Assistant Manager, Festival Programs

Assistant Manager, Festival ProgramsSeasonal; Contract (April 1st - November 26th, 2026)Date Posted: February 10th, 2026

Who we are…

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 116-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams:  the 15-day annual summer Fair which averages more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events.  In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance.  The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization's core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to "Deliver Memorable Experiences" for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

Our ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational & communication skills and will have a background in events, production, theater or film. The Assistant Manager, Festival Operations will work in compliance with all health and safety requirements as determined by WorkSafeBC, and all other applicable legislation and company policies.

Why join our Team?

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships

What will you do this year?

In your role as an Assistant Manager, Festival Programs, your primary accountabilities will be to:

Playland/Fair 

• Support with budget tracking and business decisions as they relate to the budget, including monthly reconciliation.
• Provide support on production and work back schedules.
• Assist with the organization and inventory of production supplies.
• Assist with the development and execution of comprehensive training programs
• Assist within hiring processes for Haunted Attractions, Temp Tattoos, and Mascot(s) for Fair & Playland season.
• Oversee scheduling, and payroll for haunted attraction, temporary tattoos, and mascot(s).
• Lead for Mascot program.
• Provide support for Haunted Attraction daily operations.
• Provide support for Temp tattoo daily operations.
• Support on Fair Planning and execution processes.
• Festival Programs Duty manager, as required.

Fright Nights:

• Provide support on production and work back schedules.
• Support of Fright Nights Planning and execution processes.
• Oversee Fright Nights attraction(s) planning, set up and operations as assigned.
• Support within the daily maintenance, set up, operations, and tear down of assets.
• Provide support with build crews for event set up, schedules and build.
• Assist with the development comprehensive training programs.
• Assist within the hiring processes for all haunted attractions, fright nights merchandising, prep, and support teams.
• Support in the design, concept, and organization of costumes & make-up artist teams.
• Provide support with atmospheric entertainment including the auditioning processes, and scheduling of rehearsals and shows.
• Assist with event day haunted attraction operations & nightly duty manager responsibilities.
• Oversee scheduling, and payroll for Haunted Attractions, and Fright Nights Merchandising teams
• Support with oversight of office admin, and day-time prep team.

What else?

• A university degree in a relevant discipline and considerable program and show production experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years in a management or supervisory role. Experience managing a large team, experience in a union environment.
• Former performance experience considered an asset.
• Excellent communication, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Ability to strategically plan for long and short-term responsibilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and a time.
• Ability to formulate strategic plans for new projects and tasks.
• Ability to foster effective and positive working relationships with internal and external contacts, able to work in a collaborative environment.
• Must have excellent organizational skills, and the ability to provide timely and high-quality service.
• Able to produce and follow work back schedules, production timelines, and update on project progress regularly.
• Must have superior time management and multitasking skills, with the proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage a variety of diverse projects with minimal supervision.
• Must have strong computer skills and be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Must be available to work extended hours and work weeks during events and peak periods.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Organized
• Methodical
• Proactive
• Skillful communicator
• Critical thinker
• Committed to striving for excellence

Where and when to APPLY?

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at and will be accepted until the role is filled.

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, March 01. We look forward to hearing from you

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a seasonal position with a typical salary range of $22 - $24 per hour.  The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate's competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures.  As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements. 

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at .