Safe & Thriving Youth

Youth Employment Opportunities

This community-led coalition convened by United Way of Central Iowa has compiled several opportunities for youth that can be viewed and applied for below.

Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa – Des Moines

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Youth Development Professional
    • Part-time (Up to 40/week in summer)
    • From $13.50-$15.50/hour plus benefits if working 20+ hours
    • Shifts: 7:30 am-3:30 pm, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Do you want to have a positive impact on youth in our community? Do you like being a role model, mentor, and sharing life lessons with young people? We need good people like you to help learn, grow, and thrive. You'll provide discipline, coaching, and guidance in facilitating our programs and special events. This program operates after school dismisses (2 p.m.) until 6/7 p.m., with the occasional all-day program (7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Contact the Hiring Manager.


Capitol Park Early Learning Center – Des Moines 

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Assistant Teacher
  • Part-time
    • Monday-Friday: Noon-5:30 p.m. 
    • Varying schedules available.
  • $11/hour
  • Please call to schedule an application pick up and interview time. 
Application pick up:
800 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316 or call 515-263-0568

Assists children with bathrooms skills, aids teachers in classroom management, closes down classrooms, cleans playground after use, serves meals to children, maintains ratio along with a classroom teacher.

Raising Cane's – Johnston 

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Restaurant Crew Member
  • Part-time
  • $15-$16.50/hour

Restaurant Crewmembers at Raising Cane’s will wear many hats (including a Raising Cane’s hat) while working hard and having fun as a critical part of the Restaurant team. We are hiring immediately for Restaurant Crew to work all shifts: opening shifts, closing shifts and everything in between. Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a position for you. Find out more and apply. 

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Cashier
  • Part-time
  • $15-$16.50/hour
    • Potential sign on bonus available 

As a Cashier at Raising Cane’s, you will be responsible for greeting and assisting customers, filling drink orders, working the drive-thru, and playing an essential role in the Restaurant’s front of house. Cashiers can quickly advance their careers by taking on more responsibilities in other roles, such as Certified Trainer, and can move to the back of the house to be cross trained on all positions. Cashiers are a critical role in our Restaurants as they guide the customer experience and interact with each customer that visits our Restaurant. Find out more and apply. 


Chipotle – Valley West 

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Restaurant Team Member
  • Part-time 

We prepare real food by hand every day in our restaurants. We welcome experienced restaurant professionals and novices alike. We'll provide the training you need to feel confident working at any station - grill, cashier, prep, salsa and expo. We take pride in our exceptional customer service and it's up to each of our team members to create the friendly atmosphere that our customers expect and enjoy. So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook, FOH/BOH or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. Find out more and apply. 


Jersey Mike's Subs – Multiple Locations Available 

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Restaurant Team Member – Openings at all 6 locations!
  • Part-time
  • Up to $17/hour 

Are you collaborative and decisive? Do you enjoy being part of a team and engaging others? If you're enthusiastic, optimistic and eager to contribute wherever you can, then become a part of the rapidly growing Jersey Mike's family! At Jersey Mike's Subs everyone wins! Working at Jersey Mike’s is a rewarding, fun experience. Our management team is committed to the development of all our employees. You will learn skills that will follow you into whatever your future holds. Find out more and apply.


Cinemark USA – West Des Moines (Jordan Creek) 

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Theatre Team Member
  • Part-time: weekends, evenings, holidays. 

Cinemark Team Members create a welcoming environment for Guests. A Team Member is quick, accurate, and knowledgeable about movies, special events, upcoming attractions, pricing, promotions, etc. This individual enforces movie studio and theatre admission policies. Team Members may be asked to work cross functionally as an Usher, Box Office Cashier, or Concession Stand Facilitator as staffing needs require. Find out more and apply.


Chick Fil A – Des Moines (Merle Hay) 

Age Requirement: 15+

  • Front of House Team Member
  • Part-time
  • $11-$15/hour

Team Members are responsible for providing an exceptional dining experience for everyone they serve each day. We want to ensure all guests receive signature Chick-fil-A service and food! Find out more and apply.


CVS Health – Des Moines (Merle Hay) 

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Store Associate
  • Part-time
  • $15-$18/hour

The Retail Store Associate position provides an opportunity, in a leading retail setting, to excel in a growing, high impact, customer focused role, working both independently and as a member of a team, to positively impact the lives of others.

You are required to have received at least one COVID-19 shot prior to your first day of employment and to provide proof of your vaccination status or apply for a reasonable accommodation within the first 10 days of your employment. Find out more and apply.


