- New Volunteers must submit an application online
- Commit to a minimum of 5 shifts
- Sign a Code of Conduct and Navigator Expectations of Understanding
- Adhere to all of Balloon Fiesta's policies and Volunteer guidelines
- Be dedicated to the success of the Balloon Fiesta, have a commitment to excellance and teamwork

- Photo credential with lanyard which allows entry into the Navigator Hospitality Tent on days you are scheduled to work
- Balloon Fiesta Uniform Package: 2 Navigator short sleeve t-shirts, Navigator jacket, Navigator pin
- Souvenir Balloon Fiesta program
- 2025 Balloon Fiesta Calendar
- 9-Day Admission Pass which allows entrance to Balloon Fiesta for the entire event
- Free parking in the "W" lot designated for Volunteers
- Access to the Navigator Tent which provides light snacks and beverages, tables, and chairs with an outdoor patio.
- An invitation to attend a Navigator Appreciation Party on Monday, October 7, 2024. All volunteers are entered into a raffle for some amazing prizes! (Tickets to other parties!)

*Chasers Club - Tour groups and individuals have the option to purchase tickets for this private area that includes: admission, guaranteed seating, food, access to a bar and private restrooms. Chasers’ Club Gate Keepers - Scan tickets at the gate, wristband each guest, monitor gates, clean area as needed and make our guests feel welcome. Standing for extended periods of time.

 *Gondola Club - The Gondola Club is a reserved area set way from crowded Main Street.  This allows guests a more private option with guaranteed seating, delicious food, and luxury bathrooms. To give Gondola Club members the VIP treatment, we require the efforts of a top notch team of volunteers, staff, and caterers. Volunteer Positions include: Parking Lot Attendants - pre-event set-up, check and collect parking passes, make sure guests park in an orderly fashion, post-event teardown.  Standing for extended periods of time.  Shuttle Drivers - Shuttle guests to and from the Gondola Club parking lot and to Main Street in a golf cart. Minimum age of 20, a valid driver's license, and the ability to pass a DMV Background Check are required. Welcome Desk - Pre-event stocking gifts in storage POD, scan guest wristbands as they enter, scan guest wristbands at gift collection, and ensure all Navigators sign in.  Guest Services - Pre-event set-up, manage catering and beverage tent lines, cleaning tables as needed, helping welcome desk restock gifts, post-event teardown. Standing for extended periods of time.

*Group Tours - Balloon Fiesta offers special packages to tour groups attending the event.  The basic package is the Group Tour Package that includes parking, admission and access to the Group Tour Hospitality Tent where were serve coffee, tea, donuts/iced tea, lemonade and cookies. Volunteers are needed in the bus parking area, at the gates of each area and working inside the Group Tour Hospitality Tent. Group Tours Greeters - Get on board the buses and offer a short greeting to group with weather updates and field logistics, get group count from each bus escort or driver, collect parking passes, and make our guests feel welcome. Standing for extended periods of time. Group Tours Guest Services - Serve beverages and snacks, keep tent clean, monitor entry/exit, and make our guests feel welcome. Standing for extended periods of time. Group Tours Parking Lot Attendant – Check parking passes, direct drivers to appropriate parking spaces. Standing for extended periods of time.

 *Navigator Hospitality Tent - (THIS TEAM IS FULL FOR THE 2024 BALLOON FIESTA) The Navigator Tent serves as a headquarters for Volunteers on shift; they can come in to relax, grab something to eat or drink, and briefly meet Volunteers from other teams. Volunteers assisting in the Navigator Tent will stock, cut, and package food for grab-and-go snacks. Keep the tent clean and professional for all to enjoy. Assist with the distribution of catered, hot meals. Assist with deliveries across the park to Volunteers who cannot leave their posts. Follow food safety for hot and cold items. 

*Parties - Assist Pilot Coordinator and party team lead with Pilot Parties both on and off-site. This includes setting up decorations, collecting tickets, manning doors, and/or drink stations. Pilot Parties included are the Welcome Party, Navigator Party, Pilot & Crew Picnic, Shape of the Nations Party, and the Awards Banquet.

