Summer Camp Counselor

Parks and Recreation – Temporary & Part-time positions

OPENING DATE

02/19/2026

CLOSING DATE

FLSA

Non-Exempt

BARGAINING UNIT

MERIT

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT?

No

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 Summer Camp Counselors for the 2026 Summer Season!

Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect to work June – July (no camp the week of July
4), Monday – Friday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Summer Camp Counselors are directly accountable to the Program Site Supervisor and the Recreation Manager and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation.

This posting is open until filled.

• Organize and facilitate activities daily for the participants.
• Communicate effectively with parents and participants.
• Work with fellow counselors to prepare daily agendas.
• Instruct youth on the basic fundamentals of activity/sport.
• Enforce all procedures and rules in place for all youth at all facilities/locations.
• Inspect environment to ensure the safety of the children.
• Teach good sportsmanship at all times.

Age Requirement:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.

Experience:

• Previous experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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

Physical & Environmental Characteristics:

Frequently exposed to various weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain, and wind. Need to be able to remain alert and attentive for extended periods of time. May be exposed to deep water, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards. Must be able to run, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Indoor and outdoor sound may be moderately noisy. May be exposed to chemicals used for maintenance.

Position requires physical participation and interaction related to the specific activity.

Selection Process:

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an 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  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 .

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