Iowa Wildlife Camps Instructor

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN 

You can expect to learn skills that will build your ability to teach and facilitate learning in outdoor environments, how to remain calm in difficult situations, and successfully work with people from diverse backgrounds as part of a team. This position is well suited to students in the College of Education’s teacher preparation program although all are welcome to apply. You will learn skills applicable to a career in education such as building positive relationships with students and families, and how to create and implement engaging learning activities.  

To learn more about the types of activities and learning content in Wildlife Camps programs, read camp descriptions on Iowa Wildlife Camps’ website: https://wild.education.uiowa.edu/iowa-wildlife-camps 

BASIC FUNCTION 

To assist with the operations of Iowa Wildlife Camps.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Lead daily activities for groups of campers participating in Iowa Wildlife Camps; 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. 

Self-motivated, energetic and willingness to be flexible in duties and interactions with campers.  Maintain a positive attitude at all times.  

Focusing on working as a team with other Camp Instructors, Camp Coordinators, Camp Assistant Coordinators, Bus Drivers, and high school volunteers. 

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. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

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. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

College major or degree in fields related to environmental education (education, sciences, etc.). 

University of Iowa student. 

Certified Waterfront Lifeguard or willingness to obtain 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 $1.50/hour in addition to base compensation.  

Additional Responsibilities will include: 

Drive a school bus daily to safely transport campers to Iowa Wildlife Camps program locations  

Complete daily safety inspections of bus  

Maintain a clean bus by daily sweeping, sanitizing seats, and organizing any supplies kept on the bus  

WORK HOURS 

Monday - Friday from 7:30am to 4:15pm 

Mandatory Staff Training: June 8-12, 2026  

Camp Sessions: June 16 – August 15 (Off Friday, July 3)  

LOCATION 

Iowa Wildlife Camps take place primarily at 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.  

MNRA - 2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE Solon, IA 

Various State Parks or Forests in Iowa  

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 

Criminal Background Check upon hire 

CPR/AED/First-Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire 

Iowa Wildlife Camps Staff Training  

All online trainings required by the University of Iowa Youth Programs Protocol 

All online trainings required by the University of Iowa Environmental Health and Safety for employees that work outside.

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, please complete an online application at the link below and email your resume to phoebe-yetley@uiowa.edu

 Online Application: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ofy5COss7hmeIS

Pay starts at $14.00 per hour.