*Pilot Hospitality - The Pilot and Crew Hospitality Pavilion is hosted in the Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion. It is a reserved area, set up as a gathering place for pilots and chase crew members to come together in the morning and meet for some breakfast or snacks prior to the morning’s event. In addition to tables and chairs for pilots and crew, The Pilot and Crew Hospitality Pavilion consists of several service areas: Volunteers with long hair need to wear their hair pulled back while serving food. Required to wear closed-toed shoes and wear gloves at all stations when serving food & beverages. Replace gloves each time you leave the station you are assigned to. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds Be able to stand for long periods of time for each shift.

*Skybox - Fiesta Sky Box offers groups a turn-key, VIP experience like no other at the Balloon Fiesta.  The specially outfitted shipping containers will provide guests with an elevated view from a prime location on the launch field.  Upper deck seating will put you above the crowd with an unprecedented view of balloons, fireworks, and other event surprises. The grassy patio area will have a relaxed vibe where you can enjoy food, drinks, and the world’s largest hot air balloon display. Pre-event onsite set-up, prepare each Sky Box for guest arrivals (check service areas, heaters & fire pits), pick up coffee & hot chocolate from the production area, act as onsite contact with caterer and bar provider, post-event teardown, verify signage and flagging are in place, check in with traffic officers to remind them of expected guests, as guests arrive check and collect parking passes, make sure guests park in an orderly fashion, post-event teardown, area set-up before guests arrival, assist guests as needed, clean assigned area, and post-event teardown. Verify signage and flagging are in place, check in with traffic officers to remind them of expected guests, as guests arrive check and collect parking passes, make sure guests park in an orderly fashion, and post-event teardown. Area set-up before guests' arrival, assist guests as needed, clean assigned area, and post-event teardown. 

*Sponsor Hospitality - Sponsor Hospitality is responsible for ensuring the sponsor experience is memorable and encourages future sponsorships. To help ensure the sponsor experience, Volunteers assigned to Sponsor Hospitality are those who are hospitality-driven, always have a smile, and are ready to meet new people. This position has shifts that are 6-8 hours and require standing, being outdoors, trash removal, cleaning of tables, and some lifting/moving of heavy objects. We are also always looking to grow our core team, and are looking for those who would like opportunities not only during the event but who are willing to volunteer above and beyond the expected five (5) shifts.

*Artisans Tent - The Artisans Tent is the only area where handmade arts and crafts can be sold at Balloon Fiesta. Artisans Tent Volunteers act as the liaison between Artisans and Balloon Fiesta Staff during the time frame that they occupy the tent. Volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic and professional as they represent Balloon Fiesta! This position does require engaging with many guests and Artisans, a fair amount of standing and/or walking, potentially lifting up to 30 lbs, empathy, and clear effective communication with various parties. Artisan Tent Volunteers ensure the tent is ready for check-in and set up by the Artisans. Make sure that all booth spaces are measured and laid out correctly. Assist Artisans with the check-in, registration, and setup process during the three days before Fiesta. Open and close the tent daily; tasks can include climbing ladders, placing flags outside, and turning heaters on/off. Collect and organize daily paperwork, secure/monitor daily activities, maintain visibility in the tent to deter shoplifting,  maintain the cleanliness of the general tent including sweeping and trash removal, and provide general guidance to guests as well as artisans. Assist Artisans with the checkout are tear-down process on the final Sunday of Fiesta, ensuring that all Artisans' areas are left clean and in good order. Navigators are needed beginning three days before the event up to the Monday after the event. 

