The New York State Departments of Labor and Agriculture and Markets announced today that they will partner to fill approximately 400 temporary positions at the New York State Fair during two recruitment events.

The first recruitment session of the year will take place in the Martha Eddy Room of the Art & Home Center at the New York State Fairgrounds (581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, NY) on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hire approximately 40 people for the summer season that runs from April to September.

Hiring managers will be accepting applications and conducting interviews for grounds and maintenance workers, along with clerical positions to support State Fair operations through the season. Pay for these positions starts at $8.25 per hour.

The State Fair is also looking to hire general mechanics for $18.86 per hour and will be accepting applications for that position as well on Saturday.

Additional recruitment sessions will be held on May 15 and 16 to fill the remaining positions needed only during the 12 days of the State Fair. Positions include security guards, parking attendants, cleaners and more.

“There is a great need each year for a wide range of employees with varying skills and levels of experience,” said Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera. “For someone who is unemployed, these jobs offer a chance for you to refresh your resume and jumpstart your job search once the fair is over.”

“Many of our temporary employees come back year after year because they enjoy the excitement and energy of the Fair. Anyone who needs employment or extra employment should apply for one of our positions,” said Acting Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

The Fair, New York State’s largest annual event, will run from Thursday, August 21 through Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2014.

The work hours, hourly rate and duration of employment vary by assignment. Applicants may be subject to background investigation and criminal history checks. Positions for applicants under the age of 18 are limited, and those applicants will need to provide working papers.

Further details about open jobs and requirements are available on the Fair’s website: http://www.nysfair.org/contact-us/employment/. Job seekers with questions should contact the Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3216.