
Overview
The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting opportunity for a Summer Camp Director for the 2026 Summer Season!
Training will begin in May. The position will continue from June to July, Monday to Friday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 20–30 hours per week.
Responsibilities
Directly responsible for Summer Camp staff and accountable to the Recreation Manager, Recreation Superintendent, and Director of Parks & Recreation.
Coordinate the development, planning, and implementation of age‑appropriate activities.
Ensure play environments are safe and fun; enforce all procedures and rules at facilities.
Assist in staff hiring and training; supervise and lead a staff of 6–10 camp counselors.
Lead staff meetings and provide guidance.
Manage a program budget and maintain required records (invoices, medical forms, incident reports, etc.).
Respond to emergencies, report issues to the Recreation Coordinator, and communicate professionally with parents.
Represent the city’s values in day‑to‑day interactions.
Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age.
Education and Experience
Required:
Two or more years of experience teaching or leading children aged 5–12.
Preferred:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Leisure Services, or related field.
Preferred:
Leadership and supervisory experience.
Preferred:
Prior experience with the City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Highly organized, dependable, and reliable.
Experience working with children with disabilities and/or special needs.
Effective communication with youth, parents, and staff.
Confident, positive attitude and appearance (staff shirt with appropriate athletic shorts or pants).
Professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.
Commitment to safety and the city’s core values.
Application Process Please attach a resume with your application. The selection process includes evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and a criminal background check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515‑239‑5199.
ADA Accommodations Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
E‑Verify Process The City of Ames participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each applicant’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position must complete Section 1 of Form I‑9 and provide required proof of eligibility on the first day of employment. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 515‑239‑5199 or visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page.
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Training will begin in May. The position will continue from June to July, Monday to Friday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 20–30 hours per week.
Responsibilities
Directly responsible for Summer Camp staff and accountable to the Recreation Manager, Recreation Superintendent, and Director of Parks & Recreation.
Coordinate the development, planning, and implementation of age‑appropriate activities.
Ensure play environments are safe and fun; enforce all procedures and rules at facilities.
Assist in staff hiring and training; supervise and lead a staff of 6–10 camp counselors.
Lead staff meetings and provide guidance.
Manage a program budget and maintain required records (invoices, medical forms, incident reports, etc.).
Respond to emergencies, report issues to the Recreation Coordinator, and communicate professionally with parents.
Represent the city’s values in day‑to‑day interactions.
Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age.
Education and Experience
Required:
Two or more years of experience teaching or leading children aged 5–12.
Preferred:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Leisure Services, or related field.
Preferred:
Leadership and supervisory experience.
Preferred:
Prior experience with the City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Highly organized, dependable, and reliable.
Experience working with children with disabilities and/or special needs.
Effective communication with youth, parents, and staff.
Confident, positive attitude and appearance (staff shirt with appropriate athletic shorts or pants).
Professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.
Commitment to safety and the city’s core values.
Application Process Please attach a resume with your application. The selection process includes evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and a criminal background check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515‑239‑5199.
ADA Accommodations Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
E‑Verify Process The City of Ames participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each applicant’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position must complete Section 1 of Form I‑9 and provide required proof of eligibility on the first day of employment. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 515‑239‑5199 or visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page.
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