Youth Sports Officials

General Information

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year‑round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high‑achieving school district.

The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting opportunity for Youth Sports Officials!

Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect to work a varying schedule January – May 2026.

Officials will be paid $13.39 – $14.20 per game (50‑minute games).

Officials are directly accountable to the Recreation Manager and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation.

This posting is open until filled.

• Ensures that all playing environments are safe for children.
• Enforces all procedures and rules in place for all youth at all facilities/locations.
• Starts games and makes official calls during game play.
• Provides preventive officiating when necessary.
• Takes appropriate opportunities to teach youth during game play when necessary.

Must be at least 17 years of age.

• Previous experience is preferred.

• Knowledge of the sport and rules.
• Skill in being organized, dependable, and reliable.
• Ability to communicate with parents and youth.
• Ability to understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values.
• Ability to maintain an exceptional level of safety.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance (staff shirt w/ appropriate athletic shorts or pants or official’s striped shirt) at all times while on site.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.

Physical & Environmental Characteristics: Frequently exposed to various weather conditions for outdoor activities, including cold, heat, rain, and wind. Need to remain alert and attentive for extended periods of time. May be exposed to outdoor allergens, insects, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards. Must be able to walk quickly or jog in case of emergency and lift objects up to 50 lbs.

When working indoor and outdoor activities, sound may be moderately noisy. Position requires physical participation and interaction related to specific activity. In cases of outdoor weather, may make decisions relating to safety for participants and other recreation staff.

Selection Process: The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

E-Verify Process: The City of Ames participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I‑9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment.

Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515‑239‑5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

NOTE:

Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515‑239‑5199.