Employment
Fill out the digital application below.
Garden Crew
Gardeners needed for the 2026 growing season at the Alaska State Fair. Candidates must be willing and capable of following instructions, able to work outdoors as part of a group, able to work with garden tools and able to be supervised. Work includes: soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing and mowing. Other duties as assigned. This is a physical labor job! Candidates must be physically able to perform the duties required, being able to routinely lift and carry 30 pounds, kneel and or be on their feet all day in all weather conditions. Available to work a 40 hour work week with occasional overtime as needed. Candidates must also possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Must be 17 to apply.
Start Date: Seasonal openings, hiring in May but most begin in June. Various positions available.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Grounds Crew
Full-time Seasonal position
Minimum age 18. Ability to lift 75-100 lbs and willing to work in all weather conditions. Must have a valid drivers license with acceptable driving record. Duties include painting, carpentry projects, lawn mowing, weed whipping, fence line maintenance, and garbage pickup.
Start Date: Seasonal openings, hiring in May but most begin in June. Various positions available.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Main Office Receptionist
Seasonal position – July through September
Must have excellent switchboard skills, good interpersonal skills, good verbal communication, and be proficient in Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, and Excel. Must be calm and personable under pressure, maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Bartender
Fair-time position
Alaska State Fair is back, bigger and better than ever and we need bartenders! Position begins around August 13th and continues through about September 7th. TAP card and cash register experience required. Bartending experience is a plus. Must be able to lift 40 pounds and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to work varied hours, ofttimes outside in inclement weather. Must be 21+ to apply.
Start Date: Seasonal openings, hiring in May but most begin in June. Various positions available.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Souvenir Seller
Fair-time position (application for souvenirs won’t be reviewed until mid-June/July)
Minimum Qualifications:
- Merchandise selling skills.
- Consistent cheerful public interaction skills under stressful conditions.
- Must be able to stand for a five hour shift in semi-protected booth.
- Must be able to make change.
Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:
- Operate cash register and credit card machine.
- Sell souvenirs to public during Fair.
- Cheerfully greet public and offer information as requested.
- Maintain neat inventory, clean booth and help set up displays.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Exhibits Attendant
Fair-time Position
Provides information and assistance to the general public in the Hoskins and Irwin Exhibit Areas.
Attendants work in the Exhibit Halls to protect entries and inform the public during the Alaska State Fair. Must be polite, alert, and professional. Attendants work 6-to-8-hour shifts and may be retained for cleaning before and after the fair. Attendants are representatives of the Fair and will use the Fair Daily Schedule to answer question from the public. Must perform general cleaning of assigned areas: including dusting, straightening pictures, picking up garbage, etc.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Ticket-Seller
Fair-time position
. Ability to process large amounts of tickets and money quickly and accurately. Must be able to make change, process credit card sales, have excellent attention to detail, and provide courteous customer service under stressful conditions. Must have prior cash handling experience; heavy cash handling experience preferred. Minimum age 18.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Herdsman
Fair-time Position
Provides information and assistance to the general public in the Farm Exhibits Building.
Herdsmen work in the Farm Exhibits Building and keep their assigned area secure by watching the public and keeping both fairgoers and animals safe. Herdsmen will clean the barn and feed the animals on a schedule supplied by the Farm Exhibits Supervisor. Responsible for keeping the aisles and public areas clear of trash and animal debris. Must be polite, alert, and professional. Herdsmen work 6-to-8-hour shifts and may be retained for cleaning before and after the fair. Herdsmen are representatives of the Fair and will use the Fair Daily Schedule to answer question from the public.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Runner
Fair-time position
Duties include distributing daily schedules and programs daily throughout the Fair, running errands to different parts of the fairgrounds and community, and assisting with clerical assignments including answering the switchboard as needed. Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds, and must have a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record. Minimum age 18.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Flowers Department Superintendent
Purpose: Within the Alaska State Fair competitive exhibits program, this position coordinates the competitive Flowers Department so that it is attractive, organized, fair and educational.
