Polk County - Recruiting Intern - Des Moines, IA

Are you organized, outgoing, and interested in gaining hands‑on experience in recruitment, nonprofit administration, communications, and community outreach? The Polk County Conservation Ameri Corps Program is seeking an Ameri Corps Program Recruitment Intern to support recruitment efforts for the 2026–2027 service year.

The Recruitment Intern will be involved in every stage of the recruitment process—from promoting Ameri Corps opportunities and communicating with applicants to tracking recruitment data and representing the program at community events. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to build professional skills while contributing to a program that connects individuals with meaningful service opportunities throughout Central Iowa.

Under direct supervision of the Polk County Conservation Ameri Corps Program Coordinator, the intern assists in performing duties as assigned in accordance with the student’s educational program and the needs of the Polk County Conservation Ameri Corps Program; and to perform related duties as assigned. The intern will assist in varied assignments such as technical/professional work, research, analysis, and other duties centered around recruitment.

Schedule & Flexibility

This position offers a flexible schedule of up to 16 hours per week between October 2026 and March 2027. The Ameri Corps Program Coordinator will arrange scheduling to accommodate the intern's availability and program recruitment needs. Some in‑person recruitment events may take place outside of traditional weekday business hours, including occasional evenings or weekends.

What You'll Gain in Experience

• Recruitment and applicant screening
• Community outreach and engagement
• Professional communication
• Data tracking and organization

Illustrative Examples of Work:

• Performs routine work pertinent to the subject area to which assigned such as administration, natural resources, environmental education, community outreach, parks advocacy, parks planning, construction and maintenance, equestrian, and leisure services.
• Specific work assignments depend on the terms of the student’s educational program and the unit to which the student is assigned. Examples of work to be performed in each division or area include:
  • Administration- data entry; meeting attendance and documentation; correspondence development; operating office equipment and computer software
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  • Some specific duties related to this internship are as follows, but not limited to:
    • Promote Ameri Corps positions through job boards, online recruitment platforms, and community networks events.
    • Monitor the program's recruitment inbox and communicate with prospective applicants.
    • Conduct initial phone calls to discuss applicant eligibility, service opportunities, and next steps.
    • Connect qualified applicants with appropriate hiring managers.
    • Maintain accurate applicant and recruitment data using spreadsheets.
    • Create member recruitment flyers, digital materials, and other applicant resources.
    • Attend career fairs, college events, community events, and other in‑person recruitment opportunities.
    • Build relationships with community organizations, schools, and other potential recruitment partners.
    • Assist with recruitment planning, scheduling, outreach, and other program activities.
    • Work closely with the Ameri Corps Program Coordinator throughout the recruitment season to achieve enrollment goals.

Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of the concepts of the field to which the internship applies.
• Ability to professionally communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to apply knowledge gained through formal education to situations encountered in the work…