*Balloon Discovery Center - (Youth Focused) The Balloon Discovery Center (BDC) is a hands-on and interactive area geared toward teaching guests, especially children, about the sport and science of ballooning and Balloon Fiesta! BDC Volunteers assist with the various stations in the tent such as basket wicker weaving, arts and crafts, weather briefing, etc.  Volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic and professional as they represent Balloon Fiesta! This position does require engaging with many guests (especially youth), a fair amount of standing and/or walking, potentially lifting up to 30 lbs, empathy, and positive communication with guests and children.  BDC Volunteers set up and learn the basics of each exhibit, ensure that all exhibits are in proper working condition, educate guests in the various stations, engage guests in conversations, answer questions or find the answers for guests, and ensure that all stations are left clean and in good order, maintain the cleanliness of the tent including sweeping and trash removal, and tear down all exhibits back into storage after the final session on Sunday, open and close the tent daily. Tasks can include climbing ladders, placing items outside/inside the tent, and turning heaters on/off. Orientation to learn the basics of each exhibit is one evening the week before Balloon Fiesta.

*CAMP 505 - Balloon Fiesta offers an affordable camping option for guests who would like a basic camping experience. Volunteers will be scheduled to help during the three check-in days and relieve the Camp Director for a mid-afternoon break on all other days during the event.  Volunteers are asked to assist with the setup of tents for incoming guests, guest check-in, providing directions to the launch field, answering guest questions about the event or things to do in Albuquerque, covering the Camp Director for a break daily, keeping the camp tidy, and help guests pack up their camp kit upon check-out. We need enthusiastic Volunteers with excellent customer service skills, ability to lift 25lbs, and can work well with a team. 

 *Chase Crew Committee - (THIS TEAM IS FULL FOR THE 2024 BALLOON FIESTA.) Assist Pilot Coordinator and Chase Crew team lead by registering, assigning, and guiding new and returning crew members. The Chase Crew Headquarters is manned every session of the event and has a booth in the Sid Cutter Pilots’ Pavilion during Pilot Registration.

 *Concessions - Concession Row, also called Main Street, is the only area where food and merchandise concessions can be sold at Balloon Fiesta. Concessions Volunteers act as the liaison between Concessionaires and Balloon Fiesta Staff during the time frame that they occupy the lot spaces on Main Street. Concessions Volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic and professional as they represent Balloon Fiesta! This position does require engaging with many guests and Concessionaires, a fair amount of standing and/or walking, willingness and ability to climb a ladder if necessary, willingness and ability to paint when necessary, potentially lifting up to 30 lbs, empathy, and clear effective communication with various parties. Driving a golf cart is required for this position, which means you need a valid Driver's license and need to be willing/able to pass a DMV Background check. Concessions Volunteers ensure Concession Row is ready for setup by Concessionaires including repainting boundaries of each lot as necessary during the week(s) before concession check-in, reviewing Concession Row for needed improvements, check-in concessionaires during the two weeks before Balloon Fiesta, collecting and organizing daily paperwork, monitor daily activities, provide general guidance and assistance to guests as well as concessionaires, notify Concessions Manager about violations of the Concessions Handbook, and interact with Food Service Management provider as needed. Assist Concessionaires with the check-out process on the final day of Balloon Fiesta as well as monitor the two days following Balloon Fiesta ensuring that all concession areas are left clean and in good order. Volunteers are needed beginning three days before the event up to the Monday after the event. 

*Drone Show - (THIS TEAM IS FULL FOR THE 2024 BALLOON FIESTA) Volunteers have two primary tasks: charging batteries and unpacking equipment from cases. This consists of monitoring the chargers and replacing batteries that have been charged with empty ones, laying out equipment, slotting batteries, and plugging batteries in. This will require constant squatting/standing and occasional heavy lifting. Volunteers for this portion definitely should be physically fit but no technical drone background is required. 

*Front Desk - (This location is off of Balloon Fiesta Park, located at the AIBF Main Office which is within walking distance to the field.) Front Desk Volunteers assist the Balloon Fiesta Receptionist and Staff with administrative tasks. During October this can become a fast-paced environment with a lot of traffic in the lobby. Volunteers are expected to meet each interaction with enthusiasm and kindness. Volunteers should be well informed about Balloon Fiesta logistics and attractions and Albuquerque attractions to best serve our guests. Being able to navigate our website to find helpful information for guests is also important. Tasks may include but are not limited to answering phones, transferring calls appropriately, notifying staff members of the arrival of guests, distributing online orders as guests arrive for them, working copy machines/printers, and mailing packages as needed. Ballooning/Balloon Fiesta experience is preferred but not required. 

