State Fair Administrator 1 Trainee (NY HELPS)

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is a key governmental agency dedicated to promoting and supporting agriculture, ensuring food safety, and fostering economic growth within the state. Known for its efforts to provide educational forums for agriculture and commerce, the department plays a critical role in supporting farmers, consumers, and businesses. The department is also responsible for organizing one of the state’s most significant annual events, the Great New York State Fair, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This event serves not only as a celebration of New York’s rich agricultural heritage but also as a major platform for education, entertainment, and economic development. It showcases the best of New York’s agriculture, commerce, and cultural heritage through various exhibits, competitions, and entertainment activities.

This vacancy is for the position of State Fair Administrator Trainee 1 or State Fair Administrator at the Great New York State Fair. This full-time role is situated at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY, and offers a standard work schedule from Saturday through Wednesday, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with the possibility of schedule adjustments when necessary. The position starts as a trainee role with a salary of $53,764 per year at the Trainee 1 level. After successful completion of a two-year traineeship, promotion to Trainee 2 with a salary of $59,994 and eventually to State Fair Administrator 1 at $66,951 per year is possible without further examination. There is also potential for advancement based on performance evaluations to a maximum salary of $85,138 per year. This opportunity offers a unique pathway for career growth within public service and event administration.

In the role, the administrator will be responsible for overseeing large-scale event management activities, including supervision of event staff to ensure a productive and efficient workforce. This position involves coordination with various internal departments to oversee event logistics and service requests effectively. The administrator will manage critical supplies and equipment necessary for the fair, resolve operational issues swiftly, and ensure all contractual, policy, and legal compliance matters are met. Additional duties include reviewing and processing applications and contracts accurately, directing the setup and breakdown of event spaces, ensuring essential utilities and services, monitoring financial aspects such as tracking expenses and revenues, and collaborating closely with the finance office on contract management and account reconciliation.

This role is ideal for detail-oriented professionals with event management experience looking to contribute to a historic and community-focused event that supports economic growth and public engagement. Apart from the competitive salary, employees enjoy excellent benefits including health insurance options, free dental and vision coverage, participation in the New York State Pension Plan, and generous paid time off. The position also provides eligibility for student loan forgiveness programs, emphasizing the department’s commitment to supporting its employees both professionally and personally. Joining the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as a State Fair Administrator means becoming an integral player in the success of a cherished state tradition while pursuing a rewarding public service career.