Campground Host

This is a stipend position for the camping season on a monthly basis—positions are to run approximately from the second week in April through the second week in October. The stipend rate is between $20 and $30 a day, depending on your park assignment. You will be a W-9 contractor and will not be eligible for Polk County Benefits.

Additional Compensation: 

• This position provides a designated campsite at no charge while performing Campground Host work.
• One Dollar ($1.00) for each bundle of firewood sold to campground participants, paid in cash at time of receipt collection by the Park Ranger, not less than once per month.

Location of Openings: Yellow Banks Park, Jester Park, Thomas Mitchell Park, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Park

• Please note your preferred location/position in the application. 
• Under general coordination of the Park Ranger. 

Illustrative Examples of Work:

• Collects camping fees and assists visitors with campsite registration; maintains accurate campground records and accounting records of revenue; and prepares daily recap of receipts/deposits.
• Ensures the registration booth is opened at posted hours of operation for the parks with a booth and ensures self-registration envelopes are available to park visitors.
• Effectively communicates to the public the park rules and regulations; answers questions/provides information to the public; readily available to the public at all times while on duty.
• Assists in routine maintenance of facilities, i.e., shelter facilities, buildings, recreational equipment, picnic tables, grills, etc., and maintains a clean and well-organized registration booth.
• Ensures Park brochure displays are filled and available. 
• Contractor shall submit written records and/or reports of problems and incidents including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Notification of damaged, vandalized, or malfunctioning facilities, utilities, fixtures, equipment, and general area maintenance needs.
2. Maintain daily maintenance logs of campground rounds.
3. The number of vehicles, people, or reservations turned away when the campground is full.
4. Visitor complaint and comment forms.
5. A log of the bundles of firewood sold and delivered.  

• Placement of reserved placards as needed
• Check and/or reset campsite electrical circuit breakers.
• Pick up litter and collect trash in the campground area.
• Clean shower house.
• Replace campsite signage as needed.
• Sell bundles of firewood to campground participants.
• Conduct a minimum of four daily rounds of the entire campground.
• Distribute Polk County Conservation marketing and promotional materials to each campsite.
• Maintenance of the campground site in a clean and presentable condition.
• Communication with Polk County Conservation Park Rangers about campground issues such as maintenance, security, repairs, and other similar issues.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Required Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and have basic keyboarding skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and tact in interactions with members of the public.
• Ability to deal with difficult people, handle complaints, and display good listening skills.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance tasks.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Iowa. 

Training and Experience:

• High School graduate or equivalent

Special Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Pre-employment physical examination required.
• Criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen may be required.