State Fair Assistant, NS

Temporary Positions for the 2026 New York State Fair

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is hiring for hundreds of temporary positions to make the 2026 New York State Fair a success! This annual 13-day event, running from August 26th to September 7th, is a cornerstone in preserving and promoting New York's rich agricultural heritage. The Fair showcases statewide competitions in livestock, horse breeding and showing, and the finest New York has to offer in wine, produce, honey, maple syrup, flowers, forage, and grain. It also features exciting youth competitions in areas like horses, livestock, horticulture, robotics, dogs, talent, and general economics.

Temporary employees are vital to the execution of the Great New York State Fair! Many roles involve active work outdoors in various weather conditions. These positions can be full-time, with schedules tailored to the specific needs of each department. There are various departments to apply to, including:

• Agriculture: We are seeking employees for the various agricultural departments on the fairgrounds. Departments include poultry, rabbits, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and horses. Duties range from cleaning the barns to tending to the animals.
• Guest Relations/Ticket Takers: The Guest Relations and Ticket Takers are responsible for welcoming guests. They must be professional and welcoming in providing information about the facilities, programs, and services available at The Fair. Those in a Ticket Taker role will review and scan tickets at entry points.
• Safety: Safety employees will help guests while following all safety protocols. A security license is not a requirement for this position.
• Bag Check- 8-Hour Security Course: In this role, employees will guard entry points, verify visitors' credentials, and check all bags at entry points. To be eligible for these positions, applicants need one of the following: 8-hour security course completion certificate, unexpired security guard license, be an active military member, or be an active or retired police officer.
• Chevy Security- Licensed Security Guard: This role performs security services at Chevy Court and Suburban Park concert locations. To be eligible for these positions, applicants need one of the following: 16-hour New York State Security Guard License, be an active military member, or be an active or retired police officer.
• Tram Conductor: Tram Conductors help passengers on and off the back of trams, which follow a route that runs the perimeter of the Fairgrounds.
• Tram Driver: Tram Drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers on a truck-pulled wagon to and from the tram stops around the NYS Fairgrounds. Applicants must have a CDL Class B License with a "P" Endorsement to be eligible for this position.
• Sensory Room: Sensory Room programming staff are responsible for monitoring and assisting guests in our inclusive sensory programming areas, which include the calming sensory room/cottage and outdoor active sensory area. Employees must be professional and possess the ability to warmly welcome and interact with guests who may have sensory-processing differences, autism, PTSD, or other physical or psychological conditions.
• State Fair Merchandise Truck: We are seeking employees to assist with the sale of New York State Fair-themed merchandise to patrons attending the Fair. Duties include operating the Point of Sale (POS) system to accurately calculate and collect payments, maintaining merchandise inventory levels, and ensuring merchandise remains clean, organized, and fully stocked. Employees must be attentive, customer-focused, and able to provide a positive experience for guests while assisting with purchases.
• Camping: Camping staff will assist with campground operations throughout the New York State Fairgrounds. Duties include ensuring guests arriving at the campgrounds have proper credentials displayed, verifying access as needed, and providing directions to other campground locations on site. Employees must be professional, approachable, and able to assist guests to ensure a smooth and positive experience.
• Potato Booth: Employees in the Potato Booth will bake potatoes and prepare toppings, keep a clean and safe environment, provide customer service to the patrons purchasing baked potatoes, and handle cash transactions using a cash register.
• Events: We are seeking organized and customer-focused employees to manage the logistics of a variety of special events planned to increase fairgoer participation. Duties include greeting and hosting hired entertainment, speaking to large groups of fairgoers, and completing all necessary paperwork to properly close out events at their conclusion.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.