State Fair Administrator 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Posting Dates: May 14, 2026- May 24, 2026

 

 

Are you a detail-oriented and driven individual with a knack for event management? Do you possess the skills to ensure flawless execution of large-scale events? The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a dedicated State Fair Administrator 1 or Trainee to join our team at the Great New York State Fair!

 

In this vital role within our Events Unit, you will be responsible for:

 

 

This full-time position is located at the New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209. The standard work schedule for this position is 37.5 hours per week,Saturday through Wednesday, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Please note that work schedules may be adjusted with reasonable advance notice and consultation.

 

This is an exceptional opportunity to gain valuable experience in event administration and contribute to significant public events. Become a key player in the success of the Great New York State Fair. Apply now!

 

The starting salary for the State Fair Administrator Trainee 1 is $53,764/ year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without further examination to the Trainee 2 level SG-16 (starting salary of $59,994/year). Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the State Fair Administrator 1, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951/year) without further examination. Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below.

 

The candidate appointed at the State Fair Administrator 1, SG-18 level, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations.  Performance advances are payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation. Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the SG-18 job rate salary of $85,138/year!

 

This is a PEF-represented position that offers excellent benefits! Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you are eligible for 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays!

 

As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct student loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.

 

Appointment to State Fair Administrator Trainee 1: Four years of experience in managing and coordinating events, exhibits, competitions, and the use and rental of facilities, concessions, or supplement services to maximize the facilities' use and profitability.

 

Appointment to State Fair Administrator Trainee 2: Five years of experience in managing and coordinating events, exhibits, competitions, and the use and rental of facilities, concessions, or supplement services to maximize the facilities' use and profitability.

 

Appointment to State Fair Administrator 1, G-18: Six years of experience in managing and coordinating events, exhibits, competitions, and the use and rental of facilities, concessions, or supplement services to maximize the facilities' use and profitability.

 

Degree Substitutions: An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience

 

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

 

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

 

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

 

Reassignment Qualifications: You must be a current Department of Agriculture and Markets employee and have one year of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55 b/c service as a State Fair Administrator Trainee 1; if you have less than one year, you must be reachable on the current eligible list for this location if one exists.

 

55-b/c Qualification: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they meet these qualifications: Seven years of experience* working with conventions, trade shows, major fairs, expositions, convention centers, entertainment facilities, sports arenas, and/or performing arts venues in the areas of fair management, equine/livestock exhibitions, event/logistics planning, event promotions, facility use oversight, or concessions management.

 

Degree Substitutions: An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience

 

If you are interested in this position, please submit a copy of your Department of Civil Service eligibility letter, your current resume, and a cover letter by May 24, 2026, by using the below application link: Position Vacancy Online Application.

 

Information about the Workers with Disabilities 55-b and the Veterans with Disabilities employment program 55-c can be found at https://www.cs.ny.gov/rp55/.

 

70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator Trainee 1:Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 11 title or higher.

Either: 1: A bachelor’s or higher degree

Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination.   

 

70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator Trainee 2: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 12 title or higher.

Either: 1: A bachelor's degree AND one year of experience working with conventions; trade shows; major fairs; expositions; convention centers; entertainment facilities; sports arenas and/or performing arts venues in the areas of fair management, equine/livestock exhibitions, event/logistics planning, event promotions, oversight of facility use or concessions management.

Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination. 

 

70.4 Transfer Qualifications to State Fair Administrator 1, G-18: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 16 title or higher.

Either: 1: A bachelor's degree AND two years of experience working with conventions; trade shows; major fairs; expositions; convention centers; entertainment facilities; sports arenas and/or performing arts venues in the areas of fair management, equine/livestock exhibitions, event/logistics planning, event promotions, oversight of facility use or concessions management.

Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) examination. 

 

Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they were previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated to their former positions, or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further examination. Employees separated from their positions may be reinstated within one year of the date of their separation. Employees separated from their positions who have also been separated from state service for more than one year may be reinstated upon approval by the state Civil Service Commission. 

 

Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for this opportunity must use this link to apply by May 24, 2026. Within this online application please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Denny in Human Resources at (315) 728-4254 or

HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov

.

 

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities.  If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/employment-information.