County Offices will be closed starting at Noon on 12/24 and will not re-open until 8AM on 12/29. The Clerk of Court office will be closed all day on 12/24 and 12/25.

Summer Naturalist Intern - Summer 2026

Apply Online

Temporary
Posted: December 22, 2025

Job Summary

Assist the Jones County Naturalist in conducting environmental education programming and staffing the Central Park Nature Center. Gain valuable practical experience in program development and implementation, leadership, and habitat management. The Naturalist Intern is responsible for the development and presentation of educational programs and projects that promote conservation ethics, environmental education and natural resource appreciation of County Parks, facilities, and properties. The naturalist intern may assume assigned tasks of increasing responsibility.

Employment Dates: May - August (Beginning and ending dates are flexible within this timeframe)

$16.32/hr

Job Description

Job Duties

Assist with and/or develop, organize, and present environmental education programs, field trip outings, and volunteer events for the public, civic and conservation groups, youth groups, daycares, and schools.
Assist with Nature Center exhibit/display creation and maintenance.
Assist with the maintenance and care of the Nature Center’s live educational animals.
Open and staff the Central Park Nature Center on rotating weekends during the summer months.
Assist with habitat management practices such as interpretive pollinator garden care, prairie shrub/small tree removal, seed harvest, invasive species removal/control, and trail maintenance.
Create press releases, social media posts, and flyers for upcoming educational programs and events.
Attend mandatory safety training and staff meetings.
Perform other related tasks and duties, as directed by the Naturalist or Executive Director.

Job Qualifications

Must be 18 or older to apply.
Have a beginning knowledge of environmental themes and issues, outdoor skills, recreation programs, basic ecology, field identification, and natural history.
Work outside in a variety of weather and terrain conditions, stand for prolonged periods of time, and lift 40 pounds.
Must be professional, courteous, respectful, dependable, and trustworthy.
Operate standard office equipment and related hardware and software; basic keyboard/typing skills, ability to maintain related records, reports, and files; ability to prepare technical reports; and the ability to communicate ideas effectively and accurately (spelling/grammar) both orally and in writing in English.
Can establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with community officials, co-workers, volunteers, program participants, and the public.
Preference given to applicants with at least one year of college; preferably in a conservation, environmental science, education, or other related field.
Have a valid driver’s license and dependable mode of transportation.
Employees will undergo post-offer, pre-employment background checks prior to employment.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Submit a Jones County application, resume with references, and cover letter to Jones County Conservation Board, Attn: Naturalist, 12515 Central Park Rd, Center Junction, IA 52212 or email to naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov Contact Michele at (563) 487-3541, Extension 3 for additional information. (Visit https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/employment/ for the Jones County Job Application.)

Jones County is an Equal Opportunity Employer