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.
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 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!
Open Staff Positions
Convention Leadership Positions
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.
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)
Dealers Den Positions
Dealers 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 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
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 and Venue Relations Liaison
Our Hotel and Venue Relations (HVR) Team supports the Director of Operations 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. HVR 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 our venue partners via email and phone. The main goal of this team is to simplify communication and discussions with our venue partners and other businesses, and may do so in email, as well as in group chats with venue staff, as well as occasionally over the phone and, when at the convention, in person. This position reports to the Director of Operations and their fellow Liaison Team.
Available Number of Positions: 5
Interview Required – Conducted by Director of Operations and Senior Liaison
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, during and after the convention (approx. 10hrs/month)
Bonus (not a requirement):
- 1-2+ years experience in sales, marketing, or other business outreach
- Prior experience in hospitality industry is an asset
- Task delegation/management skills
- Availability before and during the convention
- Local to Toronto or GTA
I.T. Team Positions
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: 1
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 Team Positions
Our Logistics team is the backbone of the convention, working mostly behind the scenes to provide a seamless experience to our attendees. They handle inventory and asset records, as well as managing our storage locker to ensure successful loading in and out during the convention. Most positions work both on-site and off, and much of their work happens right around convention time, but can vary by position. 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
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. Using Sessionize, the team reviews proposals based on established criteria to create a diverse and engaging lineup. They coordinate directly with session hosts to confirm details, verifies rooms are set up to spec, communicate A/V needs to the appropriate teams, and monitor sessions to ensure they start and end on time. This department ensures the convention’s programming runs smoothly and delivers a great experience for both hosts and attendees.
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
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)
Registration Positions
The Registration department manages the attendee check-in process, both online and at the convention. Using Brushfire, the team oversees registration setup, tracks attendee data, and ensures a smooth badge pickup experience. During the event, they staff the registration desks, verify IDs, and distribute badges and materials. The team also handles registration-related inquiries year-round via osTicket, providing timely and helpful support to attendees.
Head of Registration
Leads the Registration Department in managing attendee check-in and support. Oversees the setup and maintenance of registration through Brushfire, ensures smooth badge pickup at the event, and manages the registration desk schedule and staff. Handles attendee inquiries via osTicket, maintains accurate registration records, and ensures ID verification procedures are followed. Also responsible for running team meetings, training staff, and coordinating with other departments as needed.
REPORTS TO: Sales Director
NUMBER OF POSITIONS OPEN: 1
KEY DUTIES:
- Set up and manage the registration system using BrushfireOversee pre-con and on-site registration processes and timelines
- Schedule and manage registration staff and desk coverage during the event
- Ensure proper ID verification and badge distribution at the registration desk
- Respond to attendee inquiries and issues via osTicket
- Train staff on registration procedures and customer service
- Monitor and maintain accurate attendee data and reports
- Coordinate with other departments (e.g., Security and Accessibility) as needed
- Prepare and submit a post=con report with feedback and recommendations
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
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 Positions
Our Safety team responds to concerns about attendee health and wellbeing, including maintaining a safe environment at the convention, and requires a background check.
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
Staffing Coordination Positions
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.