Individual Placement – Water Safety Program Participant Coralville Lake

The Student Conservation Association is seeking interns for the Water Safety Program at Coralville Lake in Iowa City, IA, from May 1 to September 17, 2026. Interns will assist Park Rangers with water safety outreach, visitor services, and interpretive events. Responsibilities include presenting programs, conducting tours, and maintaining signage. Applicants must be 18+, possess a valid driver's license, and be able to work outdoors. Housing is not provided.
Position Summary

Interns at Coralville Lake, located in Iowa City, IA, will assist US Army Corps of Engineer Park Rangers with interpretive events, water safety outreach, visitor related duties and sign shop assistance.

Location

Iowa City, IA

Schedule

May 1, 2026 – September 17, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Interns will provide interpretative assistance in the implementation of the Corps’ Water Safety Program by presenting water safety programs at schools, parks, special events, provide guided tours of the project, and accompany Park Rangers during vehicle and boat patrols. Other duties may include updating bulletin boards, working on interpretive displays, stocking and distributing informative material in information centers, staffing information centers in times of high visitation, and conducting life jacket loaner inspections. Light maintenance tasks may be required to make repairs in recreation areas. The interns will also participate in the sign program; inputting data into an app called “Field Maps”, documenting the location, condition, and other notable features while onsite at each sign. Interns will also help with installation and building of signs. Daily tasks will vary but include interacting with visitors, interpretation, water safety, sign documentation and building, and other duties as assigned.

Marginal Duties
• Providing visitor assistance
• Leading campground program presentations
• Recording visitation data
• Assisting with environmental stewardship activities

Required Qualifications
• Must be at least 18 years old on the start date.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must complete defensive driving training – provided by the government after hiring.
• Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English.
• Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Must wear SCA-provided attire while on duty.

Preferred Qualifications
• Comfortable to engage with the public.
• Flexible schedule to work nights, weekends, and Holidays.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is not provided.

Compensation
• $350 – weekly Living Allowance
• $20 – weekly Commuting Allowance
• $800 – monthly Housing Allowance
• $650 – relocation travel allowance* (if non-local)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
• SCA positions with the US Army Corps of Engineers will receive a To/From Site travel reimbursement that reflects the actual round-trip travel costs from their ‘home’ to the site. The reimbursement amount is based upon total distance (mileage) travelled and current federal per diem rates. Members are required to submit an expense report to SCA with documented round-trip travel costs for reimbursement. The requested reimbursement amount is capped at $650.

Personal Vehicle Information
• Recommended

Additional Benefits
• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.