Iowa Wildlife Camps Coordinator

Overview

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.

• Provide mentorship to camp staff in facilitating outdoor learning for campers.
• Design and lead, as needed, daily activities for groups of campers participating in Iowa Wildlife Camps—including activities related to conservation education and outdoor recreation.
• Facilitate daily camper check‑in and check‑out procedures, including checking authorized persons’ identification and communicating to camper families about daily activities and/or any incidents that occurred during the day.
• Encourage collaboration with others, such as Camp Instructors, other Camp Coordinators, Camp Assistant Coordinators, Bus Drivers, high school volunteers, and other collaborators.
• Maintain clear and kind communication with campers, parents/guardians, co‑workers, and supervisors.
• Respect and use discretion when handling personal information about camp participants.
• Consistently show compassionate regard for others, especially when working with campers to support them through challenging emotions and conflict.
• Demonstrate flexibility and creativity when scheduled activities must change at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions.
• Take on leadership responsibilities for the overall operations of camp programming when a supervisor is not available to consult immediately.
• Take initiative to care for all campers, staff, outdoor classroom spaces, shared supplies and equipment, and the natural habitats and land we explore daily.

• Two years of experience in a leadership position working with youth.
• Knowledge of the natural world and/or experience in outdoor field work.
• College degree in Education, the Sciences, or related experience(s).
• Mandatory attendance at Iowa Wildlife Camps Staff Training.
• Ability to be approved to drive University of Iowa vehicles.

• Experience designing and implementing outdoor learning activities.
• Experience leading staff in an outdoor environment.

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

• Drive a school bus daily 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.
• Mandatory Coordinator Training: TBD in May or June (before staff training).
• Camp Sessions:
  June 15 – August 14 (off on 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 $17.00 per hour.

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

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