The N.C. State Fair is known for being a memorable and thrilling experience that leaves you longing for fair seasons to come. However, this delightful feeling isn’t just reserved for attendees. Thousands of State Fair employees come to work each day with a similar level of excitement for the fair. None of the deep-fried fun would be possible without the dedication of these passionate workers, all of whom thrive in an energetic, fast-paced environment.
“N.C. State Fair employees are highly valued members of our fair’s long-lasting legacy,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “The fair has been an anticipated part of people’s lives since the 1850s and is well-known nationwide. That kind of success can be credited to every team member who has ever decided to take up a job at the fairgrounds.”
The 2024 N.C. State Fair is currently on the hunt to fill its remaining positions, which means that you could be the newest addition! There’s no better way to make sure you don’t skip out on your annual visit and see all that the State Fair has to offer. The fair is no longer booking vendors and ground entertainment, but there is still a variety of job openings to choose from:
General Positions
With fairgrounds that stretch across 344 acres of land, the space is packed with buildings, booths and exhibits for as far as the eye can see and beyond. All of these locations require personable workers to tend to the crowds, providing them with a quality visit. The available general positions are exhibit workers, judges, gate monitors, information booth workers, receptionists, ticket takers, ticket sellers, exhibit managers, gate assistant supervisors, gate captains, public address announcers, cash room supervisors, cash room tellers and competition managers.
If you or someone you know is qualified for one of these roles, have them visit this link to fill out an application. Application questions can be directed to Leslie Wiseman at 919-839-4503. North Carolina state government retirees who are interested in working a general position are not supposed to complete the application and should contact Leslie for further instructions.
“Our competitions could always use more employees,” said Leslie. “We’d also love for college students to consider applying to work at the State Fair — especially those who are involved with agriculture.”
Law Enforcement
The 2023 N.C. State Fair brought in an impressive 926,425 fairgoers. Crowds of this size need to be safely managed so that every fairgoer can enjoy their trip with no worries outside of deciding what tasty treats to try. Sworn and non-sworn officers are encouraged to join the State Fair law enforcement. There are separate applications to fill out depending on which title you fall under. The links to both are attached below:
Non-Sworn Law Enforcement Application | Sworn Law Enforcement Application
Please contact Sabrina Carr at 919-839-4510 for any law enforcement position application questions.
Carnival Employment
The N.C. State Fair is not in charge of hiring employees for food service, custodial service or the carnival. However, these are still crucial positions that contribute immensely to the fair’s operations, so consider applying today through Powers Great American Midways. The link to their page can be found here.
Jump on these openings immediately so that you don’t miss your opportunity to work in the most electric atmosphere. Phone interviews will be conducted if a candidate passes the application stage, and all jobs are paying. This year’s fair dates are Oct. 17-27, so candidates need to be available during that time frame.
I would love to work at the NC State Fair
On the job as soon as possible at the State Fair
I love to work this year for the State Fair for 2025. I would to take tickets, gate monitors or be an exhibit worker.