Job Overview
A position within the Agriculture, Arts and Education Department that reports to the Arts Program
Supervisor, the Home Arts and Hobbies Exhibit Coordinator plans, organizes, and implements
competitive exhibits such as quilting, needle arts, sewing, knitting/crochet, decorative crafts, paper
arts, baked goods, and preserved foods, and creates a dynamic and educational exhibit to be installed
during the San Diego County Fair, overseeing its assembly, maintenance, and customer service
functions.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Serve as primary contact for exhibitor questions, ensuring consistent interpretation of rules.
- Review the department’s Exhibitor Guide content (divisions, classes, rules, premiums, schedules)
and finalize on time.
- Develop timelines for entry receiving, judging, exhibit installation, daily staffing, demos, and entry
release.
- Recruit, schedule, and coordinate judges; prepare judging criteria and materials.
- Plan the exhibit area, display layout, signage, and case assignments.
- Actively engage in community outreach that includes art/craft fairs, guild and club meetings, focus
groups, social media, and presentations to interest groups.
- Collaborate on marketing efforts such as newsletter announcements, social media posts, emails, and
networking.
- Foster strong participation from demonstrators, experts and other content providers.
- Schedule and support live demonstrations and interactive elements.
- Review exhibit staff candidate applications and participate in interviews.
- Train and direct approximately (12) exhibit staff in appropriate exhibit operations and guest service.
- Order exhibit supplies, signage and equipment. Review event and catering orders.
- Create engaging displays of competition entries, signage, interactives, and décor.
- Coordinate set-up, maintenance, and tear-down of exhibits, including scheduling manpower and
assigning tasks to exhibit attendants.
- Oversee entry receiving/check-in, classification, and secure storage.
- Direct judging processes, reconcile awards, and coordinate receptions.
- Perform manual labor involved in the installation of the exhibit, which may include using tools and
equipment.
- Lead safe handling and installation of exhibits; maintain exhibit cleanliness and display standards.
- Coordinate orderly entry release/check-out, verify identity, and document any damages.
- Compile material and equipment inventory; summarize post-event recommendations.
- Respond to verbal and written questions and concerns in a timely and knowledgeable manner.
- Practice and direct others in correct physical work methods and established standards; maintain a
safe work environment.
- Use and direct others to use personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, googles) properly.
- Perform other related duties as assigned or requested when needed.
Qualifications
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to direct staff/volunteers in fast-paced environments.
- Experience coordinating exhibits or events preferred.
- Knowledge of competition/exhibit subject preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Customer service skills with calm problem-solving approach.
Working Conditions
- Seasonal, part-time schedule starting in October through mid-July with peak hours in May and
during Fair time, when weekends and some evenings are required.
- Stand/walk for extended periods. Lift up to 30 lbs. Push/pull heavy objects.
- Indoors and outdoors in both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled spaces.
- Lively environment with loud noises and large groups of people.
- Exposure to weather conditions including fluctuating temperatures.
- Exposure to dust, food smells, and animal smells.