Summer Camp Director
AMES Australia, Ames, IA, United States
Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
General Information The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting opportunity for a Summer Camp Director for the 2026 Summer Season! Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect training to begin in May and the position will continue June - July, Monday - Friday from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, 20 - 30 hours per week.
Examples Of Essential Job Functions
Coordinate the development, planning, and implementation of age‑appropriate activities.
Ensure that playing environments are safe and fun.
Ensure all procedures and rules in place at facilities/locations are enforced.
Assist Recreation Coordinator in the camp staff hiring and training process.
Supervise and lead a staff of 6–10 camp counselors (lead staff meetings, give staff direction, etc).
Work within and manage a program budget.
Complete and maintain required records (invoices, medical forms, incident reports, etc).
Recognize and respond effectively to emergencies and report issues to Recreation Coordinator.
Communicate daily with parents in a professional and courteous manner.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data‑driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
Qualifications Required:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Two or more years of experience teaching or leading children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old.
Preferred:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Education, Leisure Services, etc.
Leadership and supervisory experience.
Prior experience working with the City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Necessary To Perform Essential Functions Skill in being organized, dependable, and reliable; skill in working with children with disabilities and/or special needs.
Ability to communicate with youth, parents, and staff effectively; ability to provide a confident and positive attitude; ability to understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values; ability to maintain an exceptional level of safety; ability to maintain a professional appearance (staff shirt with appropriate athletic shorts or pants) at all times while on site; ability to maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.
Application Materials Please attach resume with your application.
E-Verify Process The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.
Selection Process The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
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 and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.
This classification is not eligible for benefits.
Applicant Questions
Are you at least 18 years of age?
Two or more years of experience teaching or leading children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old is required for this position.
What experience do you have that pertains to this position? Please describe your experience teaching or leading children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Please include length of time.
Please describe your education as it relates to this position, including degrees, majors, relevant coursework, and length of study.
Please describe any leadership or supervisory experience you have with large groups.
Please describe any experience you have working with the City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department. (If applicable)
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General Information The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting opportunity for a Summer Camp Director for the 2026 Summer Season! Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect training to begin in May and the position will continue June - July, Monday - Friday from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, 20 - 30 hours per week.
Examples Of Essential Job Functions
Coordinate the development, planning, and implementation of age‑appropriate activities.
Ensure that playing environments are safe and fun.
Ensure all procedures and rules in place at facilities/locations are enforced.
Assist Recreation Coordinator in the camp staff hiring and training process.
Supervise and lead a staff of 6–10 camp counselors (lead staff meetings, give staff direction, etc).
Work within and manage a program budget.
Complete and maintain required records (invoices, medical forms, incident reports, etc).
Recognize and respond effectively to emergencies and report issues to Recreation Coordinator.
Communicate daily with parents in a professional and courteous manner.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data‑driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
Qualifications Required:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Two or more years of experience teaching or leading children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old.
Preferred:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Education, Leisure Services, etc.
Leadership and supervisory experience.
Prior experience working with the City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Necessary To Perform Essential Functions Skill in being organized, dependable, and reliable; skill in working with children with disabilities and/or special needs.
Ability to communicate with youth, parents, and staff effectively; ability to provide a confident and positive attitude; ability to understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values; ability to maintain an exceptional level of safety; ability to maintain a professional appearance (staff shirt with appropriate athletic shorts or pants) at all times while on site; ability to maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.
Application Materials Please attach resume with your application.
E-Verify Process The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.
Selection Process The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
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 and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.
This classification is not eligible for benefits.
Applicant Questions
Are you at least 18 years of age?
Two or more years of experience teaching or leading children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old is required for this position.
What experience do you have that pertains to this position? Please describe your experience teaching or leading children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Please include length of time.
Please describe your education as it relates to this position, including degrees, majors, relevant coursework, and length of study.
Please describe any leadership or supervisory experience you have with large groups.
Please describe any experience you have working with the City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department. (If applicable)
#J-18808-Ljbffr