*Glamping - AIBF rents fully furnished safari tents to guests who wish to experience the event in a more immersive way. (26) 15’x15’ safari tents are set up walking distance to Balloon Fiesta park.  Navigators are scheduled to help during the three check-in days and relieve the Camp Director for a mid-afternoon break on all other days during the event.  Navigators help with guest check-in, luggage handling, keeping the Glamping Village tidy, providing directions to the launch field, be available to answer guest questions about the event/things to do in Albuquerque, and provide mid-afternoon breaks for the Camp Guy. Must have excellent customer service skills, ability to lift 25lbs, and work will with a team. 

 *Greeter - Greeter Volunteers are stationed inside the park near the entrances to greet guests coming through the gates to the park. Greeters are expected to be well informed about Balloon Fiesta's layout to answer questions and hand out Survival Guide Maps. If you are not able to answer a question that a guest has, please be sure to be informed about where the three Information Booths are located on Main Street so that you can refer guests to them. Greeters interact with and engage many guests and should be enthusiastic, courteous people with a customer service mindset. This position does require 4 hours of standing at a time and some walking. 

*Information Booth - There are three information booths located North, South, and Central on Main Street. Info Booth Volunteers provide excellent customer service, maps, survival guides, brochures, bumper stickers, and answers about Balloon Fiesta or New Mexico in general for Balloon Fiesta guests!  Info Booth Volunteers interact with and engage many guests and should be enthusiastic, courteous people with a customer service mindset. This position does provide chairs inside a small shelter but some light standing may be necessary at times. The minimum age is 18 for this position. 

*Merchandise - Volunteers in the merchandise area can be responsible for setting up and tearing down the locations on the field, restocking merchandise, keeping the sales floor organized and clean, and helping guests find what they need. Our Volunteers will need to be able to move boxes of products and will be standing/walking the sales floor for the majority of their shifts. There are two merchandise tents on the field, north tent and south tent.

*Bike Valet - Bike Valet Volunteers set up, tear down, and operate the Bike Valet venue behind the Balloon Museum daily. Volunteers are expected to positively greet guests, walk the guests through the check-in process, follow our two-part ticket system, and take the bikes to the bike racks in the Bike Valet fencing. Volunteers assist guests in retrieving their bikes at the end of sessions. At closing hour Volunteers are responsible for securing the compound and relocating any bikes that may not have been retrieved at the end of the session to storage. Volunteers assist guests with information about the bike trails. Setup and tear down of the Bike Valet compound require significant standing, walking, lifting, and carrying of loads up to 30 lbs. Daily Bike Valet monitoring consists of light walking and lifting with several hours of standing. 

*Courtesy Shuttle Driver - This Team provides both a safe and efficient ride for all guests, volunteers, and personnel on the field. Volunteers on this team take our guests to and from the gates and parking lots surrounding the park, as well as from one side of the field to the other. The Courtesy Shuttle Team aids Volunteers in getting to and from their posts at the beginning of their shifts, and back to their home base at the end of the session. Courtesy Shuttle Volunteers are expected to stick to their assigned route, be courteous and well-informed about the attractions at Balloon Fiesta Park, assist passengers in and out of the transports when necessary, and answer questions about locations of restrooms/vendors/etc. Courtesy Shuttle Volunteers are often the first and last interaction our guests will have with Balloon Fiesta Park; do your best to make their day! Requirements include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs on the ADA carts when necessary. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age with a valid driver's license and the ability to pass a DMV Background check.

