FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT

Position Summary:

The Kansas State Fair is seeking a skilled Facilities Specialist HVAC/Plumbing to support the operation, repair, and upkeep of fairgrounds facilities. This position focuses on HVAC and plumbing systems while performing a variety of multi-trade maintenance tasks to ensure buildings and grounds are safe, functional, and event-ready year-round.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform maintenance and repairs across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general building systems
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve mechanical and facility issues
• Complete work orders and assist with special projects, including installations and system upgrades
• Support concrete work, fabrication, and general grounds maintenance as needed
• Supervise and direct assigned staff and work crews
• Ensure compliance with ADA, fire safety, and life safety codes
• Assist in preparing facilities for the annual Fair and other events

Minimum Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general maintenance systems
• Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and building system issues
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical specifications
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to safely operate tools, equipment, and machinery

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in facility maintenance at a large venue or event-based environment
• Knowledge of ADA, fire safety, and life safety compliance standards
• Trade certifications in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems
• Experience with project planning and cost estimation

📅 Full-time | Monday–Friday

📍 Hutchinson, KS 18+

✅ Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Why Join Us?

Be part of a team that helps create one of Kansas’ largest events while maintaining a dynamic, year-round facility. Your work will directly impact the experience of hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Position Overview

This role focuses on the year-round maintenance, landscaping, and repair of the Kansas State Fair grounds. A unique and primary aspect of this position is leading and training inmate laborers to assist with these daily tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Grounds & Lawn Care: Planting, watering, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and weeding grass, trees, flowers, and shrubs. Includes seasonal tasks like leaf and snow removal.
• Chemical Application: Applying fertilizers and chemical controls for weeds, insects, and plant diseases.
• Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Operating vehicles and heavy/power equipment (trucks, tractors, skid-loaders, mowers, chainsaws, jackhammers, etc.).
• Inmate Supervision: Training inmate laborers on safety, proper equipment operation, and maintenance procedures, while conducting daily checks to ensure equipment is undamaged and running properly.
• Facilities Repair: Assisting with minor repairs to grounds facilities, fixtures, and equipment as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience/Skills: Proven ability to operate and use landscaping equipment, tractors, skid-loaders, graders, and electrical tools, as well as perform basic facility/equipment repairs.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Position Overview

Posted 5-21-26

This role involves a mix of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and operational support for the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Working closely with management, the position ensures the upkeep of 32 buildings and supports the logistics for approximately 500 non-fair event rentals throughout the year, as well as the annual State Fair.

Key Responsibilities

• Facility Maintenance: Assisting the Operations Manager and Assistant Manager with skilled/semi-skilled building repairs, routine maintenance, and cleaning to maintain the appearance of state buildings.
• Event Logistics: Handling the setup and teardown for hundreds of events and rentals, ensuring work orders are completed on time for customer satisfaction.
• Inmate Supervision: Overseeing inmate labor during event setups and teardowns, which includes training them to safely operate machinery and tools.
• Compliance: Ensuring all work and operations comply with safety regulations and standards.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of general maintenance, construction, and repair practices.
  • Ability to read blueprints, work orders, and technical documents.
  • Experience safely operating tools and machinery.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and supervisory skills.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in facility/grounds maintenance for large venues or event-based environments.
  • Experience with event setup and coordination.
  • Knowledge of ADA, fire safety, and life safety codes.