Iowa Wildlife Camps Instructor

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. 

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

BASIC FUNCTION 

To assist with the operations of Iowa Wildlife Camps. Teach and facilitate learning in outdoor environments each day; lead program participants in inquiry-based activities, support campers in outdoor exploration; and encourage curiosity and investigation about the natural world.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• 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.

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 2025.

Applicants that have a current Class B Commerical 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 and from Iowa Wildlife Camps program locations
• Complete daily safety inspections 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.

WORK HOURS 

• Monday - Friday from 7:30am to 4:15pm
• Mandatory Staff Training: June 9-13, 2025
• Camp Sessions: June 16 – August 15 (Off July 3 & July 4)

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 University of Iowa Environmental Health and Safety for employees that work outside.

RATE OF PAY: 

Starting at $14.00 per hour