Fareway – Multiple Locations Available 

Age Requirement: 14+

  • Grocery Clerk – Euclid Ave.
  • Part-time
  • Saturday and Evening Availability 

Support and assist the grocery department through various tasks. Prospective employees should be outgoing, friendly, hard-working, dependable and a team player. Responsibilities include providing outstanding customer service, cashier duties, stocking shelves, cleaning and sanitizing, sacking groceries, and other duties as assigned. Must be at least 14 years old and available to work Saturdays and some evenings. Find out more and apply.

Age Requirement: 14+

  • Grocery Clerk – Fleur Drive
  • Part-time
  • Saturday and Evening Availability 

Support and assist the grocery department through various tasks. Prospective employees should be outgoing, friendly, hard-working, dependable and a team player. Responsibilities include providing outstanding customer service, cashier duties, stocking shelves, cleaning and sanitizing, sacking groceries, and other duties as assigned. Must be at least 14 years old and available to work Saturdays and some evenings. Find out more and apply.

Age Requirement: 16+

  • Grocery Clerk Meat Market – Beaver Ave.
  • Part-time
  • Saturday and Evening Availability 

Support and assist the grocery department through various tasks. Prospective employees should be outgoing, friendly, hard-working, dependable and a team player. Responsibilities include providing outstanding customer service, cashier duties, stocking shelves, cleaning and sanitizing, sacking groceries, and other duties as assigned. Must be at least 16 years old and available to work Saturdays and some evenings. Find out more and apply.


Burger King – Multiple Locations Available

Age Requirement: 14-17

  • Crew Member 
  • Part-time
  • Several area locations with Team Member positions available.

Responsible for assisting with the daily operations of our Burger King restaurant. The Team Member assists with ensuring that each visit by the customer results in friendly and personalized service with great food that is promptly delivered in a clean and inviting environment. Find out more and apply.


Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins – Multiple Locations Available

Age Requirement: 14+

  • Crew Member 
  • Part-time
  • Several area locations with Crew Member positions available.

Crew Members play a vital role in delivering great guest experiences. They prepare products according to operational and quality standards, and serve them with enthusiasm in a clean environment. They work as part of a team to meet our Guests’ needs and give them a reason to come back. Find out more and apply.


Dairy Queen – Grey's Lake area

Age Requirement: 14+

  • Team Member 
  • Part-time

Dairy Queen is a small business. We are fast-paced, supportive and fun. Responsible for daily operations of the store. Includes waiting on customers, making products and supervising other employees. This is a great first job for high school students! Find out more and apply.


Aqua-Tots Swim Schools – West Des Moines

Age Requirement: 14+

  • Swim Instructor 
  • Paid training
  • Part-time
  • From $14/hour

Do you love working with kids or teaching others a new skill? Do you want a rewarding and fast-paced job for the school year and summer? If so, come join our fun and enthusiastic team. No swimming or coaching experience necessary! There are morning, afternoon, and weekend shifts available. Find out more and apply.


Goldfish Swim School – Urbandale

Age Requirement: 15+
    • Swim Instructor
    • Paid training provided
    • Part-time
    • From $15-$16/hour

Goldfish Swim School is currently hiring multiple energetic Swim Instructors who have a passion for kids and the water. Must be able to work two shifts per week (min 8-10 hours) and be available one weekend day minimum. Prior swim experience is not necessary. Find out more and apply.


YMCA of Greater Des Moines – Walnut Creek

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Youth Program Instructor (Walnut Creek)
    • Part-time
    • From $10.25–$11.15/hour
    • Application closes October 11

As a Youth Program Instructor, you will be responsible for teaching/training program participants. Find out more and apply.

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Basketball Referee (Walnut Creek)
    • Part-time: Saturday mornings and afternoons beginning Nov. 4.
    • From $12–$14/hour
    • Application closes October 30

Operating within the policies, procedures, and practices of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, this position is responsible for performing referee duties for assigned games. Referee 1st and 2nd grade basketball games. Find out more and apply.

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Lifeguard (Walnut Creek)
    • Part-time
      • Various weekday evenings and weekend shifts available.
    • From $11–$13/hour

As a Lifeguard, you will have the opportunity to provide everyone with a safe place to swim, learn, grow and play. You will maintain a safe swimming environment in the pool, on the pool deck and the surrounding areas. You will be able to relate to people in a positive manner to build relationships with all who enter the pool. Contact Lindsey Phelps to apply: lindsey.phelps@dmymca.org, or click here.

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Lifeguard (Wellmark)
    • Part-time
      • Various weekday evenings and weekend shifts available.
    • From $11–$13/hour

As a Lifeguard, you will have the opportunity to provide everyone with a safe place to swim, learn, grow and play. You will maintain a safe swimming environment in the pool, on the pool deck and the surrounding areas. You will be able to relate to people in a positive manner to build relationships with all who enter the pool. Contact Lindsey Phelps to apply: lindsey.phelps@dmymca.org, or click here.

