Employment

The State Fair is currently hiring for the following:

Sales & Show Manager, Agriculture and Livestock
This position is responsible for the leadership, marketing, and ownership of venue rental sales at the DEX (Dakota Event CompleX), while serving as the liaison with clients throughout the duration of events. This includes private and public events of varying size on the national, state, regional, and local levels. Event types include demonstrations, exhibits, farm shows, equine, rodeo, and livestock shows.
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Summer Marketing/Events Intern
This position will involve assisting the Assistant Manager and State Fair staff with State Fair, other fairground events, and event preparation. Duties include updating event websites, creating fliers for special projects, special event management, creating content and posting on fair social media sites, updating the fair app, and assisting with event ticketing. Additionally, applicant will help with day to day event preparation, answer phones, and assist customers. Hours vary, but 40 hours per week can be offered. 

Applicant must have good communication, customer service, and people skills. Ability to multi-task is a plus. Attention to detail is important. Digital, web, and social media skills are necessary. Experience in Content Management Systems is a plus, training will be provided. Basic Microsoft Office and design skills are necessary. Preference will be given to those who can start early May, and be at the 2024 State Fair, Wednesday, August 28 through Monday, September 2. Coursework in communications, event planning, advertising, and/or public relations is preferred.
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Seasonal Maintenance Worker 
The SD State Fair is seeking seasonal Maintenance Workers to provide physical labor on a variety of routine building and grounds maintenance projects including:
- General maintenance and repairs of State Fair facilities, grounds, and equipment
- Preparation of grounds and facilities for special events, including set-ups and teardowns
- Manure disposal including cleaning of stalls and livestock pens
- Garbage detail and emptying of trash barrels
- Use of power tools, skid loader, forklifts, etc.

A valid driver's license is preferred but not required. This position is from May through October generally Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm but does require some weekends with extended work hours before, during, and after the annual State Fair. $14 per hour.

To apply, fill out an application, or stop at the SD State Fair Office, 1060 3rd St. SW.  For more information, call 605.353.7340.

Seasonal positions
Put some extra cash in your pocket! Be a part of a time-honored tradition and be instrumental in the success of the annual State Fair.   The SD State Fair hires for special events and fair week; position availability varies! Open positions include: Maintenance, gate, beer, restroom and building attendants, shuttle crew, and security (civilian and uniform). Hours vary, pay rate varies. For an application or for more information, stop by the Administration office at 1060 3rd St SW, call the fair office at 353-7340 or email robin.baarts@state.sd.us.

It takes a big team to make sure the State Fair goes off without a hitch. Each year the State Fair hires people for the following seasonal positions:

  • Restroom Attendants
  • Beer Garden Attendants
  • Building Attendants
  • Camping Attendants
  • Gate Admission Attendants
  • Shuttle Drivers
  • Certified Police Officers
  • Civilian Positions for Security
  • Maintenance Crew Leader

 Seasonal Employee Brochure  

Seasonal Employee Application

For more information, or for an application, contact Robin Baarts at (605) 353-7342 or by email.
If you are interested in a seasonal position, you can also download the application above and return it to the State Fair Office, located in the Nordby Exhibit Hall near the corner of 3rd Street and Lincoln Avenue.