Employment Opportunities

Overview
The Central Washington State Fair (CWSF) has been in operation since 1892. Our mission is to facilitate commerce, education, and leisure activities through the production of the annual Fair and promotion and/or production of enterprise and public events throughout the calendar year. The 10-day Central Washington State Fair attracts over 400,000 guests annually and is recognized as one of the top 100 fairs in the Country by the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE).

The CWSF is in search of a dynamic individual equipped to take on the Agriculture and Exhibit Manager position. This position will be part of the executive team and work closely with new President and CEO to build upon the heritage of the CWSF with the focus on growing the agricultural experience and education for generations to come. If you have a passion to make a difference and being part of a team that is innovating and building for the future, then this is the job for you. The Agriculture and Exhibit Manager is entrusted with all the agricultural operations responsibilities, including livestock, competitions, small animal exhibits, agricultural education programming, and collaboration with agricultural education partners. This position will lead the way in awareness and promotion of agriculture in an integrated, collaborative platform for ag-related education, tradition, and innovation.

Essential Qualifications

• Agriculture or related degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent of education and experience
• A creative, energetic person that is always looking for new fun ways to deliver on the organization’s mission
• Experience collaborating with partners and stakeholders with diverse points of view
• Budget and supervisorial experience
• Proficient using Microsoft Suite products
• Must be willing to maintain a flexible work schedule, working weekends and evenings when needed
• Capable of speaking to large groups and representing the organization to stakeholders, potential sponsors, partners, or industry groups
• Ability to work independently in an outdoor setting during various weather conditions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and developing educational exhibits
• Excellent interpersonal and consensus building skills with a focus on customer service
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of animal husbandry principles and experience with youth ag/education organizations
• Well organized, always looking to excel, and over-deliver
• A highly motivated self-starter

Livestock, Equine, and Small Animal Competitions

• Oversee all livestock, equine and small animal competitions with strategic planning of show selection and cancellation, superintendent selection and oversight and operations.
• Manage departments budget, create opportunities for revenue growth, and manage stipends and awards programs.
• Promote team approach between all species including group meetings, ongoing communications, and fair and balanced management style for all departments.
• Manage superintendents’ program for all species: write job descriptions, develop contracts, communicate regularly, host pre-fair meetings, and provide evaluations.
• Assist superintendents in the hiring of judges, including pay assignments, show schedules, and any necessary judge amenities.
• Assist superintendents in writing show policy and procedures, abiding by the IAFE Code of Showring Ethics, and any registered associations or sanctioned show rules.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with all agricultural education partners, agricultural leaders, and organizations.
• Hire and schedule veterinarian to complete animal well-checks upon entry to fairgrounds; stay abreast of infectious disease news, inspection quarantine processes, and barriers to entry.
• Oversee superintendents for 4-H and FFA livestock programs, including budget allotments, staffing approvals, coordination with open class competitions and scheduling.
• Work with the marketing team to broadcast alerts and information on website, promote shows to exhibitors and guests, and other marketing initiatives to ensure proactive community outreach to drive interest and participation for all areas of oversight.

Agriculture, Education, and Exhibits

• Manage and implement Yakima Valley’s Largest Classroom, ensure school tour program remains relevant and participation from schools across the Valley during Fair; improve curriculum opportunities for teachers, provide materials (print and/or online) early in the school year, and provide continued learning experiences post-Fair for participants.
• Continue sourcing creative and fresh ways to educate the public about agriculture, to develop new and ongoing programming.
• Develop and maintaining working partnerships with agricultural commodity, organizations to assist with programming and educational initiatives. Leverage their outreach and learning assets to bring programming and education to the Fair as well as year-round opportunities.
• Coordinate with Sponsorship Manager to develop strategy for sponsorship opportunities that align with department initiatives that will drive revenue as well as guest and sponsor engagement.
• Develop an overall strategy for programming, competitions, exhibits, and educational initiatives and work with superintendents and volunteers to activate.
• Utilize resources of trade associations and partnerships with industry colleagues to continue to enhance programming and education.
• Ensure demonstrations and hands-on activities are representative of Yakima Valley’s culture and offerings and align with CWSF mission.
• Work with government agencies, extension offices, service, and hobby organizations to collaborate and coordinate programming for participation in the Fair.

Physical Demands

• Reading, speaking, lifting, bending, standing, walking, sitting
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Communicating by radio and telephone
• Other physical efforts as required

To apply, please submit a cover letter, and resume to CWSF 1301 South Fair Avenue, Yakima WA 98901 or email to Erin Baldoz, erinb@fairfun.com with “Agriculture and Exhibit Manager” in the subject line. Accepting resumes until March 31st.

