Iowa Wildlife Camps Instructor

Iowa Wildlife Camps combine conservation education with outdoor activities to offer hands‑on learning experiences for kids in grades 1 through 12. Our week‑long, project‑based camps are designed to ignite curiosity about the natural world and foster environmental stewardship.

• Lead daily activities for groups of campers participating in Iowa Wildlife Camps, such as activities related to conservation education and outdoor recreation activities.
• Assist the Camp Coordinator and Camp Assistant Coordinator with managing the care and safety of all campers.
• Arrive at camp check‑in punctually and leave at the Camp Coordinator’s discretion at the end of the camp day.
• Be self‑motivated, energetic and willing to be flexible in duties and interactions with campers. Maintain a positive attitude at all times.
• Focus on working as a team with other Camp Instructors, Camp Coordinators, Camp Assistant Coordinators, Bus Drivers, and high school volunteers.
• Exhibit good communication skills when meeting with campers, parents/guardians, co‑workers and supervisors.
• Take initiative to care for all campers, staff, outdoor classroom spaces, shared supplies and equipment, and the natural habitats and land we explore daily.

• Previous experience working with youth.
• Interest and experience in the natural world.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Mandatory attendance at staff training for Iowa Wildlife Camps (June 8‑12, 2026).

• College major or degree in fields related to environmental education (education, sciences, etc.).
• University of Iowa student.
• Certified Waterfront Lifeguard or willingness to obtain waterfront lifeguard certification prior to June 2026.

Applicants that have a current Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements will receive an additional $1.50/hour in addition to base compensation.

• Drive a school bus to safely transport campers to and from Iowa Wildlife Camps program locations.
• Complete daily safety inspection of the bus.
• Maintain a clean bus by daily sweeping, sanitizing seats, and organizing any supplies kept on the bus.
• Meet DOT safety‑sensitive position requirements including required Federal Transit Administration drug and alcohol testing.

• Monday – Friday from 7:30 am to 4:15 pm
• Camp Sessions:
  June 15 – August 14 (off Friday, July 3)

Iowa Wildlife Camps take place primarily at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) in Solon, Iowa, with a few one‑week camps located in various state parks and forests. Staff may be hired to work at MNRA, a state park or forest location, or both.

• Various state parks or forests in Iowa

• Criminal Background Check upon hire.
• CPR/AED/First‑Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
• All online trainings required by the University of Iowa Youth Programs Protocol.
• All online trainings required by University of Iowa Environmental Health and Safety for employees that work outside.

Starting at $14.00/hour

Contact PHOEBE YETLEY
Phone: 319‑467‑1183
Email: phoebe-yetley

Send a resume to Phoebe Yetley and complete an application by copying and pasting this link to your browser: