Location: Clark County Fair, Ridgefield, WA (Near Vancouver, WA)

Employment Type: Full-time, Temporary August 6th-25th

Position Overview

We are seeking a vigilant, reliable, and proactive Shift Commander / Operations Lead to oversee security operations for the Clark County Fair. In this role, you will have total operational command of the entire event during your designated shift. Working directly from the command center, you will manage lower-level supervisors, direct personnel, handle scheduling logistics (including calling in backup personnel for staff call-outs), and ensure the safety, security, and smooth operation of the fairgrounds.

This position requires a decisive professional who can lead by example, problem-solve independently under pressure, and manage both team dynamics and public safety effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Shift Command & Supervision: Take full charge of the event during designated shift times. Manage security supervisors, oversee event staff, and direct personnel placements from the command center.
• Time & Attendance Management: Ensure all supervisors and floor staff clock in and out accurately, managing shift rotations to ensure team members receive required breaks.
• Staffing & Attendance Replacements: Actively manage roster coverage; in the event of a staff call-out, immediately coordinate and contact on-call or alternative personnel to secure a replacement and prevent post vacancies.
• Incident Response & Problem-Solving: Act as the primary point of escalation for any operational or security issues that arise. Identify, assess, and resolve problems on the fly with minimal supervision.
• De-escalation & Conflict Resolution: Utilize advanced verbal de-escalation techniques to defuse tense situations calmly, professionally, and safely.
• Accountability & Compliance: Hold guard staff and fair attendees accountable to fair policies, safety procedures, and code of conduct expectations.
• Emergency Response: Lead prompt, effective responses to emergencies, acting lawfully and decisively in direct defense of life or property.
• Supervisory Assignments Oversight: Directly oversee supervisors managing specific areas, including:
• Alcohol Monitoring Supervision: Checkpoints and compliance with state legal regulations.
• Gate & Bag Check Operations: Courteous and thorough security screening at entry points.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of security experience, with a strong preference for prior supervisory, military, law enforcement, or large-scale event leadership experience.
• Licensing: Must possess a current and active Washington Unarmed Guard Card.
• Core Competencies: Proven ability to manage a team, de-escalate high-stress situations, problem-solve independently, and maintain uncompromised integrity.
• Physical Ability: Must be physically capable of standing, walking, and commanding a presence for extended periods (8–12 hour shifts) in an outdoor environment, and able to react quickly to emergencies.
• Availability: Must have completely open full-time availability from July 30th to August 11th, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and late nights.

Schedule & Compensation

• Shifts range from 8 to 12 hours.
• Day, Evening, Night, and Overnight shifts available; flexibility is required to support team needs.

Why Join Our Team?

• Take on a critical leadership role in ensuring a safe and successful Clark County Fair.
• Sharpen your command, logistics, and management skills in a dynamic, high-energy event environment.
• Work alongside a dedicated team in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you have an active unarmed guard card? If so when does it expire?
• What is your guard card number?
• Do you have your own reliable transportation? (Public is not reliable)
• This is a straight weeks of work during the duration of the fair you must be available all days. (Days range from Aug 5th through August 22nd)
• We have Morning/Swing/Graves spots are limited please let us know which shift works best for you.
• Do you have supervisor experience must be more then 2 years?
• Due to hot weather and dealing with people can you give me an example of a disagreement between you and an another employe how did you handle it and what was the end result?

License/Certification:

• Guard Card (Required)

Work Location: In person