Del Mar Fairgrounds is hiring: Garden and Landscape Creative Associate in Califo

Job Overview

This position for the Agriculture and Education Department will oversee the Garden, Landscape and Container Plant competitions, as well as help oversee educational presentations, community engagement, displays, vendors, and other activities related to the San Diego County Fair's Garden & Landscape Show. You will develop and steward community, club, professional organization, and vendor relationships to promote the exhibit's benefits and opportunities. While pursuing the mission of the Agriculture, Arts and Education Department - To connect our audience to agriculture and arts by creating inspiring and innovative exhibits, enriching educational experiences and competitions that encourage community connection.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Under the direction of the department director and program supervisor, collaborates with Ag & Ed team members, including Garden/Landscape Show Coordinator and Flower Show Coordinator, marketing, and other internal stakeholders to establish and execute the exhibit's objectives.
2. Create layouts for Garden and Landscape show in consultation with District and Department Management.
3. Conduct outreach to potential exhibitors to solicit feedback and encourage participation in the show and exhibit via phone calls, emails, exhibitor meetings, and other methods.
4. Work with local garden-affiliated nurseries, organizations, and businesses to provide for a fee or donation goods and services, demonstrations, and other enhancements to the Garden and Landscape Show and Stage.
5. Assist in preparation of entry materials to garner and maximize participation in shows.
6. Consult on Garden and Landscape Show features, such as feature garden, display(s) and theming the Garden show around determined theme.
7. Consult on set-up of the show, labor needs, benchmark dates, and other coordination duties as needed.
8. Assist in the direction of volunteers and employees in the set-up, maintenance, and tear down of exhibits.
9. Assist in obtaining judges as well as being present for the judging day processes.
10. Consult the District's Garden Show Coordinator on the organization of an Awards Ceremony.
11. Positively promote the San Diego County Fair and its mission of Agriculture and Education.

Qualifications

1. Ability to work collaboratively with team members; excellent customer service skills; follows oral and written instructions.
2. Knowledge of and/or currently working within the local horticulture and agricultural community.
3. Member of related amateur or professional organization(s) not required but preferred.
4. Knowledge and proficiency of basic computer tools such as Microsoft 365 applications, digital document formats, and folder structures.
5. Excellent customer service and ability to work cooperatively with team members and others.

Working Conditions

1. Indoor work includes periods of sitting, using a computer and other office equipment.
2. Outdoor work includes exposure to weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures.
3. Position may require some travel throughout San Diego County.
4. Moderate physical exertion includes walking, standing, squatting, bending, and lifting to 25 lbs.
5. Schedule requires work outside of traditional hours and, on some occasions, extended workdays.
6. Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays outside of fair dates.