Wyoming State Fair Manager

Posting number: 2026-02297

Department: Department of Agriculture

Division: Department of Agriculture

Job classification: EXMT02 - EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Management, Executive Management, Miscellaneous

Summary

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Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming State Fair Board is searching for an Executive Manager for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Fair Division. This person manages, directs and supervises staff in development and coordination of activities and programs to produce the annual Wyoming State Fair which showcases Wyoming youth, highlights Wyoming's agriculture and non-agriculture industries, and features consumer products/trends, while utilizing effective cost controls.

The city of Douglas is a small Rocky Mountain community that is 45 minutes from Wyoming's second-largest community. The area surrounding Douglas is excellent for recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Human Resource Contact: (307) 777-6036, Madison.hoagland@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Provides leadership, planning and scheduling for the annual State Fair that attracts 40,000 guests, 4,000 exhibits, 350 rodeo contestants and fair entertainers. Negotiates and contracts fair entertainment, supportive services and personnel.
• Directs preparation of bid documents following state procurement guidelines for the physical plant, fair supplies and services.
• Meets with industry groups, youth groups and advisory groups to plan, promote, and facilitate fairtime activities.
• Assists in the procurement of sponsorship and other revenue for the annual State Fair.
• Directs and coordinates staff in determining solutions and methods to improve internal operational efficiency.
• Creates a positive climate resulting in high productivity, high morale, creativity and job satisfaction.
• Resolves problems and concerns from subordinate staff. Constructs and develops operational policies for State Fair within the framework of state laws and regulations.
• Interprets policies, participates in formulating guidelines and policies, and advises in application of guidelines and policies.
• Advises the Wyoming State Fair Board and the WDA Director on State Fair program policy, goals and objectives.
• Directs, instructs, guides, motivates and counsels subordinates.
• Visits and inspects work in progress.
• Evaluates work and completes performance appraisals.
• Responsible for the development and completion of the State Fair strategic plan and works to accomplish designated responsible items in the Department of Agriculture's strategic plan.
• Prepares, manages and monitors the budget for the State Fair and State Fair Park.
• Promotes, attracts, and assists in scheduling State Fair Park events and activities non-fairtime.
• Assists in scheduling, coordinating, and directing an average of 280+ non-fairtime events on the grounds attracting 18,000 guests.
• Represents the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Fair division and the State of Wyoming locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Prepares, manages and monitors the State Fair annual budget for fairtime and non-fairtime allocations.
• Directs, manages and supervises non-fairtime activities, facilities and grounds maintenance, and recruitment of facilities users for State Fair Park through effective marketing and promotion.
• Communicates and meets with the Wyoming State Fair Board.
• Manages and monitors the planning and implementation of capital improvements, which are included in the master plan for the Wyoming State Fair Park.
• Reviews, prepares and completes an action and strategic plan for State Fair with the Department of Agriculture.
• Coordinates and communicates with local, regional, state and national groups annually to maintain effective programs and events for State Fair and State Fair Park.
• Responsible for taking the leadership role in the legislative process and all legislation affecting State Fair and State Fair Park.
• Insures compliance with state and federal regulations for animal health, carnival ride safety, homeland security, etc.
• Through research and education, provides the leadership for current issues in animal science crop and forage science, agri-marketing, youth programs, animal health, animal welfare rodeo and fair business.
• Trains and provides educational support for county, regional and state fair associations.
• Responsible for direct supervision to two staff members and indirect supervision of all other staff, including seasonal employees.
• Reports to the Wyoming State Fair Board.

Examples of duties

PREFERENCES:

Preference may be given to the applicant with experience and a strong understanding of livestock shows, 4H & FFA and the fair industry.

Preference will be given to those with skills in leadership, work management, personnel management, public relations, oral and written communication and interpersonal relations.

Preference will be given to those with any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in business or public relations, management, finance, accounting or a related field.

Preference will be given to those with five years of work experience as a manager or administrator of a major administrative unit in a governmental or private industry organization.

KNOWLEDGE

• Must possess good leadership, work management, personnel management, public relations and interpersonal skills.
• Must possess skills in program organization, development, planning, prioritization and implementation which include strategic planning.
• Must possess a high level of speaking skills that include verbal, written, listening and public speaking skills.
• Must have skills in budget preparation and fiscal control.
• Must have skills in decision making, policy implementation and evaluation.
• Must have the ability to direct and supervise the work of personnel to accomplish established goals and objectives.
• Must have knowledge of and the ability to carry out technical aspects associated with animal welfare, guests safety and security, and animal disease control.
• Must have knowledge of the principles, concepts and current practices of state government management including budget development and control.
• Must have knowledge of industry needs, trends and concepts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

None - See "Preferences"

Qualifications

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Housing is provided for this manager position. The housing is an open concept, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located on the State Fair grounds.

Supplemental information

010-Agriculture - Wyoming State Fair

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.