1

County Fairgrounds Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

County Fairgrounds information

See California salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do county fairgrounds jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for county fairgrounds in California is $14.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county fairgrounds?

County fairgrounds are designated public spaces, usually located within a county, that host annual fairs and a variety of community events. These grounds typically feature large open areas, exhibition halls, livestock barns, and arenas for events like agricultural shows, concerts, and festivals. In addition to the yearly county fair, the fairgrounds may be used throughout the year for flea markets, trade shows, sporting events, and private gatherings. They play a significant role in bringing the community together and supporting local agriculture, education, and entertainment.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges for someone working at a county fairgrounds?

Working at a county fairgrounds often involves a mix of event setup, maintenance, customer service, and coordination with vendors and exhibitors. Employees may assist in preparing the grounds for events, ensuring safety and cleanliness, and supporting logistical needs such as ticketing and crowd control. A common challenge is managing large crowds during peak event times while maintaining a positive guest experience. The role often requires flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations, especially during large fairs or festivals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county fairgrounds manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Fairgrounds Manager, you need strong organizational skills, facility management experience, and typically a background in event planning or public administration. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting systems, and safety regulations is important for overseeing operations and logistics. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities help manage staff, vendors, and community relations effectively. These skills are vital for ensuring successful events, maintaining the fairgrounds, and fostering positive community engagement.

What is the difference between County Fairgrounds vs County Fair Organizer?

AspectCounty FairgroundsCounty Fair Organizer
Primary RoleProvides the physical venue and facilities for fairs and eventsPlans, coordinates, and manages the fair's activities and logistics
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, maintenance areas, administrative officesOffices, event sites, community engagement settings
Required CredentialsFacility management, event planning experience, possibly certifications in safety or operationsEvent planning, project management, community outreach experience

County Fairgrounds focus on maintaining the venue and facilities, while County Fair Organizers handle the event planning and execution. Both roles are essential for successful fairs but differ in responsibilities and daily activities.

What are the most commonly searched types of County Fairgrounds jobs in California?

The most popular types of County Fairgrounds jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to County Fairgrounds jobs in California?

For County Fairgrounds jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching County Fairgrounds jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for County Fairgrounds jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for County Fairgrounds jobs?

Cities in California with the most County Fairgrounds job openings:

Infographic showing various County Fairgrounds job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $30,867 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Title Prep Cook | Seasonal Part-Time | Orange County Fairgrounds

Oak View Group

Costa Mesa, CA

$16.90 - $18.90/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Oak View Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 36 rated event venues


Job description

Prep Cook | Seasonal Part-Time | Orange County Fairgrounds
Location US-CA-Costa Mesa
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 2 months ago(6/26/2026 9:26 AM)
Job ID 2026-32740
Location Name Orange County Fairgrounds
Category Concessions / Premium Seating
Type Seasonal Part-Time
Location : Location US-CA-Costa Mesa
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Oak View Group
Job Post Information* : External Company URL https://www.oakviewgroup.com/
Location : Postal Code 92626
Location : Address 88 Fair Drive
Job Post Information* : Post End Date 9/25/2026
Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality food products and ingredients to support efficient kitchen operations and exceptional guest service. This position assists with food preparation, portioning, stocking stations, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards, and supporting the culinary team during service. The Prep Cook works in a fast-paced environment while following recipes, food safety guidelines, and company standards to ensure timely and consistent food production.

This role will pay an hourly rate of $16.90-$18.90. 

This is a seasonal role from June 25, 2026, and will end on September 30, 2026.

This position will remain open until September 25, 2026.

About the Venue

The Orange County Fairgrounds & Event Center is a year-round event venue located in Costa Mesa, California. It is best known as the home of the annual OC Fair, but the property also hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, trade shows, festivals, sporting events, community events, conventions, and private gatherings. The OC Fair & Event Center serves as a major entertainment and community hub for Orange County, offering indoor and outdoor event spaces, exhibit halls, arenas, meeting rooms, and entertainment venues. The property features attractions such as the Pacific Amphitheatre, equestrian facilities, and event grounds that accommodate large-scale public events and corporate functions.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for preparing and delivering high-quality, fresh food products in a timely manner to support exceptional guest service.
  • Prepare and portion ingredients according to recipes, production needs, and quality standards.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked prep stations throughout each shift.
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and kitchen safety procedures in accordance with company and health department standards.
  • Assist cooks and kitchen staff during service to ensure efficient kitchen operations and timely food delivery.
  • Support overall kitchen operations through teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
  • Participate as a team player with responsibilities related to food preparation, product quality, and guest service excellence.
  • Report any maintenance or repair needs for kitchen equipment promptly to management.
  • Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in all work areas.
  • Observe and test food products to ensure proper preparation, cooking temperatures, and quality standards are met.
  • Portion, arrange, and garnish food plates for presentation and delivery to guests.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Supervisor to assist with menu preparation and estimate food production needs.
  • Demonstrate reliability and the ability to meet company standards for attendance and punctuality.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Previous prep cook, line cook, kitchen, or food service experience preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen equipment.
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
  • Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and portion standards accurately.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects as needed.
  • Flexible schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude in a high-volume environment.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a valid California Food Handler Card as required by state law.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality required.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Options
Apply NowApply
Share this job with your Network.
Email this job to a friend.Refer this job to a friend.

We apologize for the inconvenience. The "Share" function is not working properly at this time. Please refresh the page and try again later. We appreciate your excitement about this opening!

Share on Social Media!
Need help finding the right job?
We can recommend jobs specifically for you! Click here to get started.
Application FAQs

Software Powered by ICIMS
www.icims.com


What Oak View Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom