The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for temporary Forestry Seasonal Staff – Watering.

Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect to work 8-20 hours per week, May through October 2026, with flexibility on the number of days per week and hours per day, if mutually agreed. Work hours are typically scheduled Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 3 PM but may include option for evening and weekend hours.

Forestry Seasonal Staff are directly accountable to the City Forester and adjunctly accountable to Parks and Facilities Superintendent, and the Parks and Recreation Director.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

This posting is open until filled. 

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. 

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Previous experience is preferred.
• Education in the field of forestry, horticulture, natural resource management or similar area of study is preferred but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate strong decision-making skills, initiative, dependability, organization, enthusiasm, leadership, and a desire to serve the public.
• Be physically capable to perform work required, under various outdoor conditions.
• Ability to take direction from superiors and be able to complete duties with or without supervision.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of common hand tools, materials, and equipment used in construction, maintenance and repair work.
• Skill in the use and care of tools and other equipment used to complete varying tasks.

Professional Expectations

• Understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, public service organizations, supervisors, co-workers, other city employees, and vendors.
• Maintain an exceptional level of safety. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided by the City.
• Safety footwear is required but not provided by the City.
• Maintain a professional appearance per written policy at all times while on site.
• Maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.

Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of Work: The work involves sitting 0 to 5 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 10 to 40 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 0 to 35 percent of the time; standing and walking 10 to 35 percent of the time; frequently lifting objects under 10 pounds; routinely lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use for those whose seeing job is at or within arm’s reach.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin, oils.

Equipment Essential to the Job: A variety of motor vehicles including pick-up trucks, dump trucks; a variety of printed materials including memos, instructions, maps, and schedules; a variety of general purpose maintenance equipment including brooms, shovels, cleaning equipment and chemicals, and extension cords; hydraulic, air, and water hoses; power and hand tools including air compressors, pumps, screwdrivers, and wrenches; a variety of safety equipment and clothing including ear plugs, a first-aid kit, gloves, safety goggles, raincoats; may work with personal computers and peripheral equipment; some office equipment including telephones, calculators.

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 and motor vehicle record check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.