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Swim Lesson Instructor (Waukee)
    • Part-time
      • Various weekday evenings and weekend shifts available.
    • From $11–$13/hour

As a Swim Instructor, this position is responsible for conducting YMCA swimming instructions and ensuring participant safety at all times. Contact Lindsey Phelps to apply: lindsey.phelps@dmymca.org, or click here.


Luther Park Community – Des Moines

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Dietary Aide
    • Part-time
    • $500 retention bonus
    • **All new hires must provide proof of being FULLY vaccinated against Covid-19 before being scheduled for orientation**.

Luther Park Community (Trinity Center Long Term Care) is looking for some special dietary aides! Join our team of rock star dietary aides that take pride in their work to serve the residents of our long-term care facility. Shifts available are 4–8 p.m. We have openings during the week or just weekends with weekends being included in everyone's schedule. Find out more and apply.


Des Moines Area Community College – Des Moines

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Trail Point Kids Zone Caregiver
    • Temporary, part-time position
    • $12.50/hour

Caregivers will work as a team to create a positive, nurturing environment for children between the ages of 3 months and 8 years, in a fun, fast-paced atmosphere. Benefits: Free individual or discounted family membership at Trail Point, access to state-of-the-art workout facility, flexible scheduling, fitness casual dress code, staff drawings and giveaways monthly. Please contact Kayla Thompson to apply or with any questions at: krthompson4@mytrailpoint.com.


Des Moines Public School – Metro Kids Program

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Enrichment Coach, 23-24 School Year
    • Part-time
    • $13.71/hour
    • IPERS

Assist the Enrichment Leader and/or Before & After School Specialist with providing a safe, secure, and structured after school environment, while demonstrating positive behavior management techniques.

Hiring for Multiple Sites Monday-Friday (times vary between 1:30p.m.-5:30p.m.)

Hiring at Cowles Monday-Friday (6:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.)

Find out more and apply.


Crumbl Cookies – West Des Moines

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Baker
    • Part-time, evening
    • $14-$17/hour

As a baker, you will greet customers, answer questions, clean workstations and equipment, make sure the kitchen is stocked, and perform other duties as needed. Find out more and apply.


Urban Air – Ankeny

Age Requirement: 14+

    • Team Member
    • Part-time

Urban Air is seeking qualified and energetic individuals for Court Monitor, Front Desk, Party Host, and Café Positions. Applicants MUST have reliable transportation to and from the Park, and must possess the ability to work at least one shift between Monday-Thursday and two shifts between Friday-Sunday. Find out more and apply.


Culvers – Multiple Locations Available 

Age Requirement: 14+

    • Back of House Crew Member
    • Part-time, flexible 
    • Up to $16/hour

Our back-of-house (BOH) crew members are experts at moving quickly in a fast-paced environment, working together as a team to prepare seared-to-order ButterBurgers® and other guest favorites. Find out more and apply.

Age Requirement: 14+

    • Front of House Crew Member
    • Part-time, flexible 
    • Up to $15/hour

Our front-of-house (FOH) crew members always bring the energy and thrive in our fun, fast-paced environment. Whether it’s greeting guests at the door, taking orders behind the counter, or delivering outstanding service throughout our restaurants, these are the people who bring our hometown hospitality to life each and every day. Find out more and apply.


UnityPoint Health – Multiple Locations Available 

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Food Service Associate Main Kitchen – Methodist
    • 4:30-8 p.m., 5 days a week, every other weekend 
    • Employees of UPH are given priority when looking to advance positions within organization

Performs routine dietary services to patient care areas according to established quality standards. Serves and stores food according to specified menu and dietary procedures. Performs proper cleaning and sanitation of foodservice equipment and work area. Successful performance of this work will result in safe food to patients and guests of UPH-DM. Find out more and apply.

Age Requirement: 16+

    • Food Service Nutrition Host - Trayline – Methodist West
    • 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. with every other weekend 
    • 20 hours/week
    • Employees of UPH are given priority when looking to advance positions within organization

Performs routine dietary services to patient care areas according to established quality standards. Serves, and stores food according to specified menu and dietary procedures. Performs proper cleaning and sanitation of foodservice equipment, and work area. Successful performance of this work will result in safe food to patients and guests of UPH-DM. Find out more and apply.

 

Partners

If your program or organization would like to get involved in providing activity opportunities to central Iowa's youth, please follow the buttons to fill out the form below.