*Fiesta Conductor - Fiesta Transports is a truck and trailer combination that seats 22 passengers. The Fiesta Transport Team provides both a safe and efficient ride for all guests, Volunteers, and personnel on the field. Volunteers on this team take our guests to and from the gates and parking lots surrounding the park, as well as from one side of the field to the other. The Fiesta Transport Team aids Volunteers in getting to and from their posts at the beginning of their shifts, and back to their home base at the end of the session. Fiesta Transport Conductors are expected to be courteous and well-informed about the attractions at Balloon Fiesta Park, assist passengers in and out of the transports when necessary, and answer questions about locations of restrooms/vendors/etc. Conductors are often the first and last interaction our guests will have with Balloon Fiesta Park; do your best to make their day! Requirements include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs on the ADA transports when necessary. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, with a customer service background. 

*Fiesta Transport Driver - Fiesta Transports is a truck and trailer combination that seats 22 passengers. The Fiesta Transport Team provides both a safe and efficient ride for all guests, Volunteers, and personnel on the field. Volunteers on this team take our guests to and from the gates and parking lots surrounding the park, as well as from one side of the field to the other. The Fiesta Transport Team aids Volunteers in getting to and from their posts at the beginning of their shifts, and back to their home base at the end of the session.  Fiesta Transport Drivers are expected to safely transport guests to and from lots on their respective routes. Drivers will be courteous and well-informed about the attractions at Balloon Fiesta Park, assist passengers in and out of the transports when necessary, and answer questions about locations of restrooms/vendors/etc. Conductors are often the first and last interaction our guests will have with Balloon Fiesta Park; do your best to make their day! Requirements include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs on the ADA transports when necessary. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age with a valid driver's license (large vehicle/CDL experience preferred), with the ability to pass a DMV Background Check. 

*Parking Lot Set-Up and Tear Down - (THIS TEAM IS FULL FOR THE 2024 BALLOON FIESTA) One week before Fiesta: Put out barrels and flag each lot for the parking areas and put up t-posts. Three days before Fiesta: assemble 10 parking lot towers (build scaffolding, attach solar lights to the top, attach signage to the towers). Post Fiesta: Take down and store barrels, flagging, t-posts, and towers. Volunteers on other teams who have availability before and post Fiesta are preferred. 

*Park N Ride -  If you enjoy interacting with people, this is the team for you! This team will begin setting up park and ride two weeks before the event, and signage will be put up during this time. Two days before the event, the remote sites will be set up. During the event there are six locations you could be assigned to; Two of the six are located at Balloon Fiesta Park. (If you are wanting a Balloon Fiesta Park location, please specify on your application in the Notes section.) The main responsibility is to help guests navigate the Park n Ride system. Post-Event: Aid in taking down the flagging, signs, and stanchions at the Park in the upper and lower bus depots and at the remote sites (if this is where you worked your scheduled shifts). 

*Balloon Fiesta Live! - Balloon Fiesta Live! is a professionally produced live broadcast of all 14 sessions of Balloon Fiesta. The show is streamed on BalloonFiesta.com, YouTube, and Facebook as well as low-power TV around the park. It attracts as many visitors as spectators in the park. Duties include driving a golf cart to move the teams and equipment around the field and behind-the-scenes support for on-air talent. We are also looking for someone with ballooning and broadcast-producing experience to serve as an assistant producer for the daily show. The expectation is that you will work a majority of the 14 sessions, as the continuity of the team is important to the success of the program. Check the show out here: Balloon Fiesta Live! If you are interested in this team, please contact Executive Producer, Ken Tuley.

*Main Street Stage - Main Street Stage features our National Anthem performers each morning, local dance and music talent, and a wide variety of musical performances including the Main Street Strolling Performers and the smaller North Main Street Stage during the 9 days. The Main Stage is also responsible for providing announcements as necessary and changing the Green/Yellow/Red (Go/Hold/Cancelled) Status Flag for events. Main Stage Volunteers ensure the stages are ready for set up each session, assist performers as a stagehand with set up and tear down as needed, manage performance timing based on communication with Officials and Balloon Fiesta Management, maintain the cleanliness of the area as needed, and be well-informed about Balloon Fiesta. Volunteers will engage with many staff, guests, and performers in this position, and should be energetic and positive. Be mobile and able to do a fair amount of walking or standing, be willing and able to climb a ladder if necessary, have the ability to lift up to 60 lbs, ability to keep a schedule, and communicate effectively/clearly during potentially stressful times. 

