The purpose of this position is to support the Education & Livestock Director is setting the overall vision for the department, as well as overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of all competitive livestock events for the Indiana State Fair.  This individual ensures a safe, organized, and exhibitor-friendly environment while maintaining high standards of animal welfare, facility cleanliness, and regulatory compliance. This role also supports the solicitation and execution of non-fair livestock events, as well as the Education Department's livestock-related initiatives and exhibits. 

1. Plan and oversee day-to-day livestock show operations during the Indiana State Fair, including, but not limited to, show schedules, budgets, judge assignments, ring assignments, barn usage across species, and competition rules and regulations.

2. Collaborate with the Indiana State Fair Board’s Livestock Committee, department  superintendents, breed associations, Purdue University Extension, and program partners to ensure efficient operation of shows.

3. With department superintendents, supervise livestock support staff including barn staff and temporary assistants.

4. Coordinate exhibitor communications including show schedules, check-in instructions, loading and unloading procedures, credentials, and show rules to promote positive experiences for guests, staff, and participants.

5. Work with Commission’s Operations team to ensure barns, arenas, wash racks, equipment and supplies are properly prepared and maintained.

6. Manage the livestock exhibitor entry process utilizing the Commission’s entry software, Exhibitors Corner, with support from full-time, part-time and seasonal staff.  

7. Assist the Commission’s Education Department with the development and implementation of livestock-focused exhibits and programs both during the State Fair and year-round.  

8. Support the Commission in the solicitation, coordination and implementation of non-Fair livestock events held at the Fairgrounds. 

1. Excellent customer service skills:Must treat exhibitors with courtesy and respect and be willing to go above and beyond while assisting them with their entry needs.

2. Strong planning skills:Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously; determines project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; uses goals to guide actions; organizes and schedules people and tasks.

3. Effective project management skills:Able to develop plans that are effective in attaining established goals; garners resources and defines processes to complete a project; manages progress and implements mid-stream changes as needed.

4. Excellent interpersonal communication skills:Able to relate effectively to a wide range of people, personalities and demographics; is able to connect on a professional level with others in a variety of circumstances so that others are comfortable.

5. Strong understanding of policies and procedures:Able to act in accordance with established guidelines; communicates and enforces organizational policies and procedures.

6. Problem Solving:  Able to apply systems thinking to generate solutions; focuses on process rather than isolated events; obtains multiple assessments of a situation and identifies trouble spots; evaluates alternative solutions.

7. Collaboration:Works well with others as part of a team to accomplish goals or tasks.

 

· Bachelor’s degree or requisite experience required, preferably in an agriculture or animal science-related field

· Experience with livestock shows, competitions, and/or livestock judging 

· Knowledge of animal husbandry principles and experience with 4-H and/or FFA

· Minimum of 3 years of experience with competition management and supervision

 

This position requires a very high level of judgment, exceptional analytic ability, and creativity in investigating major problems that require original and highly innovative solutions. 

This position has direct supervisory responsibility over livestock department superintendents and other seasonal employees.

Supervision Received

This position receives routine supervision from the Director of Education & Livestock. Work is performed under general guidelines, procedures and rules. 

 

The starting salary for this position is $57,000 to $65,000.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.