This is a shared position between ISU Extension and Outreach - Webster County and the Webster County Conservation Board. 

The Summer Assistant will provide support to the County 4-H and Youth Coordinator in the areas of programming, event planning, customer service, and marketing for summer camps, county fairs, and other related Extension and Outreach activities. The assistant will also offer opportunities to actively participate in environmental education (EE), public information, nature interpretation activities and habitat management. The summer naturalist(s) may assume assigned tasks of increasing responsibility. 

This temporary, full-time position works approximately 30-40 hours with flexible start and end dates within May 15 through September 16, 2024 (these dates are flexible based on candidate availability). More hours may be required during fair week, July 17 – 24, 2024. The position may also include some weekends, evenings, and holidays. The hourly wage for this position is $17.00 per hour, with reimbursement available for work-related travel expenses. No vacation or holiday pay is included.

Assist the Naturalists and Extension Staff with

• planning and conducting nature interpretation and environmental education program activities for a wide range of audiences
• plan and conduct summer day camps
• plan and conduct public education programs and special events
• assist with nature center exhibit maintenance and animal care
• assist with habitat management such as prairie shrub removal and trail work
• participate with publicity and public informational activities as assigned
• assist with center host duties as assigned
• maintain working relationships with other employees and the public
• and perform related tasks as assigned  

Assist the Extension office by:

• Gather, organize, market, restock, and disassemble materials for summer events and county fair
• Assist in preparation for the 2024 county fair activities
• Accurately enter and organize county fair data
• Planning, preparing, and delivering summer camp programming
• Manage summer camp registrations and communication with participants/families
• Assist with youth leadership activities
• Answer office phone and assist with walk-in clients as needed
• Report any safety problems or event issues immediately to the County Youth Coordinator
• Other duties as assigned

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Good written, verbal, and customer relations communication skills
• Reliable and prompt, with strong work ethic
• Ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and quickly adapt
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer and technology operations
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
• Ability to pass the Child Protection and Safety Policy background screening
• ability to use hand and small power tools
• be physically able to work in extreme environmentally rigorous situations (heat, humidity, steep terrain).
• Candidate must pass physical and drug screening tests and background screening prior to employment.

• Experience working with youth and knowledge of youth development
• Knowledge of 4-H, Extension and Outreach, and/or the county fair
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Currently enrolled in a higher education program working toward a degree in education, communication, agriculture, conservation or a related field

To be considered, please send resume and cover letter with a completed application to:

ISU Extension and Outreach - Webster County

Attn: Brooke McKibban

822 Central Avenue; Suite 102

Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Or via email to mckibban@iastate.edu