Seasonal Employment

Positions for Fair time, seasonal employment include the following:

Ticketing

• Ticket Sellers – This position is responsible for the selling of tickets. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
• Ticket Takers – This position is responsible for the collection of tickets and or verification of appropriate vehicular mirror hanger. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

Concessions/Barksdale's State Fair Cookies

• Cookie Production – This position will assist in the manufacturing process of making cookies, utilizing commercial baking equipment and following food safety guidelines. Day, night and overnight shifts available. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Food & Beverage Server – This position will aid in the fulfillment of cookies and beverage orders while adhering to food safety guidelines. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.
• Cashier – This position will handle all order transactions on a cash register and be responsible for balancing their cash drawer daily. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or 14 years of age or older with experience.

Attractions

• Thrill Park Redemption Associate – This position is responsible for redeeming of online thrill park purchases.
• Ye Old Mill Worker – This position is responsible for assisting guests on and off the ride. Wiping seats and moping wet surfaces when needed. Applicants must be 14 years and older.

Custodial

• Seasonal custodial staff will be responsible for cleaning all buildings and restrooms on the grounds in preparation for summer events and the Fair. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Restroom checker – The function of this job is to check our contract custodial crews' work at our public restrooms located throughout the lower/inner grounds. We want our restrooms to be as clean as possible so the contract holder receives information from us of what a great job they are doing or if they need to improve. We are looking for a detail-oriented male and female team to work side by side. We need both so they can go into the designated male and female restrooms. The couple will receive a golf cart and wristband. The shift is four hours long. The shifts are from 8 a.m. to noon, noon to 4 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The supervisor will work with the restroom checkers to schedule the shift that best works around your needs. The position will start Wednesday, August 7, prior to the Fair, and will run until August 19. Applicants must have a valid driver's license. This is a great opportunity to be able to make some side money while still having plenty of time to enjoy the Fair.

Parking

• Parking Attendant – This position is responsible for directing vehicles to open spots in parking lots. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.

Livestock Control

• Livestock control is responsible for getting all the livestock exhibitors and trucks and trailers on and off the Fairgrounds. They do crowd control, help escort vehicles, keep traffic flowing, deal with an occasional loose animal and answer questions.

Security

• Public Safety Officer – This is a civilian position that assists our guests at our entry and exit gates, and may assist with the entry screening process. They assist our sworn officers by alerting them to issues of security and safety, guard Fair assets, assist in looking for lost persons, assist in the lost and found procedures, provide courtesy escorts, and provide support to our Public Safety team as needed. All applicants must of sound moral character and be at least 18 years of age or older.

• Armed Security Officer – This position is available to current and retired police officers, as well as those with a strong military background in policing. This position will provide armed guard services at our gates and other security areas. They assist our sworn officers by alerting them to issues of security and safety, guard Fair assets, assist in looking for lost persons, assist in the lost and found process, and provide support to our Public Safety team as needed. This position requires a satisfactory background investigation, as well as a qualifying firearms score from an approved ILEA instructor.
• Grandstand Security- This position assists inside the Grandstand during performances as well as other free stages around the Fairgrounds. Assist with crowd management and entertainer security.

NOTE: Armed Security applicants apply by completing the Public Safety Application and return to Commander Darin VanRyswyk, dvanryswyk@iowastatefair.org.

Print Shop

• Seasonal Digital Press and Large Format Print Operator: If you're ready to bring your printing expertise to one of Iowa's most iconic events, apply today to join our dedicated team at the Iowa State Fair Authority! Expected hours: 40 per week.
  • Job Duties
    • Program high-speed copiers and send jobs electronically to specified copiers.
    • Follow instructions as noted on the print order; clarify orders when necessary, post logs and job tickets to properly charge time and material.
    • Maintain close observation of machine operation and completed copies to assure that required quality is maintained.
    • Set up and operate a variety of bindery equipment such as folders, cutters, stitchers, binders, and button makers.
    • Assemble pamphlets, reports, buttons, and other printed materials; check assembled products for printing quality.
    • Sort, count and package printed material for delivery to clients.
    • Maintain shop and equipment by following suggested or required schedules and regularly cleaning, oiling, and making minor adjustments and/or repairs.
    • Operate large format print equipment.
    • Perform semi-skilled work in the construction of signs, banners and graphics as required.
    • Drill mounting holes; apply grommets or other fastening hardware for production.
    • Fill sign requests, wrap and package orders for ship or delivery.
  • Requirements
    • Computer Skills - Proficient in the use of Microsoft office apps. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
    • Close attention to detail.
    • Effective communication skills
    • Ability to work in a team environment.
    • Ability to effectively multitask.
    • Utilize hand tools, power tools, and measuring tools.

*We do not hire for concessionaires or vendors. Interested in working at a stand or booth at the Fair? Please reach out to the individual concessionaire or vendor directly.