HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-03-hr-study-session-supporting-documents �. LPS«U�S...rn�.,F KITTITAS VALLEY EVENT CENTER
' t�F Home of the Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo
901 E. Th Ave, Suite 1,Ellensburg,WA 98926
EventCenter@co.kittitas.wa.us
Office(509)962-7639
x+r+'rrns a uuh ry Fax(509)962-7010
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
AGENDA DATE: August 3, 2026
ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve a Temporary Grounds Manager Position for
2026 Fair and Rodeo Set Up
BACKGROUND: The Fair and Rodeo period is the Event Center's highest-demand
operational window and requires coordinated oversight of grounds
preparation, facility readiness, maintenance staffing, event logistics,
safety practices, and post-event cleanup.
The full-time Grounds Manager is expected to be absent due to
surgery during this critical period. Without temporary management
coverage, the Event Center would lack dedicated field supervision
for regular, seasonal, temporary, event, volunteer, and work-crew
resources during setup and event execution.
The proposed temporary position is intended to preserve continuity
of operations, maintain public-facing service levels, and reduce risk
to event readiness, employee coordination, safety compliance, and
facility conditions.
Fiscal Impact:
Item Amount/Detail
Temporary Grounds Manager pay rate $38.70/hour
Extra Help budget remaining $17,360
Direct Wages—Internal remaining $5,496
Total available for proposed coverage $22,856
Estimated temporary position cost $17,537.97
Estimated budget remaining after hire $5,318.03
The estimate is based on a cost analysis, including both regular and
overtime hours from August 2025 as the baseline and an additional
week of pay due to the longer lead time to Labor Day in 2026. The
proposal appears fundable within existing remaining Extra Help
and Direct Wages—Internal balances, leaving an estimated
$5,318.03 available and no additional impact to the budget.
INTERACTION: Kittitas Valley Event Center
Kittitas County Human Resources
Board of County Commissioners
RECOMMENDATION: Approve Temporary Grounds Manager Position for 2026
HANDLING: 1 Original—Clerk of the Board
1 Copy—Event Center Director
LEAD STAFF: Kady Porterfield, CFE
Kittitas Valley Event Center Director
Kittitas County,Washington
Job Description
POSITION TITLE: TEMPORARY GROUNDS MANAGER
❑ Created: ® Modified: 7/27/2026
REPORTS TO: EVENT CENTER DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT: KITTITAS VALLEY EVENT CENTER
JOB SUMMARY The Temporary Grounds Manager is responsible for supporting the day-to-day
operational maintenance and upkeep of the Event Center facilities and grounds.
This position provides on-site leadership,supervises regular and temporary staff,
coordinates facility and grounds activities,and ensures Tne Safe,efflclenl,wid
responsive operations during the annual Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg
Rodeo. Must maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships with
administrative and other County personnel, public agencies,and the general
public,and work under the guidance of Local/State/Federal regulations and
County policies/procedures.
This position is temporary and will not last longer than 60 days.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES: Maintenance Staff,seasonal/temporary workers, inmates,volunteers,and
juveniles.
CATEGORY: Temporary OCCUPATION CODE: 3851
UNION AFFILIATION: None HOURS/WEEK: 40
FLSASTATUS: Non-Exempt DRS ELIGIBILITY: Ineligible
BACKGROUND CHECK LEVEL: Routine PROBATIONARY PERIOD: NA
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Personnel Management
■ Supervise daily workload of assigned regular, seasonal,temporary, and/or event staff based on Event
Center Director's work plans and assignments. Communicate with Event Center Director when team is
not meeting deadlines or an adjustment to work plans is needed.
• Manage changes to employee work schedules.
■ Inspect and manage work performed by maintenance staff, ensure tasks are performed in an efficient
and effective manner.
■ Train and coach new employees in the development of goals,objectives, use of equipment, and
performance measures.
• Help ensure timekeeping, breaks, overtime, safety, and scheduling practices are consistent with
County policy and KVEC expectations.
• Ensure compliance with personnel and collective bargaining agreement policies in close coordination
with the Event Center Director.
Grounds and Program Management
■ Oversee daily grounds operations during the temporary assignment period.
• Coordinate setup, operation, maintenance, and breakdown activities for the annual fair and rodeo.
• Monitor facility needs and logistical requirements.
■ Coordinate with Event Center Director on major construction or repair projects.
■ Track and report on project progress, issues, and needs in a timely and professional manner following
established protocol.