Reports to: Exhibits Manager
Recruits, Coordinates & Supervises: Volunteers & Judges
Confidentiality: Personal information of exhibitors is protected at all times.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Must have good written and oral communication skills
· Must be able to recruit volunteers and exhibitors from community organizations
· Must be organized and detail orientated
· Recommended, but not required to have a working knowledge of growing and cultivating flowers in Alaska
Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:
· Ensure Flowers Department Exhibitor Guide is edited annually to remain current with growing flowers in Alaska.
· Monitor Alaska State Fair website to ensure department information is correct.
· Handle telephone and email inquiries for department as they arise.
· Attend Superintendent Meetings, twice yearly.
· Submit supply list, equipment requests, and pass orders by April 30.
· Coordinate volunteers to assistant during: entry drop off, judging, department display and entry pick up.
· Accept entries on Perishable Entry Days. Greet and establish relationships with exhibitors.
· Recruit qualified judges.
· Coordinate judging dates and times. Judge entries in a timely manner.
· Ensure that all entries are judged and displayed attractively before fair opens after entry days.
· Complete Judges Records in a timely manner. Verify all paperwork for accuracy.
· Assist exhibitors claiming their entries and ribbons on Entry Pick-Up Days.
· Recruit Special Awards.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Recycle Lead
Fair-time position
The Recycling program is a team effort between the Alaska State Fair and Valley Community for Recycling Solutions.
Pick up and assist with sorting cardboard and recyclables. Communicate with vendors on recycling procedure, set up sorting area, assist in placement of recycle barrels, monitor the roll-offs with Alaska Waste, check in and instruct recycling volunteers. Must be willing and able to work outside in all weather conditions, have a drivers license with acceptable driving record, and are able to lift up to 40 pounds.
Please complete the online application below or Download Application (pdf) and fax to (907) 746-2699 or bring in to 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
ALASKA STATE FAIR, INC.
Chief Executive Officer
Reports to: Board of Directors.
Supervises: Either directly or indirectly, the CEO supervises all full-time and part-time staff, contractors, entertainers, and volunteers.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in the Business Disciplines, Agriculture, Education, or Arts Management, and five years of experience in managing large public events, fairgrounds, multipurpose arenas, or other public event venues.
- A strong understanding and demonstrated success in program development and personnel management at a Fair or other large public event or operations where teamwork is essential.
- Demonstrated experience in development and management of multimillion-dollar budgets and diverse revenue streams.
- Experience in executive-level decision-making within government, nonprofit, or private- sector organizations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strategic and visionary leadership
- Strong financial and business expertise
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead large, diverse teams
- Crisis management and decision-making under pressure
- Experience producing major concert entertainment
Confidentiality: A high degree of confidentiality is required for all personnel matters, contract negotiations, and executive session business.
Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:
- Prepare agenda and attend all regular meetings of the Board. Attend or have an associate present at all committee meetings.
- Develop a business plan in accordance with board direction and enact Board policies in the daily operations of the Fair.
- Advise and partner with the Board on policy, strategy, and major initiatives.
- Apprise the Board of the financial status of the organization, progress towards meeting organizational objectives, progress on the capital and operational plans, membership’s concerns, legal issues, and current industry trends.
- Provide visionary leadership to evolve the fair while honoring its agricultural, educational, and cultural heritage.
- Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of the annual State Fair and year-round operations.
- Provide direct leadership and supervision to a core team of 10 staff members, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, evaluation, discipline, and recognition.
- Direct the preparation of the annual capital and operational budgets and approve and direct expenditures within the limits of the Board-approved budget.
- Represent the Fair as its chief executive officer in all dealings with other organizations, individuals, the public, and government officials.
- Promote good public relations in the community through active involvement and speaking engagements.
- Maintain contact with key sponsors to help ensure sponsor consistency and satisfaction.
- Serve as key contact to the Carnival operator, including meetings, contractual negotiations, and compliance.
- Ensure excellence in guest experience, safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
- Create business revenue for the organization through sponsorship sales, grants, or a combination of any effective strategy that creates revenue growth.
- Ensure comprehensive risk management, emergency preparedness, and public safety planning.
- Oversee security, health, and safety protocols in coordination with law enforcement, emergency services, and contracted entities.
- Manage crisis communications and reputation management when necessary.
To apply, email your resume and Cover Letter to [email protected]