Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of the New York State Fair and become a vital force in shaping iconic events! As part of our dedicated team, you’ll support our mission to create an educational hub for agriculture and commerce, deliver quality entertainment and learning, and champion the promotion and marketing of New York's agri-business. Your contributions will directly support economic growth, job creation, and revenue generation. Find your purpose in public service and cultivate a career that offers both professional and personal development. Join us and help build a stronger New York, rooted in tradition and poised for the future.
Position Information:
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.
- 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.
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!
Salary:
The starting salary for the State Fair Administrator Trainee 1 is $53,764/ year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without further examination to the Trainee 2 level SG-16 (starting salary of $59,994/year). Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the State Fair Administrator 1, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951/year) without further examination. Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below.
The candidate appointed at the State Fair Administrator 1, SG-18 level, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations. Performance advances are payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation. Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the SG-18 job rate salary of $85,138/year!
Benefits:
This is a PEF-represented position offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. You'll benefit from cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays – providing excellent work-life balance. Explore additional advantages with programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. For comprehensive details on these programs, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website.
As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct student loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.
NY HELPS Minimum Qualifications:
Appointment to State Fair Administrator Trainee 1: 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.
Appointment to State Fair Administrator Trainee 2: 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.
Appointment to State Fair Administrator 1, G-18: 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.
Degree Substitutions: 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; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience
NY HELPS Program:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Alternate Minimum Qualifications:
55-b/c Qualification: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they meet these qualifications: 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.
Degree Substitutions: 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; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience
If you are interested in this position, please submit a copy of your Department of Civil Service eligibility letter, your current resume, and a cover letter by May 24, 2026, by using the below application link: Position Vacancy Online Application.
Information about the Workers with Disabilities 55-b and the Veterans with Disabilities employment program 55-c can be found at https://www.cs.ny.gov/rp55/.
70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator Trainee 1: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 11 title or higher.
AND
Either: 1: A bachelor’s or higher degree
AND
Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination.
70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator Trainee 2: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 12 title or higher.
AND
Either: 1: 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
Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination.
70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator 1, G-18: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 16 title or higher.
AND
Either: 1: 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
Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination.
Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they were 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.
How to Apply:
Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for this opportunity must use the below link to apply by: August 1, 2026. Within this online application please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter.
If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Denny in Human Resources at (315) 728-4254 or
[email protected].
The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities. If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/employment-information.
