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Referee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sparrow Company LLC

HR Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, and corrective action/discipline procedures. * Plan and conduct new associate orientation to foster ...

Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center

Team Lead

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Coordinate with coaches, referees, teams, and participants to address any last-minute issues or changes. * Security & Safety: Monitor the safety and security of the facility, ensuring that all ...

TPI Composites

Manager, Human Resources

Newton, IA

Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, and corrective action/discipline procedures. * Plan and conduct new associate orientation to foster ...

TPI Composites

Manager, Human Resources

Newton, IA · On-site

Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, and corrective action/discipline procedures. * Plan and conduct new associate orientation to foster ...

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All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Iowa

Referee information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$19

$55

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Iowa is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a referee?

A referee is an official who monitors a sport, such as football games, on the field of play to enforce rules, determine scores, and ensure fair play. Referees can be found at all levels of competition, beginning at the youth recreational level all the way up to the college and professional leagues. As a referee, your job duties also include monitoring player safety, assessing penalties for rules infractions, and keeping up with the amount of game time left to play in the match. You often work with a team of other officials to cover the entire field of play.

Can you make a living being a referee?

Referees can make a living depending on the level of competition, experience, and the sport. Professional referees in sports like football, basketball, or soccer often earn a full-time income, while amateur or youth referees typically supplement their income with other jobs. Certification and consistent scheduling are important factors in earning a sustainable income as a referee.

Are referees in high demand?

Referees are generally in moderate demand, especially in sports with large audiences or youth leagues. Opportunities can vary based on the sport, level of competition, and geographic location, with some areas experiencing more openings due to seasonal needs or retirements. Certification and experience can also influence job availability and earning potential.

What is the difference between Referee vs Umpire?

AspectRefereeUmpire
CredentialsOften requires certification or training specific to the sportTypically requires sport-specific training and certification
Work EnvironmentOn-field, active participation in sports eventsOn-field or behind-the-scenes, depending on sport
Industry UsageCommonly used in sports like soccer, basketball, and hockeyUsed in sports like baseball, cricket, and tennis
Search & ComparisonOften searched by those interested in sports officiating rolesCompared for different sports officiating roles

While both referees and umpires officiate sports, referees generally oversee the entire game and make final decisions, whereas umpires focus on specific aspects or areas of play. Understanding these differences helps clarify job roles in various sports industries.

How do you get a job as a referee?

To become a referee, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification courses offered by sports organizations, pass a background check, and gain experience through officiating local games. Many referees start at youth or amateur levels before advancing to higher competitions. Strong knowledge of the sport's rules and good decision-making skills are essential.

What are some common challenges referees face during high-stakes games, and how can they handle them effectively?

Referees often encounter intense pressure during high-stakes games, including dealing with passionate players, coaches, and fans, as well as making split-second decisions that can impact the outcome. Maintaining composure and clear communication is essential to manage on-field conflicts and ensure fair play. Referees can handle these challenges by staying up-to-date with rule changes, participating in regular training, and developing strong conflict resolution skills. Building rapport with teams and relying on support from officiating colleagues also helps manage stressful situations more effectively.

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

To thrive as a Referee, you need a deep understanding of the sport’s rules, quick decision-making abilities, and often certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, video review technology, and communication devices is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, assertiveness, and composure under pressure help referees manage players, coaches, and high-stakes situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring fair play, maintaining order, and upholding the integrity of the game.
More about Referee jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Iowa? For Referee jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Referee job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in IA? For Referee jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,895 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

HR Manager

Sparrow Company LLC

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Sparrow Company is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager on behalf of one of our clients in the Des Moines, IA area. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and people-focused HR professional to lead key human resources initiatives, support organizational growth, and help foster a positive and productive workplace culture.

In addition to solid human resources and leadership skills, the successful candidate will have passion and demonstrate success in driving diversity & inclusion and employee engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as a link between management and associates by handling questions, interpreting and administering policies and helping resolve work-related problems.
  • Act as “chief of staff” on site management team, advising site leaders on the full spectrum of people programs, policies, and actions.
  • Champion diversity & inclusion and associate engagement programs to ensure an inclusive and engaged work force.
  • Analyze and administer compensation programs to ensure consistency and competitiveness of the organization’s compensation program.
  • Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes.
  • Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, and corrective action/discipline procedures.
  • Plan and conduct new associate orientation to foster positive attitude toward organizational objectives.
  • Identify staff vacancies and recruit, interview and select applicants.
  • Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, and associate relations.
  • Represent organization at personnel-related hearings and investigations.
  • Provide current and prospective associates with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages, opportunities for promotion, and associate benefits.
  • Analyze statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of personnel problems and develop recommendations for improvement of organization's personnel policies and practices.
  • Maintain records and compile statistical reports concerning personnel-related data such as hires, transfers, performance appraisals, and absenteeism rates.
  • Conduct exit interviews to identify reasons for associate exits.
  • Oversee the evaluation, classification and rating of occupations and job positions.
  • Study legislation recent legal developments to assess industry trends.
  • Develop or administer special projects in areas such as pay equity, community involvement, associate rewards and recognition.
  • Contract with vendors to provide associate services, such as food service, transportation, or relocation service.
  • Adhere to and represent the company's values and behaviors as defined by the company Mission and Core Values and EHS policies, while reinforcing leadership and individual associates’ responsibility for EHS. Adhere to and represent the company's values and behaviors as defined by the company Mission and Core Values and EHS policies, while reinforcing leadership and individual associates’ responsibility for EHS.
  • Lead, supervise, and develop subordinate staff.

Who we’re looking for:

  • BA/BS in human resources, business management, communications, or related field and a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 3 years in a leadership role or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Thorough knowledge of employment laws and regulations, such as EOE, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, ADEA, and labor relations.
  • Ability to build and sustain relationships across all levels.
  • Ability to positively influence the business.
  • Ability to foster and promote a culturally diverse work force with a variety of people of varying personalities and backgrounds.
  • Strong oral and written communications.
  • Bi-lingual English/Spanish skills highly desired
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft software, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.