Youth Services Intern

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

Urbandale Public Library: Youth Services Intern (Summer 2026)

Summary Description

The Urbandale Public Library is excited to announce an opening for an engaged Youth Services Intern to join our vibrant team for the summer of 2026. Reporting directly to the Youth Services Librarian, this role offers a unique opportunity to gain substantial hands-on experience working with youth across all age groups, from birth to seventeen. You will play a crucial role in supporting our dynamic summer reading challenge and a diverse range of youth programs.

This internship is designed for individuals eager to develop practical skills in planning and implementing children’s programming, cultivate a love of reading in young patrons, and strengthen essential leadership and creative problem-solving abilities. This is a temporary internship running from June through August 2026, with dedicated training scheduled for late May.

The position is open to current undergraduate or graduate students, as well as recent graduates. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework.

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

• As a key member of the youth programming team, you will participate in a fast-paced schedule of special event preparation, set-up, execution, and clean-up for participants ranging from birth to seventeen years of age. This includes the valuable experience of independently leading some programs.
• Manage scheduling and assist in the supervision of our dedicated teen volunteers.
• Perform other tasks as needed to support the Youth Services department and library operations.
• As the summer progresses, opportunities for greater responsibility may occur, allowing for further skill development and contribution.

Typical Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in library science, education, or a related field. Recent graduates will also be considered. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment that often includes managing multiple projects and handling interruptions.
• Possesses strong abilities to prioritize and organize tasks efficiently.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development and current trends in programming and education.
• Able to think creatively and be innovative in program design and execution.
• Must be tolerant of ambiguity and adaptable to change.
• Willing to learn new skills and enthusiastic about teaching others.
• Able to function effectively as part of a team, while also capable of working independently on projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and able to effectively use computers for various tasks.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism and dependability.
• Must be dedicated to literacy, education, and providing excellent service to a diverse community of library users.
• Bilingual and multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Schedule (may vary depending on programming needs):

• Approximately 24 hours per week on average.
• Work hours will primarily be during afternoons and evenings. Some morning hours may also be available.
• Requires working one or two Saturdays per month.

Supplemental Information

There is one (1) opening available for the 2026 internship. This opportunity will be posted until filled.

Post-offer/pre-employment reference checks, background/motor vehicle report check, and drug screening are required for this position.

Candidates will receive important notifications via email from www.governmentjobs.com (NEOGOV). Please ensure you apply using an active email address that you check often and consider enabling text alerts to stay fully informed regarding your application status.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed for the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.

This position is not eligible for health benefits but may be eligible for IPERS. IPERS eligibility and participation will begin once an employee earns $1,000 or more in two consecutive quarters and will continue for the duration of employment.

Required Question

01. Are you a recent graduate, a current undergraduate, or a current graduate student pursuing a degree in library science, education, or a related field?

• Yes
• No