Livestock Program Coordinator

West Springfield, MA, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $58,000.00 - $82,000.00

Benefits

competitive salary

annual bonus eligibility

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

paid personal leave

paid holiday time

Professional development opportunities

Job Description

Eastern States Exposition (ESE), home of The Big E, is New England's largest agricultural fair, renowned for its rich history and commitment to promoting agriculture throughout the region. Established as a premier event in the agricultural calendar, The Big E draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to experience a wide range of agricultural exhibits, competitions, educational programs, entertainment, and community activities. Situated in West Springfield, Massachusetts, ESE serves as a vibrant hub for agricultural producers, enthusiasts, and businesses, offering a unique platform to showcase the diversity and innovation within New England agriculture. As a not-for-profit organization, ESE is dedicated to preserving and advancing agricultural heritage while fostering economic growth and community engagement in the region.

The Livestock Program Coordinator position represents a critical role within ESE’s Agriculture Department, focusing on coordinating competitive livestock events during The Big E and throughout the year. This full-time role offers a salary range of $58,000 to $82,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The successful candidate will play an essential part in organizing and managing livestock shows, building effective partnerships with breed associations, agricultural organizations, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff. Beyond show coordination, this role promotes production agriculture across New England by supporting educational programming and maintaining high standards of animal health and biosecurity through close collaboration with state and federal officials.

The Livestock Program Coordinator enjoys a dynamic blend of office-based responsibilities and hands-on event management, requiring adaptability to work outdoors in livestock barns and various event settings. This position demands excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment successfully. The Coordinator also serves as a key liaison between exhibitors and event committees, overseeing livestock registrations, compliance with regulations, scheduling, judging recruitment, and market animal disposition. In addition, the role identifies opportunities to expand livestock programming and strengthen agricultural partnerships, contributing to the sustainable growth of New England agriculture.

Working for Eastern States Exposition offers the opportunity to be involved in one of the nation’s premier agricultural events while supporting a mission that impacts agricultural communities across an entire region. The role is ideal for candidates passionate about livestock, agriculture, and educational outreach who thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy making a meaningful difference in the agricultural sector.

Job Requirements

Passion for agriculture and supporting New England's agricultural community
knowledge of livestock production, agricultural education, or competitive livestock shows
excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
outstanding customer service and communication skills
strong leadership and relationship-building abilities
attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills
ability to work independently while collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders
comfort working both in a professional office environment and in livestock barns and event settings

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
experience in agriculture, livestock events, fairs, or a related industry
knowledge of animal health regulations and biosecurity practices preferred
completion of State Animal Health Training or ability to obtain upon hire
CVI knowledge preferred
proficiency with Microsoft Office and Windows-based software
experience with ShoWorks or similar event management software is preferred
ability to lift up to 25 pounds
ability to walk, stand, and work outdoors for extended periods
willingness to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during show seasons and throughout The Big E
must reside within a reasonable daily commuting range, relocation assistance is available

Job Duties

Coordinate competitive livestock shows and agricultural events held during The Big E and throughout the year
manage livestock show entries, registration, compliance, scheduling, and exhibitor communications
build strong partnerships with breed associations, agricultural organizations, exhibitors, volunteers, and industry partners
recruit and coordinate judges and assist in developing annual livestock show schedules
work closely with state and federal animal health officials to maintain biosecurity standards and regulatory compliance
assist with educational exhibits and agricultural programming during The Big E
support livestock superintendents and volunteer committees with planning and event operations
serve as the primary liaison for market animal disposition, premium awards, and exhibitor support
collaborate with departments across Eastern States Exposition to ensure successful event operations
coordinate non-fair livestock events and provide outstanding customer service to event promoters and exhibitors
assist in identifying opportunities to expand livestock programming and strengthen agricultural partnerships
perform other duties that support the Agriculture Department and Eastern States Exposition