Wyoming State Fair Manager 2026-02463

Salary: $10,112.26 - $10,247.00 Monthly
Location : Douglas, WY
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: Department of Agriculture
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Job Classification: EXMT02

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 organization's 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 complex's 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.

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, Governor's 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 bachelor's 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 to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

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
• Associate's Degree
• Associate's Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelor's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree and additional coursework
• Master's Degree
• Master's 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 bachelor's 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 employee's 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

(