*Music Fiesta - Music Fiesta is an onsite concert that we completely set up after the Mass Ascension ends on Saturday, October 12th and before the concert begins at 2 PM. Volunteers will help in the front of the house, on the day of the concert. Assistance is needed setting up all bike fences, measuring walkways, chairs, zip ties, trashcans, etc. We will also need assistance with scanning tickets and distributing wristbands at the gates of the reserved seating. We also need 1-4 drivers to help shuttle the stage crew to nearby hotels after arrival.    

*Photographer - Volunteers assigned to this team will be assigned to take pictures of various aspects of the event. This can be booths on Main Street, signs around the park, people enjoying the Balloon Fiesta, and yes, even balloons. The Volunteer should have excellent photography and processing skills with the ability to process, categorize, rename, and upload photos within a short time frame. Photographers retain the copyright to all of the photos taken but grant AIBF, unlimited and non-exclusive rights to use the photos in any media form desired without further compensation. Photo credit will be given when possible. Selection of Volunteers for this team takes place during March and April. Read more about the expectations of Balloon Fiesta Photographers at Photo Highlights. 

*Field Services - (Must be able to work most shifts prior to Fiesta.) Field service consists of painting almost anything and everything that needs a new coat, launch markers set up, picnic tables set up, putting up fabric fencing, and area white lattice fence set up. During the event to setup competition flagging on multiple days and setup of Music Fiesta fence, chairs, etc. All tear down of specific day events and tear down of Balloon Fiesta in October as well. This will require constant squatting/standing and occasional heavy lifting. Volunteers for this portion definitely should be physically fit. Work has the potential to begin at the end of August and is in full swing from September 5th through October 31st. Communication about scheduling will be with Damian Duran-Arias, Field Services Manager. You must be signed up as a Volunteer, in the system, to qualify for a Navigator pack of any kind. If you are not signed up as a Volunteer, please contact Navigator Manager, Tracey Hawkins. No exceptions will be made for this. 

*RV Team- (THIS TEAM IS FULL FOR THE 2024 BALLOON FIESTA) The RV Team is made up of 80-100 Volunteers and operates the 4 RV lot locations around Balloon Fiesta Park: President’s Compound, VIP East, VIP West and the South Lot (Premium, Box View and Standard). The team is responsible for preparing the RV lots for use during Balloon Fiesta. The team also assists guests with checking in & checking out and acquiring services and amenities needed during their stay. Some of the RV Team members start arriving at Balloon Fiesta Park in August in preparation for setting up the RV lots. All RV Team members are required to be here by September 3, 2024 (if you need more time to get here, please let your team lead know as soon as possible). Each RV Team members should: Be able to work outside, be able to lift 50lbs or more, be able to walk for a number of hours per day, have the ability to work with various tools including but not limited to racks, shovels, post pounders, hand tools and have excellent customer service skills. Preparation of each lot includes: Clearing the lots of weeds and obstructions, setting fence posts and flagging for each lot, layout field using lime, spray paint, spreader, measuring tape, had tools, etc., preparing areas for RV groups for tents and/or generators that may be needed, preparing and organizing the blue check-in building in the South RV Lot and tent check-in stations in 4 other lots, installing fence and flagging around general parking area in South lot, and placing relevant signs, (e.g. “RV parking”, “No drive ups”, “Watch for Children”), for each lot. During the event the RV Team  assists guests with checking in & checking out and acquiring services and amenities needed during their stay. They help rally style park the RVs that are incoming in an orderly fashion. They assist with pump passes, water refill passes, ice, and other things of this nature. Essentially camp hosts to the respective RV lots.