Wyoming State Fair Manager 2026-02463

Wyoming State Fair Manager 2026-02463

Salary

$10,112.26 - $10,247.00 Monthly

Location

Douglas, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-02463

Department

Department of Agriculture

Division

Department of Agriculture

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Job Classification

EXMT02

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming State Fair Board seeks a forward-thinking executive leader for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Fair Division. The Wyoming State Fair Manager leads both the annual Wyoming State Fair and the Wyoming State Fairgrounds & Events Complex, a year-round public event destination hosting more than 400 interim events annually. Grounded in Agriculture, Education, Youth and Western Lifestyle, this role builds on the organizations progress through strategic leadership, staff development, revenue growth, partnerships and implementation of the expanded master plan. The manager reports to the Wyoming State Fair Board and works with the Department of Agriculture and governmental partners to steward public resources, strengthen the Wyoming State Fair brand and grow the complexs statewide impact.

Douglas is a small Rocky Mountain community approximately 45 minutes from Casper, with access to hunting, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

• Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future

• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, oryou can watch this short video to learn about our benefits package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

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.

• Provide executive leadership for the annual Wyoming State Fair and year-round Fairgrounds & Events Complex; translate board direction into strategic priorities, measurable goals and operational results.
• Lead planning, production and financial performance of the annual Fair while preserving its agricultural mission, youth development, education, Western lifestyle and statewide significance.
• Oversee entertainment, livestock shows, rodeo, competitive exhibits, admissions, ticketing, vendors, concessions, parking, security, accessibility, guest services and event logistics.
• Lead recruitment, retention and growth of more than 400 interim events annually, including equine and livestock events, trade shows, public gatherings and private events.
• Set direction for the Partnerships & Events function; empower staff to manage bookings, event execution, customer relationships and administrative details.
• Expand facility utilization, repeat business and earned revenue through new markets, programming, effective promotion and a strong customer experience.
• Directly supervise employees assigned under the current organizational structure, which includes more than two direct reports; lead the full-time, seasonal, temporary, contracted and volunteer workforce.
• Recruit, evaluate, coach and develop staff; establish clear expectations, delegate authority, accountability, succession capacity and a professional, collaborative workplace.
• Remain engaged in operations, inspect work in progress, remove barriers and resolve staff, customer and exhibitor concerns promptly and fairly.
• Develop, manage and monitor operating, event and capital budgets; maintain fiscal controls, forecasting, financial reporting and effective cost management.
• Set goals for revenue diversification through rentals, sponsorships, concessions, ticketing, partnerships, grants, donations, gifts and other lawful opportunities.
• Direct procurement and bid preparation; negotiate and oversee significant contracts in accordance with state requirements and delegated authority.
• Oversee facilities, arenas, buildings, fairgrounds, utilities, campground and infrastructure; prioritize preventive maintenance, safety, accessibility and asset preservation.
• Lead the expanded master plan and capital improvements, working with the State Construction Department and partners from planning and funding through construction and closeout.
• Maintain strong relationships with agricultural organizations, 4-H, FFA, exhibitors, superintendents, veterinarians, sponsors, concessionaires and event producers.
• Ensure consistent administration of livestock, competitive exhibit and youth program rules; protect program integrity and improve the exhibitor and family experience.
• Provide decisive crisis leadership for severe weather, animal-health issues, public-safety incidents and other emergencies; ensure applicable regulatory compliance.
• Maintain consistent definitions and reporting methods for annual Fair attendance, interim event participation and facility use; use current, verified data in public communications.
• Evaluate event revenue, attendance, customer experience and operational performance to improve programs and demonstrate the value of public investment.
• Protect and strengthen the Wyoming State Fair brand and year-round event complex; communicate their current scope, progress and impact to customers, partners, media and the public.
• Serve as executive liaison to the Wyoming State Fair Board; prepare timely reports and meeting materials, advise on policy and implement Board decisions.
• Work with the Department of Agriculture, Governors Office, Legislature and governmental partners on budgets, policy, funding requests and issues affecting the organization.
• Monitor legislation and regulations; prepare presentations and testimony, and represent organizational priorities within applicable state policies and authority.
• Develop operational policies and strategic work plans consistent with Board direction, state requirements and Department of Agriculture objectives.
• Represent the organization locally, statewide, regionally and nationally; build tourism, economic development and community partnerships and support county and regional fair education.

Qualifications

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 bachelors 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"

Necessary Special Requirements

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.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 9 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3 months)? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3 months)? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

Do you have any combination of training and experience equivalent to bachelors degree in business or public relations, management, finance, accounting or related field?

• Yes
• No

04

Describe your relevant experience in the box below.

05

Do you have five years of work experience as a manager or administrator of a major administrative unit in governmental or private industry organization?

• Yes
• No

06

Describe your experience as a manager or administrator of a major administrative unit in governmental or private industry organization in the box below.

07

Do you have experience and a strong understanding of livestock shows, 4H & FFA and the fair industry?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have skills in any of the following? Please check all that apply.

• Leadership
• Work Management
• Personnel Management
• Public Relations
• Oral & Written Communication
• Interpersonal Relations
• None of the above

09

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

10

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

11

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

12

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

13

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

14

(AA) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

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