10/13/2026
HARNEY COUNTY
CARETAKER- FAIR
Days / Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Salary/Benefits: $17.84 to 19.67/ hour DOE
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Perform a wide variety of skilled maintenance duties to ensure the proper safety operation and maintain functionality of facilities at the Harney County Fairgrounds. Perform related work as seasonally required. Provide customer service to fairgrounds patrons and guests.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Facilities Maintenance & Repair
• Perform repairs and preventive maintenance to keep fairgrounds facilities safe and operational, including basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing, metal work, and painting.
• Periodically inspect and maintain outlets, interior and exterior lighting, heaters, fans, toilets, sinks, showers, drains, ranges, ovens, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Keep the Memorial Building, Sale Barn, and other buildings clean and in good repair.
• Monitor activities on the grounds and keep a written record of problems or concerns.
Grounds
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment, including wheel lines, hoses, sprinklers, rakes, push and riding mowers, w**d eaters, pickups, tractors, power augers, saws, ATVs, and herbicide sprayers.
• Mow, water, w**d, and spray lawns, fields, and flowerbeds to keep the grounds in good condition.
• Winterize plants, planting beds, and water systems.
• Remove snow and ice from parking areas and walkways before and during events as needed.
Barns & Stalls
• Keep barns clean and presentable by sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and painting; deep-clean to remove residue before the fair and other events.
• Inspect, clean, and repair stalls and stall doors before, during, and after events.
• Check and clear wash rack drains as needed.
• Spray for insects as scheduled or required.
Rodeo Arena & Grandstand
• Maintain the rodeo track and arena in usable condition and work them before events.
• Keep rodeo fences, cross fences, wires, poles, boards, and grandstands in good repair.
• Before each event, sweep or hose grandstand seats, the announcer’s box, and the office box. During and after use, pick up trash and debris around and under the grandstand.
Events
• Prepare the grounds for the annual county fair and other events in coordination with the Fair Manager and Fair Board, including cleaning, setup, and hanging banners.
• Help coordinate setup, takedown, and storage of chairs, tables, and the stage.
• Organize and complete post-event cleanup.
Safety & Customer Service
• Keep fire lanes around buildings and on the grounds open at all times.
• Schedule annual fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance.
• Provide friendly customer service to patrons and guests.
AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS:
• Maintain proficiency though training, reading materials and videos. Maintain work areas in clean and orderly manner.
• Maintain insurability under standard Harney County Policies.
• Attend Harney County Safety Committee meetings.
• Perform reception duties as needed, such as answer phones.
• Assist with public relations work including, but not limited to, hanging posters and banners.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to perform excellent customer service and great verbal communication.
• Basic Construction, plumbing, electrical, and welding and skills.
• Functional computer skills
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Ability to work independently and safely, prioritize daily needs, develop solutions to various maintenance problems that may be encountered
• Skill in the use of various hand tools, power tools, and equipment according to OSHA safety standards.
• Ability to follow all proper maintenance and repair procedures.
• Ability to work cooperatively with the Fair Manager, Fair Board, County Court and other county departments and employees. Engage in constructive, effective, and respectful work-related communications.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by additional specialized education or training in general building and grounds maintenance procedures, AND one (1) year of related maintenance experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES:
• Valid driver’s license and proof of an acceptable driving record
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test
• Must maintain required licenses and certifications in good standing.
• Must obtain first aid and CPR certification within 6 months
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Grounds Maintenance Experience
• Equipment Maintenance Experience
• Rodeo Grounds Maintenance Experience
• Building Maintenance Experience
All applications must be returned to Harney County HR Department, via email or in person to be considered for employment. Applications not turned into HR will not be considered.
Application Closing Date: Until Filled. Obtain an employment application and full job description from Human Resources, by email [email protected] or call 541-413-3110, The application is also available on the Harney County website under the Human Resource Department.
Harney County is an AA/EEOE.