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Playground Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Gilbert

Kindergarten Long-Term Sub

Gilbert, IA

$140/day

Meet and instruct assigned classes in the locations and at the time designed. Make maximum use of ... WORKING CONDITIONS Work is primarily performed in a classroom environment, may include playground ...

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Playground Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$33.3K

$78.1K

$103.3K

How much do playground designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for playground designer in Iowa is $78,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $102,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Playground Designer faces, and how do they overcome them?

Playground Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with safety regulations, accommodating a wide range of ages and abilities, and working within set budgets or site constraints. Overcoming these obstacles requires a combination of technical expertise and close collaboration with clients, engineers, regulatory agencies, and construction teams. Successful designers stay current on safety standards, incorporate inclusive and accessible play elements, and use innovative materials or layouts to maximize available space. By approaching projects with flexibility and clear communication, Playground Designers can deliver solutions that are both imaginative and functional.

What is a Playground Designer job?

A Playground Designer is responsible for planning, designing, and creating safe, engaging, and accessible play spaces for children. They consider factors such as safety regulations, age-appropriate equipment, materials, and site conditions. Playground Designers often collaborate with landscape architects, engineers, and clients to bring creative and functional play areas to life. Their goal is to promote physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive development through well-designed play environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Playground Designer position, and why are they important?

Successful Playground Designers typically possess a background in landscape architecture, environmental design, or a related field, with strong skills in spatial planning, safety standards, and creative concept development. They routinely use CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and may require certifications in playground safety, such as those from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Outstanding candidates excel in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving to address client needs and regulatory requirements. These competencies ensure safe, engaging play spaces tailored to diverse users and compliant with all applicable standards and guidelines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Playground Designer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Playground Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Playground Designer jobs in Iowa? For Playground Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Playground Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Playground Designer jobs in Iowa are:
Playground Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playground Designer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,098 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
Recreation Program Coordinator - Playgrounds (Temporary 2026 Term)

Recreation Program Coordinator - Playgrounds (Temporary 2026 Term)

City of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA

$23.04/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Summary GENERAL SUMMARY: Under direction of the Recreation Supervisor, the Playground Coordinator will conduct recreation activities with groups; organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members; lead all operations of the summer Playground Explorations throughout the parks; and perform other duties as assigned. Job Duties JOB DUTIES: Supervise service workers. Assign duties or work schedules to employees.

Arrange schedules. Train service staff. Organize program supplies; and recreational activities or special events Distribute program supplies, payroll time cards and registration materials to staff.

Create and/or update registration materials and lesson plans. Communicate with management and other staff to resolve problems. Lead pre-season and weekly meetings.

Collect payroll time cards. Implement lesson plans for playground programs. Track daily participant attendance Record daily participant attendance.

Establish and maintain relationships with children in the parks. Prepare incident reports in accordance with established timelines; and operational reports or records. Write and submit accident and discipline reports for corrective actions to supervisor.

Seek guidance from supervisor for unusual circumstances for which there has been no previous direction. Maintain employee files and records; and manual and electronic activities files and records. Evaluate program improvements and employee performance.

Develop program improvements; and plans for programs or services. Oversee program staff and operations, services, and program and process implementation. Research topics and trends to remain knowledgeable and make recommendations.

Respond to inquiries from City staff, School District and community personnel, parents and students. Provide information and/or direction regarding recreation programs. Enforce rules or regulations.

Promote products, services, or programs. Administer first aid. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 21 years of age. Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Publisher) experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge and background in education and/or recreation programming. Organizational and leadership experience. Supplemental Information SUPERVISORY STATUS: Functional FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt Our Commitment to You The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.

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