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OVERVIEW School of the Wild is a statewide initiative to increase outdoor learning experiences for elementary and middle school students across Iowa. The University of Iowa's College of Education, in partnership with Iowa schools, county conservation boards, and many other local conservation organizations across the state, work together to bring School of the Wild to students. School of the Wild strives to provide all students with a meaningful, outdoor learning experience. To learn more about School of the Wild, visit their website: https://wild.education.uiowa.edu/school-wild BASIC FUNCTION To assist with the daily operations of School of the Wild. Lead small groups of students in outdoor learning activities; facilitate hands-on projects for students to participate in local conservation efforts; and collaborate with community and school partners to implement School of the Wild. RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide a welcoming and encouraging environment for students to engage in learning in an outdoor setting.
- Create connections between the natural world and students' lived experiences to make meaningful learning opportunities for students.
- Apply cross-cutting concepts to expand learning across grade-level subjects.
- Organize and maintain clean, effective outdoor learning supplies.
- Maintain clear and kind communication with students, teachers, co-workers, and supervisors.
- Attend School of the Wild staff meetings and professional development events.
- Consistently show compassionate regard for others, especially when working with students to support them through challenging emotions and conflict.
- Demonstrate flexibility and creativity when scheduled activities must change at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions.
- Take on leadership responsibilities for the overall operations of programming when needed.
- Take initiative to care for all students, staff, outdoor classroom spaces, shared supplies, and the natural habitats and land we explore daily.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of experience in a position working with youth in an outdoor environment.
- Knowledge of the natural world and/or experience in outdoor field work.
- Mandatory attendance at School of the Wild Staff Training, March 23-26, 2026
- Ability to be approved to drive University of Iowa vehicles
- Willingness to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience designing and implementing outdoor learning activities.
- College degree in education, environmental science, or any other natural sciences.
Applicants that have a current Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements will receive $1.50/hour in addition to base compensation. Additional responsibilities will include:
- Drive a school bus daily to safely transport campers to Iowa Wildlife Camps program locations.
- Complete daily safety inspections of the bus.
- Maintain a clean bus by daily sweeping, sanitizing seats, and organizing any supplies kept on the bus.
- Meet DOT safety-sensitive position requirements, including required Federal Transit Administration drug and alcohol testing.
WORK HOURS
LOCATION School of the Wild will take place at various parks and natural spaces in Iowa. Iowa City Community School District students participate in School of the Wild at the University of Iowa's Field Campus, Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) in Solon, Iowa. Other participating schools experience School of the Wild at nearby state and county parks. Staff may be hired to work at MNRA or in various locations across the state.
- MNRA - 2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE Solon, IA
- Various state and county parks in Iowa (commonly Lake Macbride State Park and Palisades-Kepler State Park)
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
- Criminal Background Check upon hire
- CPR/AED/First-Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire
- School of the Wild staff training
- All online trainings required by the University of Iowa Youth Programs Protocol.
- All online trainings required by University of Iowa Environmental Health and Safety for employees that work outside.
RATE OF PAY Starting at $17.00 per hour
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University of Iowa
Jan 15, 2026