The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting opportunity for an Ada Hayden Heritage Park Interpreter!

Candidates interested in this position can expect to work approximately mid-May to mid- August 2026, 15 hours per week for 12 weeks. 

Performs work in partnership with the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park to promote Ada Hayden Heritage Park, which may include leading educational tours and programs; conducting roving interpretation in the park, engaging park visitors in understanding and using the park’s resources; assisting the department in completing various tasks in the park; and developing a weekly report of tasks and accomplishments from the previous week.  

Directly accountable to Parks and Facilities Superintendent, and the Parks and Recreation Director.

Interviews are anticipated to begin in March.

This posting is open until filled. 

• Tours and programs shall engage people in the natural and cultural history of the park.
• They may be hosted during the week or on the weekends.

Assist the City of Ames Parks & Recreation staff in completing various tasks which may include invasive vegetation removal, planting of vegetation, etc.

Be an ambassador for the park by spending time in roving interpretation in the park, engaging park visitors in understanding and using the parks resources.

Other duties as assigned.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. 

Age Requirement:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Education and Experience:

• Experience or field study in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, or related study is preferred.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate strong decision-making skills, initiative, dependability, organization, enthusiasm, leadership, and a desire to serve the public.
• Ability to take direction from superiors and be able to complete duties with or without direct supervision.
• Skill in communication; verbal and written; conducting educational presentations and tours

Professional Expectations

• Understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values.
• Maintain a professional appearance per written policy.
• Maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.

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.  

Physical & Environmental Characteristics:

Required Physical Activities: Frequent balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing.

Physical Characteristics of Work: The work involves sitting 10 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 10 percent of the time; standing (but not walking 40 percent of the time; standing and walking 40 percent of the time; occasionally lifting objects under 10 pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds; and rarely lifting objects over 50 pounds.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily outdoors at Ada Hayden Heritage Park.

Equipment Used to Perform Essential Functions: Computer hardware, peripherals, and software appropriate for office work, general office equipment; communications equipment including cell phones; presentation specific equipment such as carts and display boards.

Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, interview, and completion of a motor vehicle records check and criminal background check which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.