■ Lead by example and provide excellent customer service to all Event Center patrons, including
administrative staff and other team members.
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Kittitas County,Washington
Plan for and execute preparations for the Kittitas County Fair and the Ellensburg Rodeo,and any other
self-promoted events in close working effort with the Event Center Director, Event Center staff, Fair
Board Directors, and Rodeo Board Directors.
Follow and enforce safety protocols.
Inspect and make minor structural repairs as needed; consult with the KVEC Director if needed repairs
may require a contractor.
• Ensure proper irrigation practices are in place, including repair or installation of irrigation equipment.
■ Ensure Event Center grounds are clean and tidy, including trash removal; assist in timely post-event
clean-up.
• Ensure Bloom Pavilion, Barns, Rodeo Arena, and Stock Pens properly sterilized for biosecurity
purposes. Keeping necessary files and records all biosecurity actions.
• Work with recycling/composting locations on refuse and manure disposal.
• Report any event-related damage to the KVEC Director as soon as possible.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
d Assist Event Operations with set-up of tables, chairs, and specialty equipment/amenities per client
requirements when additional help is needed.
• Perform simple grounds maintenance and repairs when needed and in the absence of other
Maintenance staff.
This job description is a summary of the primary functions and expectations for this position.Additional
department-related duties maybe assigned as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.
■ Four(4)years of experience managing a maintenance program with similar essential functions,
including at least one(1)year of direct supervision of employees.
• Must successfully complete the required KCSO training for Inmate Workers, prior to inmate
supervision.
• Employees who do not already have the Hepatitis B vaccination will have the option to undergo the
series through the Public Health Department at no cost to the employee. Employees who do not wish to
be vaccinated against Hepatitis B must complete and sign a waiver stating they received the County's
offer of vaccination against Hepatitis B and they declined the offer.
• A criminal history and background check to include fingerprinting will be performed on qualified
candidates. Convictions may preclude applicants from employment in certain circumstances. Factors
such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions,the place and manner in which the
position will be performed, and anyverifiable information related to the candidate's rehabilitation, good
conduct,work experience, education, and training will be taken into account.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Self-starter with strong self-management skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
■ Must be able to provide leadership, motivation, and guidance to staff, and assist with hiring,
professional development, and disciplinary processes.
Must be able to deliver courteous and professional customer service,with the ability to interact with a
diverse group of individuals and groups on a regular basis.
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Kittitas County,Washington
• Ability to set up sound and media equipment and troubleshoot minor issues.
• Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to quickly learn other
programs specific to the County and/or department.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
■ Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle interruptions.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate the necessary tools, equipment,and machinery in order to perform maintenance,
minor construction, and building/grounds custodial work.
• Ability to work independently and support a team environment.
• Honesty, strong work ethic, and a desire to bring value to the organization.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Prior event, maintenance, project management, and/or grounds keeping experience.
• Experience operating an Agricultural Tractor, Backhoe, Forklift, and/or Skid Steer Loader.
• Prior experience providing customer service to the public.
■ First Aid/CPR certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a variety of indoor facilities and outdoor environments. Exposure to inclement
weather, including temperature extremes and windy/dusty conditions,will occur. Position requires ability to
sit, stand,walk, bend, stoop, crouch, grasp, reach,and climb ladders and stairs; must be able to lift up to
60 pounds and occasionally more with assistance;frequent exposure to the following hazardous or
corrosive chemicals will occur:fertilizers, soil additives, automotive chemicals,fuels and lubricating oils,
paints, primers and solvents, cleaning and sanitation chemicals, airborne environmental dust and wood
dust. Must have the ability to supervise and direct the work of others, including but not limited to
volunteers,Trustees, and juvenile work crews.Safety rules and regulations must be adhered to at all times;
PPE shall be worn when required, and employees may not operate tools and/or equipment unless they are
fully skilled and have received all required training.
Regular and reliable attendance, punctuality, and courteous service are required during regular business
hours; however, occasional variation may be required based on business need,which could include
evenings,weekends, and holidays. In preparation for and support of the Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg
Rodeo,vacation requests are not allowed between August 10th and September 10th and employees must be
available to work extended shifts,weekends, and Labor Day.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
PREPARATION AND REVIEW
Must be completed with all revisions of the job description.
Supervisor Name Title Date
HR Representative Name Title Date
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Kittitas County,Washington
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT _
I understand the job duties and responsibilities contained in this job description and as described by the immediate
supervisor.
Employee Name(print) Employee Signature Date
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