State Fair Administrator 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets • Syracuse, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of the New York State Fair! Join us and become an integral part of a team dedicated to providing an educational forum for agriculture and commerce, providing affordable, quality entertainment and educational opportunities, contributing to the efforts of the Department, industry, associations, and private businesses in the promotion and marketing of agriculture and agri-business, and creatively providing opportunities for economic growth by producing revenues and providing jobs. Here, you can cultivate your career against the backdrop of an annual event that celebrates our agricultural heritage. You’ll be at the heart of community engagement, ensuring the legacy of the fair continues to flourish and contributes to a vibrant New York culture. With a wide range of opportunities, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York — while being part of a historic tradition. Are you a detail-oriented and driven individual with a knack for event management? Do you possess the skills to ensure flawless execution of large-scale events? The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a dedicated State Fair Administrator 1 or Trainee to join our team at the Great New York State Fair! In this vital role within our Events Unit, you will be responsible for supervising and directing event staff, fostering a productive and efficient team. You will also coordinate event logistics and service requests with internal departments, manage and maintain critical event supplies and equipment, and resolve issues and recommend solutions to ensure smooth event operations. This full-time position is located at the New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209. The standard work schedule for this position is 37.5 hours per week, Saturday through Wednesday, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Please note that work schedules may be adjusted with reasonable advance notice and consultation. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain valuable experience in event administration and contribute to significant public events. Become a key player in the success of the Great New York State Fair. Apply now!

Requirements

• Four years of experience in managing and coordinating events, exhibits, competitions, and the use and rental of facilities, concessions, or supplement services to maximize the facilities' use and profitability (for Trainee 1 appointment).
• Five years of experience in managing and coordinating events, exhibits, competitions, and the use and rental of facilities, concessions, or supplement services to maximize the facilities' use and profitability (for Trainee 2 appointment).
• Six years of experience in managing and coordinating events, exhibits, competitions, and the use and rental of facilities, concessions, or supplement services to maximize the facilities' use and profitability (for State Fair Administrator 1, G-18 appointment).
• Seven years of experience working with conventions, trade shows, major fairs, expositions, convention centers, entertainment facilities, sports arenas, and/or performing arts venues in the areas of fair management, equine/livestock exhibitions, event/logistics planning, event promotions, facility use oversight, or concessions management (for 55-b/c Qualification).
• One year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 11 title or higher, a bachelor’s or higher degree, and a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination (for 70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator Trainee 1).
• One year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 12 title or higher, a bachelor's degree AND one year of experience working with conventions; trade shows; major fairs; expositions; convention centers; entertainment facilities; sports arenas and/or performing arts venues in the areas of fair management, equine/livestock exhibitions, event/logistics planning, event promotions, oversight of facility use or concessions management, and a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination (for 70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator Trainee 2).
• One year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 16 title or higher, a bachelor's degree AND two years of experience working with conventions; trade shows; major fairs; expositions; convention centers; entertainment facilities; sports arenas and/or performing arts venues in the areas of fair management, equine/livestock exhibitions, event/logistics planning, event promotions, oversight of facility use or concessions management, and a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination (for 70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator 1, G-18).

Nice To Haves

• An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• A bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience.
• A master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience.
• A doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
• Previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated to their former positions, or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further examination. Employees separated from their positions may be reinstated within one year of the date of their separation. Employees separated from their positions who have also been separated from state service for more than one year may be reinstated upon approval by the state Civil Service Commission.

Responsibilities

• Supervising and directing event staff, fostering a productive and efficient team.
• Coordinating event logistics and service requests with internal departments.
• Managing and maintaining critical event supplies and equipment.
• Resolving issues and recommending solutions to ensure smooth event operations.
• Guaranteeing adherence to all contractual obligations, fair policies, and legal requirements.
• Reviewing and processing applications and contracts for accuracy and compliance.
• Directing the spatial arrangement and setup/breakdown of fairgrounds for all participants.
• Ensuring the provision of essential utilities and services for events.
• Monitoring event finances, including tracking expenses and revenues, and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Collaborating with the finance office on contract management and account reconciliation.

Benefits

• Inexpensive Health Insurance options
• Free Dental and Vision coverage
• NYS Pension Plan membership
• Generous paid time off
• 5 days of personal time (within the first year)
• 13 vacation days (within the first year)
• 13 sick days (within the first year)
• 13 paid holidays (within the first year)
• Potential eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed