Come Work With Us

Now Accepting Applications

We are now accepting resumes to be considered for key staff positions at the 2026 Illinois State Fair.  Those who are interested are encouraged to submit a resume no later than September 29, 2025.  See links below for details and instructions.  

• Junior & Open Beef Cattle Superintendent
  
• Open Swine Superintendent

​​​​Summer Employment

The Department of Agriculture is NOT accepting applications for summer employment at this time. Please check back at a later date for the links below to be activated for online only applications. 

Volunteer

The Illinois State Fair utilizes volunteers to help staff information booths during the 11-days of the fair.  You can volunteer three days or all ten days.

• The 2026 Illinois State Fair will be held August 13th-23rd.
  
• Volunteers will be needed in several areas including;
  • Information Booths: Staff information booth; assist fair-goers. 
    • Six Information Booths are located at the Illinois State Fair. Information booths are conveniently located across from the north end of the Grandstand, on Main Street at the four-way stop, on the infield just outside the pedestrian tunnel, at the three way stop near the Livestock Center at the end of Central Avenue, Gate 2 at Peoria Rd and Sangamon Avenue and near the entrance of the Main Gate. 
    • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
      
  • Office assistant in the Emerson Building in the State Fair office. 
    • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Floaters; Upon arrival for volunteer assignment, assist where needed.
  • Exposition Building: Greet fair-goers and provide daily schedules. 
    • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Greeters at gates 1 and 2 (Sangamon Ave). 
    • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

• Minimum of 15 hours of total time needed from volunteers. Of course, you can volunteer for additional hours.
• Free State Fair T-shirt, free admission and parking.
• Training workshop to be held prior to the fair at the Emerson Building (not mandatory, about 1 hour)
  
• A Volunteer Application Form will be  available at a later date.

• For additional information or questions, please contact the Special Events Office at 217-782-0777.