Agriculture, Arts and Education Director
Education / Training
Under the administrative direction of the COO, the duties nclude, but are not limited to, developing and implementing strategies, goals, and plans aligned with the District's mission and vision, having significant responsibilities in executing, managing, and directing a wide variety of educational, agricultural and competitive exhibits programs for the annual San Diego County Fair as well as overseeing the team planning design and décor and execution of the San Diego County Fair to increase attendance, revenue, community participation, and education, providing support and policy advice managing the activities of the Ag and Education Department, and doing other related work. This position is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Strategic Planning Team that has direct impact on the formulation of District's policies and collaborates in developing and implementing policies that affect the entire operations of the District . The position oversees 3 full time managers and 3 full time event coordinators who in turn manage many part-time sub-departments including: Garden Show, Flower Show, Fine Art, Design in Wood, Gems, Minerals & Jewelry, and others , entry programs, fairtime office staff and more.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Work environment is primar ily performed in a standard office with artificial light and climate control . Work activities involve working in an office setting; sitting for prolonged periods of time; bending neck in an upward and downward flexion and side-to-side turning of neck; pushing and pulling file drawers; moving items up to 25 pounds; and operating standard office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine finger dexterity and fine coordination including the use of a computer keyboard, mouse, calculators, telephone, and radio. Work activities involve the abilities to verbally communicate and hear to express and exchange information, see to perform assigned tasks, and read, write, and speak English at a level required for successful job performance.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-524134
Position #(s):
012-000-4969-XXX
Working Title:
Agriculture, Arts and Education Director
Classification:
MANAGER I $8,715.00 - $9,899.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Diego County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
WHO WE ARE
The 22nd District Agricultural Association manages and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds on behalf of the State of California , and is governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor. Fairgrounds operations are primarily funded by revenues generated by hosting events, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.
OUR PURPOSE
We are a timeless community treasure where all can flourish, connect, and interact through year-round exceptional experiences.
OUR MISSION
We connect our community through shared interests, diverse experiences, and service to one another in an inclusive, accessible, and safe place with an emphasis on entertainment , recreation , agriculture , and education.
OUR VISION
We will be the community's iconic place for social interaction and cultural expression, honoring traditions, embracing innovation, celebrating excellence, and having fun.
Department Website: DelMarFairgrounds.com .
Department Website: https://delmarfairgrounds.com
Special Requirements Applicants must complete the Manager I exam. The exam can be found at this link here: CalCareers
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds
Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn
Attn:
Attn: HR Exams/Certs
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar , CA 92014
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds
Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn
Attn: HR Exams/Certs
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar , CA 92014
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Preferences:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Possess a valid California Driver's License.
Familiarity with the San Diego County Fair/ Del Mar Fairgrounds and/or the fair industry is helpful but not required
Benefits
Our Amazing Perks!
There are many benefits to joining our team, we have a Comprehensive Employee's Benefits Package which includes: Health and wellness benefits (e.g., medical, dental, vision, etc.); Time off benefits (e.g., paid vacation, sick leave, professional development days, personal holidays, 11-paid holidays per year, etc.); Financial security benefits (e.g., California Public Employees' Retirement (CalPERS) pension upon retirement, 401(k), life insurance for excluded employees: supervisors / managers, etc.).
To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the CalHR Website at: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://delmarfairgrounds.com
Human Resources Contact:
Brittany Stroffolino
(858) 755-1161 ext: 2010
bstroffolino@sdfair.com
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
22nd DAA - EEO
(858) 792-4293
eeoofficer@sdfair.com
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications
When preparing your Statement of Qualifications, you must adhere to the following guidelines:
• Responses to the Statement of Qualifications must be addressed and numbered in the same order as listed below.
• Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications.
QUESTIONS / STATEMENTS:
1. Describe how your education and experience qualifies you as the best person for this job.
2. Describe your experience with fairs or the fair industry. What role do exhibits play in a fair?
3. Describe your leadership style and approach and your experience leading a team. Include the number of full time and part time or seasonal employees.
4. Describe your plan to grow the participation in competitive exhibits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Work environment is primar ily performed in a standard office with artificial light and climate control . Work activities involve working in an office setting; sitting for prolonged periods of time; bending neck in an upward and downward flexion and side-to-side turning of neck; pushing and pulling file drawers; moving items up to 25 pounds; and operating standard office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine finger dexterity and fine coordination including the use of a computer keyboard, mouse, calculators, telephone, and radio. Work activities involve the abilities to verbally communicate and hear to express and exchange information, see to perform assigned tasks, and read, write, and speak English at a level required for successful job performance.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- MANAGER I
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-524134
Position #(s):
012-000-4969-XXX
Working Title:
Agriculture, Arts and Education Director
Classification:
MANAGER I $8,715.00 - $9,899.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Diego County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
WHO WE ARE
The 22nd District Agricultural Association manages and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds on behalf of the State of California , and is governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor. Fairgrounds operations are primarily funded by revenues generated by hosting events, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.
OUR PURPOSE
We are a timeless community treasure where all can flourish, connect, and interact through year-round exceptional experiences.
OUR MISSION
We connect our community through shared interests, diverse experiences, and service to one another in an inclusive, accessible, and safe place with an emphasis on entertainment , recreation , agriculture , and education.
OUR VISION
We will be the community's iconic place for social interaction and cultural expression, honoring traditions, embracing innovation, celebrating excellence, and having fun.
Department Website: DelMarFairgrounds.com .
Department Website: https://delmarfairgrounds.com
Special Requirements Applicants must complete the Manager I exam. The exam can be found at this link here: CalCareers
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds
Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn
Attn:
Attn: HR Exams/Certs
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar , CA 92014
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds
Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn
Attn: HR Exams/Certs
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar , CA 92014
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - REQUIRED - Please see the Statement of Qualifications section below on the job advertisement for details and instructions.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Preferences:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Possess a valid California Driver's License.
Familiarity with the San Diego County Fair/ Del Mar Fairgrounds and/or the fair industry is helpful but not required
Benefits
Our Amazing Perks!
There are many benefits to joining our team, we have a Comprehensive Employee's Benefits Package which includes: Health and wellness benefits (e.g., medical, dental, vision, etc.); Time off benefits (e.g., paid vacation, sick leave, professional development days, personal holidays, 11-paid holidays per year, etc.); Financial security benefits (e.g., California Public Employees' Retirement (CalPERS) pension upon retirement, 401(k), life insurance for excluded employees: supervisors / managers, etc.).
To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the CalHR Website at: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://delmarfairgrounds.com
Human Resources Contact:
Brittany Stroffolino
(858) 755-1161 ext: 2010
bstroffolino@sdfair.com
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
22nd DAA - EEO
(858) 792-4293
eeoofficer@sdfair.com
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications
When preparing your Statement of Qualifications, you must adhere to the following guidelines:
• Responses to the Statement of Qualifications must be addressed and numbered in the same order as listed below.
• Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications.
QUESTIONS / STATEMENTS:
1. Describe how your education and experience qualifies you as the best person for this job.
2. Describe your experience with fairs or the fair industry. What role do exhibits play in a fair?
3. Describe your leadership style and approach and your experience leading a team. Include the number of full time and part time or seasonal employees.
4. Describe your plan to grow the participation in competitive exhibits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.