, rendering, etc.) 
            • Working closely with A/V leads, as well as PR leads, to create engaging content for broadcast and social 
            • Follow the policies and procedures of Furnal Equinox during the production of video content

              WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU: 

              • Proven track record of video production / camera operation skills 
              • Timeliness on deliverables / deadlines 
              • Ability to multitask, prioritize projects, and work either individually, or with others 
              • Love of content creation and an eye for creative storytelling 
              • Ideal candidates should be able to provide their own equipment (camera, laptop, gimbal, microphones etc.) 
                Stagehand

                Unfortunately, magic hasn’t been invented yet, so we can’t instantly poof props and equipment on and off a stage during a show. That’s why FE’s A/V team is searching for a stagehand who can be available to assist in getting things on and off stage, as well as being a general runner for any productions that happen on the Main Stage. 

                REPORTS TO: Stage Manager (SM) 

                NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 1 

                WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING: 

                • Assisting Stage Manager (SM) and Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) with any needs during the course of a show 
                • Placing props / furniture / equipment on stage, then striking them when need be 
                • Acting as a runner when necessary

                  WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU: 

                  • Attention to detail 
                  • Ability to take direction 
                  • Able to dedicate time to shows as scheduled 

                    General Positions

                    Art Show Specialist, Dealers

                    Job description: As the Art Show Specialist with our Dealers team, you will have a role both pre-con and at-con. Pre-con, you’ll handle art show applications and lead the selection of artists for this event. On-site, you’ll prep the art show area, arrange art show pieces with proper labeling, and maintain the art show area.

                    Required Skills

                    • Good organizational and design layout skills
                    • Above average record keeping
                    • Ability to lift ~50 pounds
                    • Above average communication skills and knowledge of Microsoft platforms (Teams, Office)
                    • Good Time Management and the ability to meet deadlines

                    Preferred Skills

                    • Knowledge of various furry art and artists
                    • Basic OSINT skills
                      Sponsor Liaison

                      Our sponsors are a big part of our convention and are invaluable in providing support that allows our convention to continue each year. We are looking for a creative, organized person to help support our sponsors, supersponsors, and other support levels.

                      Your tasks will include:

                      • Proposing promotional items to be given to sponsors

                      • Planning special events exclusive to the sponsor+ levels

                      • Acting as a liaison at the convention to ensure all events are delivered at a quality that reflects the value of our sponsor+ supporters

                      • Coordinating with other departments to ensure the delivery of a great sponsor experience

                      • Soliciting feedback from sponsors to influence planning for future years

                      • As the department grows, guiding the department and the staff within it

                      Skills Required:

                      • 18+ age
                      • Attention to detail
                      • Communication skills

                      Beneficial Skills (not required):

                      • Some customer service experience
                      • Working in a team environment

                      Training:

                      • Con Merch Dept Training 

                      Previous convention or event planning experience is an asset, but not required. If you are interested in applying for the position, please submit a form below.

                      Staffing Positions

                      General Staff 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.

                        Staffing 2iC Team Member

                        Do you consider yourself a ‘people person’? Do you enjoy talking to anyone, or helping out when asked? Furnal Equinox is currently looking for an assistant/second in command for the Staffing Department, who can provide assistance to people during the con. This role requires a bit more time commitment but is incredibly rewarding!

                        Reports to: Head of Dept.

                        Open Positions: 1

                        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.
                        • Communicating to other departments with regards to staffing needs during the convention.
                        • Monitoring walk up volunteer hours.
                        • Assisting with setup and take down of staff meal event.

                        Programming Positions

                        Programming Team Member

                        Programming 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.  

                        Programming 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

                        Logistics Team Positions

                        Our Logistics team is the backbone of the convention, working mostly behind the scenes to provide a seamless experience to our attendees. Most positions work both on-site and off, and much of their work happens right around convention time, but can vary by position. All Logistics Staff positions require: candidates 18 years or older; a background check; and many positions have physical work demands, along with some special training that our team will provide as needed.

                        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

                              Content Management and PR Positions

                              The following positions act as a voice on behalf of the convention, often communicating with third parties or social media followers directly. The Content Mangement team coordinates on many of the following projects. As such, teamwork and professionalism in both internal and external communication is a must, and some experience working in a communications role in the past (e.g. sending newsletter, customer service/support, etc.) is preferred.

                              Social Media Team Member

                              Social Media Team Members work with the Content Mangement team to write content for our website and social media.

                              Skills that we are looking for with this position:

                              • Must have good written Canadian English skills
                              • Previous writing experience would be preferable
                              • Good communication skills

                              ​Core Responsibilities

                              • Communicating with other departments 
                              • Meeting deadlines