Employment
The State Fair is currently hiring for the following:
Building Maintenance Specialist
The SD State Fair is seeking a skilled individual for a full-time Building Maintenance Specialist position. Knowledge of the methods and practices of general building and facility maintenance is ideal. Applicants are required to have received technical training in one of the following areas: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or heating and air conditioning. Candidate must have good communication skills, complete tasks promptly, can lift 50 lbs or more, and successfully direct the activities of others. A valid driver's license is required. Work occasional evenings and weekends and extended work hours pre-State Fair, during, and post-State Fair will be expected. Rate of pay will range from $25.06 - $30.00 per hour depending on skills and experience. Excellent benefits package:
- Health Insurance (Low & High Deductible Single and Family Plans)
- Well-Being Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employee)
- Membership in South Dakota Retirement System
- Leave:
- Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days per year)
- Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
- Paid Family Leave (40 hours per week for twelve weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
- Military Leave (15 paid days per calendar year)
- 11 Paid Holidays
To apply go to: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3V0 or stop at the SD Dept. of Labor and Regulation Office at 1000 18th Street SW in Huron.
Camping Superintendent Wanted for SD State Fair
Seasonal position: a couple of weeks in June and July, and most of August through the State Fair. Responsible for measuring and marking of campsites and parking spaces; assist with parking of campers, and collection of camping fees. Must be physically capable of bending, walking for long periods, and working in summer weather conditions. Job shadow at the 2026 State Fair starting mid-May. $15.9/hr.
To apply, drop off a resume at the SD State Fair office or pick up an application. For questions, call 605-353-7340.
Camping Attendant Wanted
Seasonal position: a couple of weeks in June and July, and most of August through the State Fair. Assist the camping superintendent, mark and measure campsites prior to the fair, along with assisting campers with getting into their campsites and, in some cases, collecting money. Must be physically capable of bending, walking for long periods, and working in summer weather conditions. $14.46/hr.
To apply, drop off a resume at the SD State Fair office or pick up an application. For questions, call 605-353-7340.
SD State Fair Wine Pavilion Superintendent
Manage and oversee the operations of the SD State Fair Wine Pavilion during the SD State Fair including hiring and training of staff, coordinating product with wineries, set-up and cleanup of Wine Pavilion, financial reconciliation, follow safety and security protocols, abide laws, and ensure a positive customer experience. Hours vary (staring in June). Starting wage $15.91/hr. For more information and to apply, call 605-353-7340 or stop at the State Fair Administration Office.
Beverage Operations Superintendent
Manage and oversee the Beer Garden, Midway Roadhouse, and Grandstand alcohol beverage operations during the South Dakota State Fair as well as overseeing alcoholic beverage operations for non-fair time events, ensuring adequate sales staff, proper handling and accounting of money, safety and security protocols and laws are abided by, and promote positive customer experience. Seasonal position. Hours vary. Starting wage $16.38/hr. Send your resume to peggy.besch@state.sd.us or stop at the State Fair Administration Office to pick up an application.
Seasonal Maintenance Worker
The SD State Fair is seeking a seasonal Maintenance Worker to perform a variety of routine building and grounds maintenance projects including general maintenance, custodial duties, and set-up and tear-down of events. This position is from May through October generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm 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 at the SD State Fair Office, 1060 3rd St. SW. For more information, call 605.353.7340.
Seasonal positions - now hiring for 2026 State Fair
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! Positions are open in the following areas: Maintenance, gate admission, beer garden, tap haus, wine pavilion, trolley, grandstand, security, and cattle crossing guard. 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
- Wine Pavilion Attendants
- Building Attendants
- Camping Attendants
- Gate Admission Attendants
- Shuttle Drivers
- Certified Police Officers
- Civilian Positions for Security
- Maintenance Personnel
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.