Event Coordinator, District Agricultural Association

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is an essential state agency tasked with safeguarding a resilient food system and promoting an equitable marketplace. The agency cultivates a California-grown food supply that is globally recognized for its innovation, quality, and sustainability. Within the CDFA, the 14th District Agricultural Association (DAA) plays a critical role by maintaining and promoting its facilities to encourage year-round use throughout the community. This includes the production of the annual Santa Cruz County Fair, hosted on a 105-acre property located in Watsonville, California. The fairgrounds are a hub for numerous interim and community events aside from the annual fair, offering spaces such as buildings, grounds, an amphitheater, parking facilities, and barns for rental to support local and regional activities.

This recruitment is for a permanent, full-time Event Coordinator position based in Santa Cruz County. The role offers a competitive salary range from $5,014.00 to $6,276.00 per month, with new state hires beginning at the minimum salary of the classification or applicable alternate range. The position requires candidates to have a current Event Coordinator exam eligibility and successfully pass state-required examinations if needed. CDFA emphasizes diversity and inclusivity in its workforce, valuing talent, experience, and expertise, thus providing a stimulating and supportive workplace.

As an Event Coordinator, under the direction of the Secretary-Manager III (CEO), you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing short-term facility and ground rentals occurring outside the annual fair period. This position is integral in managing on-site operational activities for Fairgrounds events, which include building rentals, horse shows, grounds usage, amphitheater events, parking, and barn activities. Serving as the on-site representative for the DAA at most events, you will coordinate personnel, facilities, equipment, insurance, parking, and security services to ensure a safe, compliant, and smooth execution of each event.

This role requires coordination with various internal and external stakeholders to support risk and incident management seamlessly throughout the event lifecycle. While the Event Coordinator does not handle long-term rentals, leases, or fair time event operations directly, the role supports other operational roles in their management to ensure overall event success. Working conditions involve primarily office-based tasks when not on-site, including administrative duties completed in a cubicle or office environment equipped with standard office furniture and technology.

The successful candidate must demonstrate exceptional organizational and communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent events efficiently. The position also involves a commitment to upholding the policies and values of the CDFA. Applicants must complete the State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678), provide all relevant documentation, and meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the classification specification. CDFA offers reasonable accommodations to applicants and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you are passionate about community engagement, event coordination, and public service, this role within the CDFA’s Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds offers a dynamic and rewarding career path.