Job Type: Full-time | Salary: Salary DOQ | Benefits: Paid Holidays, 401K, Medical, Dental, Vision, Aflac, Life, AD&D, LTD

Overview
If you have been looking for a fun new opportunity to utilize your skills as an Executive Assistant, then look no further. The Central Washington Fair Association, a 501c3, is seeking a dynamic, organized individual for the role of Executive Assistant to the President and CEO. The Association oversees the operations of State Fair Park & Events Center, to include the annual Central Washington State Fair and Yakima Valley SunDome, which hosts more than 200 events annually.

Essential Functions

• Perform a wide variety of executive secretarial and administrative duties as required by daily operations in the CEO’s office.
• Represent the association to the public, businesses, Board members, and other agencies or individuals as requested.
• Maintain confidentiality of any information exposed to during work.
• Confidential information should only be disclosed on a need-to-know basis.
• Research and analyze routine administrative projects for the CEO and Board; prepare first draft reports on routine administrative matters.
• Compile and distribute agendas and supporting materials for all Board meetings and prepare PowerPoint presentations and supporting documents as needed.
• Attend all Board meetings, take minutes and distribute to appropriate parties.
• Receive and screen communications to the CEO, including telephone calls and email messages, and provide assistance using sound, independent judgment to determine items requiring priority attention.
• Respond independently to communications of a routine nature.
• Maintain appointment schedule and calendar for the CEO; make travel arrangements for the CEO and Board; arrange meetings and conferences.
• Maintain records and files for CEO and Board, including official minutes of the Board Meetings.
• Arrange meetings, contact others to obtain or transmit information, compile information for the CEO’s use, and interpret needs.
• Monitor WA State Legislation and follow Bills related to the industry.
• Oversee the Annual Membership meeting and work with CEO and Board Leadership to create agenda and generate the minutes for the Annual Membership Meeting.
• Work with CEO and Board to prepare and distribute Fair related passes/correspondence or events related to hosting at fair time.
• Coordinate all conference calls and Zoom meetings for CEO and Board.
• Assist with answering office phones and administrative support when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of progressively responsible experience in a professional role with similar duties and responsibilities.
• Proper English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and business correspondence formatting.
• Bilingual candidates will be given preferential consideration.
• Strong computer skills, including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet research.
• Experience in performing basic research and preparing reports and recommendations.
• Ability to organize own work, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Demonstrate exemplary customer service skills, including dealing effectively with the public, governmental officials, staff, and Board members, both in person and over the phone.
• A professional demeanor, ambitious in nature, success-oriented, with the ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to work outside the normal business day/week as required by events and programs.
• Must enjoy being of service to others, detail-oriented, and demonstrate an enthusiastic attitude while working in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

• Reading, speaking, lifting, bending, standing, walking, sitting
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Communicating by radio and telephone
• Other physical efforts as required

To apply, please submit a cover letter, and resume to CWSF 1301 South Fair Avenue, Yakima WA 98901 or email to Erin Baldoz, erinb@fairfun.com with “Executive Assistant” in the subject line.

Job Type: Full-time | Salary: Salary DOQ | Benefits: Paid Holidays, 401K, Medical, Dental, Vision, Aflac, Life, AD&D, LTD

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Members of our Spectra Food Services & Hospitality teams tend to feel more like a community. Positions vary in such a way that they can be great fits for those who want to stay behind the scenes or those who’d prefer working directly with guests.

Interested? There are a variety of positions in our Spectra Food Services & Hospitality department to fit what you are looking for!

To apply, visit the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality office, located in the Shattuck Building, at 1301 S. Fair Avenue, Yakima, WA.

The Cashier is responsible for providing excellent customer service by accurately and efficiently processing patron’s food and beverage purchases by personally performing the following duties.

The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business need.

Job Description HERE.

Catering Server is responsible for serving guests in the venue dining areas at catering functions. Catering Waitstaff must be personable and able to work in an ever- changing fast-paced environment.

The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business need.

Job Description HERE.

The Concession Cook is responsible for preparing concession menu items utilizing cooking equipment in a fast-paced environment. The Concession Cook must adhere to high food quality standards to ensure guest satisfaction. Portion control, food waste and sanitation are additional areas that the Concession Cook must be aware of while operating in the concession stand.

The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business need.

Job Description HERE.

The Bartender is responsible for serving guests alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during events while ensuring all policies and procedures regarding alcohol dispensing are followed.

The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business need.

Job Description HERE.

The Kitchen Cook is responsible for preparing menu items utilizing cooking equipment. The Kitchen Cook must adhere to high food quality standards to ensure guest satisfaction. Uses daily worksheets and standardized recipes to prep and cook meals. Perform various duties in accordance with Spectra standards.

The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business need.

Job Description HERE.

The Dishwasher washes and sanitizes all tableware, serving materials, cooking equipment and small wares.

The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business needs, to include: morning, mid-day, night shifts, weekdays and weekends.

Job Description HERE.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.