EVENT COORDINATOR, DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION

The Orange County Fair, officially powered by the 32nd District Agricultural Association (OCFEC), is a prominent state agency operating under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Located in Costa Mesa, California, the association manages a large 130-acre fairground known for its diverse educational and entertainment offerings such as Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall. With an annual budget exceeding $50 million, the OC Fair & Event Center is recognized as one of the top ten fairs nationwide and holds a prestigious ranking within the top three fairs in California. Beyond the highly anticipated annual OC Fair, this dynamic venue hosts over 150 events throughout the year, drawing considerable crowds and providing a vibrant hub for community activities. Employing roughly 130 full-time civil service employees alongside 300 part-time year-round staff and an additional 1,400 part-time seasonal workers during the fair, the organization is committed to delivering exceptional public experiences through a variety of events and programs.

The role of Design & Decor Event Coordinator is a crucial full-time, permanent position within the OC Fair & Event Center, carrying a monthly salary range from $5,014 to $6,276, reflective of experience and state hiring guidelines. Reporting directly to the Design & Decor Supervisor, the coordinator will be tasked with supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of decorative exhibits at the fairgrounds. This entails collaborating closely with creative designers and multiple internal departments to realize innovative scenic elements, props, and displays that enhance the visitor experience. Candidates for this role must be adaptable to the diverse needs of events ranging from large-scale fairs to educational programs such as Imaginology and Heroes Hall. They will work in a fast-paced environment, both indoors and occasionally outdoors, requiring reliability, creativity, and a proactive approach to managing overlapping event schedules. The successful applicant will be entrusted with translating design concepts into physical structures using advanced carpentry and scenic construction techniques, ensuring guest safety and thematic consistency across various exhibits throughout the year.

Key attributes such as creativity, adaptability, and reliability are essential for producing visually engaging and educational exhibit environments. The role demands the ability to mentor seasonal staff, maintain hazardous-free working conditions, and operate specialized equipment like forklifts and boom lifts. Familiarity with paint and finishing methods, material properties, guest safety principles, and the capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently will be critical to success. Orange County Fair values a commitment to excellence and offers an opportunity to be part of a renowned event venue with a rich tradition and impactful community presence.