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Community Development Intern Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66 ... development opportunities, when available; and providing additional assistance in our team ...

Community Development Intern information

See Ames, IA salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do community development intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for community development intern in Ames, IA is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Development Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Intern, you need a foundation in social sciences, community engagement, and project management, often supported by coursework or experience in urban planning or nonprofit work. Familiarity with data collection tools, mapping software (such as GIS), and Microsoft Office is commonly expected. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and initiative help interns build trust and collaborate effectively with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are critical for supporting meaningful community projects and fostering positive social impact.

What does a Community Development Intern do?

A Community Development Intern supports projects and initiatives aimed at improving local communities. Their responsibilities often include conducting research, organizing community events, assisting with outreach efforts, and helping to develop programs that address community needs. Interns may work with local governments, nonprofits, or grassroots organizations to gain hands-on experience in community engagement and development practices. This role provides valuable exposure to project management, communication, and social impact strategies.

What is the difference between Community Development Intern vs Community Outreach Coordinator?

AspectCommunity Development InternCommunity Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holds a relevant degree (e.g., social work, urban planning)Usually requires experience in outreach, communication, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in non-profits or government agenciesFull-time role involving community engagement activities
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, community organizationsNon-profits, government, and private sector organizations
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, learning-focused positionActive role in community engagement and program implementation

The Community Development Intern position is typically an entry-level internship aimed at gaining experience in community planning and development. In contrast, the Community Outreach Coordinator is a full-time role focused on executing outreach programs and engaging with community members. Both roles are vital in community-focused organizations but differ mainly in experience level, responsibilities, and employment status.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Community Development Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Community Development Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of projects, such as organizing community events, conducting needs assessments, supporting grant writing, and helping with outreach initiatives. Interns often collaborate with local residents, nonprofit organizations, and municipal departments to implement programs that address community needs. The role typically involves both fieldwork and administrative tasks, providing valuable hands-on experience in community engagement, program planning, and stakeholder communication. This exposure is an excellent way to build practical skills and establish connections in the field of community development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Ames, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Intern jobs in Ames, IA? For Community Development Intern jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Community Development Intern jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Community Development Intern job openings:

$13/hr

Temporary

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district. General Information The City of Ames is seeking applicants for our Health Promotion Intern position starting Fall 2026.

This position works with the Health Promotion Coordinator as a part of the Human Resources team. This assignment satisfies the requirements of the Iowa State University Kinesiology & Health Internship experience and works during the fall semester with the potential to extend upon mutual agreement. Interested candidates must be willing to commit to working at least 5-19 hours per week.

Schedule of work can be flexible to accommodate class schedules, finals week, and school breaks, and other school activities. Hours will typically fall between the hours of 8 am - 5 pm, but occasionally hours may include some early mornings or evenings to assist with health screenings, fitness testing, and other health promotion events. Under the supervision of the Health Promotion Coordinator, this internship role is responsible for assigned projects that are designed to offer exposure and experience in a wide array of functional health promotion areas including: developing, promoting, implementing and evaluating programs and services as listed in the Health Promotion strategic plan; supporting Human Resources personnel with occasional projects; participating in personal and professional development opportunities, when available; and providing additional assistance in our team environment, as needed.

This student intern will apply educational experience in the real work environment while working independently and with employees and other colleagues. In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions.

Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient. Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings within this classification; for up to 6 months. Examples of Essential Job Functions -Provides general administrative and project support to the HR Department.

- Data entry and analysis. - Creation of visual marketing and written communication materials for health promotion events. - Health promotion program design and evaluation.

- Assist with planning, set up, implementation, and tear down of City of Ames wellness events. Examples may include health screenings, pop up educational events, wellness related classes, and others. - Assist with body composition assessments.

- Assist with fitness testing for the Police and Fire departments. - Attend and take notes for internal meetings. - Participate in various research and/or special projects as assigned.

- Performs other duties as assigned. Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork.

For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Qualifications Please attach a copy of your college transcripts with your application (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Required: Current college student, at the time of hire, in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Health Promotion, Kinesiology, Health Education or a related field. Preferred: -Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale

-Desire to pursue a professional career in the health promotion field. -Previous experience working in a job, internship, or other activities related to the health/wellness/fitness field. -Previous experience with Canva design software and Microsoft Office.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of general field of health/fitness/wellness. Skill in both verbal and written communication. Skill in identifying relevant research sources.

Skill in organization and attention to detail. Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information gained and utilized within job duties. Ability to learn to use Microsoft Office and Canva software.

Ability to work collaboratively with the Human Resources team and the City of Ames employees. Ability to be dependable and accurate in work product. Supplemental Information Physical Characteristics of Work: The work involves sitting 80% of the time; standing (but not walking) 10% of the time; standing and walking 10% of the time; frequently lifting objects under 10 pounds, infrequently lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds; and infrequently lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading, visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines (including inspection),using measurement devices, assembly of parts at distances to the eyes. Environmental Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work). Occasional outside work is required at special events.

Examples of Equipment Used on the Job: Computer and peripheral equipment; software common to business activities; general office equipment and tools such as phones, faxes, copiers, and others; health related electronic measurement equipment. Selection Process: The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, phone interview, on-site interview and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum. Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may fore-go phone interviews. E-Verify Process: The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview. The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.