Lead Desk Clerk

Parks and Recreation – Temporary & Part‑time positions

OPENING DATE: 01/05/2026

CLOSING DATE: FLSA

Classification:
Non‑Exempt

Unit: MERIT

Residency Requirement:
No

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents offering year‑round recreation, cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high‑achieving school district.

The City of Ames Parks & Recreation Department seeks Lead Desk Clerks to support customers and staff at parks and recreation facilities.

Candidates can expect a varied schedule of less than 20 hours per week.

Lead Desk Clerks report directly to the Office Manager or Auditorium/Bandshell/Community Center Manager and, adjunctly, to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation.

This is an ongoing, part‑time position (< 20 hours per week) not eligible for benefits or paid leave.

This posting is open until filled.

• Answer incoming calls and direct them appropriately.
• Greet customers.
• Receive payments and balance cash drawers.
• Complete nightly cash deposits.
• Communicate program information to customers.
• Register participants for programs and activities.
• Inform the Office Manager of issues, concerns, and feedback.
• Complete data entry and general clerical duties.
• Serve as primary contact and person in charge during evening and weekend hours.
• Perform opening and closing procedures.
• Serve as primary contact for facility events (e.g., classes, birthday parties).
• Set up equipment as needed.
• Enforce rules and policies to ensure a safe facility.
• Assist with emergency action plans (EAP) as needed.
• Ensure the facility is clean and maintained (trash removal, spill cleanup).
• Complete tasks as assigned.

• Mentor, coach, and develop staff members.
• Assist the Office Manager with preparing work schedules.
• Help train new desk clerks.
• Fill in for full‑time staff during vacations, meetings, city functions, and holidays when the facility is open to the public.

• General office clerical tasks and responsibilities, including customer service.
• Experience with computer systems – Microsoft products, phone systems, cash handling.
• Previous experience as a leader or supervisor.

• Cash handling and computer skills.
• Ability to learn and use recreation software.
• Clear communication; understanding customer needs.
• Self‑motivated with a positive attitude.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to answer and assist customers on the phone or direct them to the correct party.
• Ability to understand, appreciate, and embody the City of Ames Core Values.
• Ability to maintain an exceptional level of safety.
• Friendly and approachable customer interaction.
• Conflict resolution.
• Professional appearance (staff shirt, khaki pants, closed‑toed shoes) at all times while on site.
• Professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.

• Equipment used: computer terminal and hardware, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and specialized software; general office equipment such as copier, files and file cabinets, photocopy machine, calculator; communications equipment including telephone and fax machine.
• Physical activities: talking, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, sitting, finger dexterity.
• Physical characteristics of work: 75 % sitting/using computer, 25 % standing/walking; frequent lifting up to 10 lb, occasionally 10–50 lb.
• Vision requirements: minimum standard for data and written analysis, computer use, extensive reading.
• Environmental conditions:
  
  generally not substantially exposed to adverse conditions; possible noise, vibration, mechanical or electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions; alertness required; exposure to outdoor allergens, insects, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards; indoor and…