Culinary Exhibit Specialist

Culinary Exhibit Specialist

Provides specialized technical expertise in one or more of the following exhibit areas: lighting, carpentry, exhibit design, audio-visual (AV) systems, or competitive entry computer software. This is a seasonal/temporary position not to exceed 122 days.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in the planning, design, maintenance, and/or installation of specialized exhibit work in one or more of the following areas: lighting, carpentry, painting, and/or exhibit displays; installs and uses specialized software for managing competitive entries
• Assist in the review of competition guides as needed.
• Operates a variety of special tools/equipment (i.e. manlift, scissor lift, power/hand tools, and/or electric cart) to create/build exhibit elements/features including but not limited to lighting and carpentry, or to utilize specialized software (i.e. ShoWorks or FairJudge) to manage competitive entries.
• Purchases needed supplies for lighting, carpentry, exhibit design and/or competitive entry software projects.
• Assigns tasks and provides guidance to Exhibit Maintenance staff, and other program staff as needed, in the execution of their job duties in order to complete projects in a safe and timely manner.
• Coordinates breaks/schedules as needed.
• Organizes job duties to keep specialized lighting, carpentry, exhibit design and/or competitive entry computer software projects on task and on time.
• Maintains files, receipts and records specific to job duties and/or projects.
• Safeguards exhibit buildings/areas and support exhibit staff in the maintenance of exhibits/displays and overall building security.
• May dispatch building service calls (relating to electrical/janitorial/security/etc.) using hand-held radio.
• May provide clerical support as needed through assisting in the receipt, processing, displaying and judging of competitive entries.
• Exhibit top-notch customer service by providing information on exhibits, competitions, events and the property to our guests.

Post-event:

• Prepare and pack exhibit related structures/props/signs/banners for storage.
• Dismantle competitive exhibits/displays and provide assistance for exhibitors/demonstrators during scheduled pick-up times post-fair.
• May be called upon to assist Exhibitors/Demonstrators as it relates to specific programs i.e. Visual Arts, Home Arts, Culinary, Garden & Floral, Livestock, Explorium and Imaginology.
• May be required to assist with the compiling and entry of data for post-fair reports as needed.
• May be required to perform other duties as directed or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Prior experience and ability to speak clearly and effectively on a microphone.
• Knowledge of cooking, baking and culinary industry
• Must be able to work all 23 days of the annual OC Fair, including entry delivery day.
• Ability to safely lift objects of up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work outside the normal business day/week as demanded by events and programs and be available early to mid-June including throughout the OC Fair.
• Must have knowledge of kitchen tools and how to operate basic cooking equipment.
• Understanding food safety and the ability to make decisions regarding proper storage of food items.

Preferences:

• Valid CA driver's license
• Current Serve Safe or other Food Handler Certifications.
• Culinary background and food preparation Mise en Place experience preferred.
• Experience with audio-visual (AV) system setup, operation, and troubleshooting
• Strong public speaking.
• Stage Management experience is a plus.
• Food competition experience is a plus.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Extended periods of standing and walking involved. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move moderate to heavy objects, which require frequent and proper bending. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Will work in a fast-paced, environment in both indoor and outdoor locations during all types of weather. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderately loud, particularly when working outdoors or in an exhibit building.