Spring and Summer Jobs in Central Iowa

Iowa spring and summers offer several ways to earn an income. Money can grow right out of the ground in the rich farmland of the Midwest. Farming and gardening are not the only way to earn money in an Iowa summer. With a new auto race track, a horse track and casino, and events center there are jobs in all areas.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr Altoona, IA 50009 - (515) 967-1000

Though Prairie Meadows is open all year, spring brings horse racing. This adds a new job opportunity to the Iowa landscape. All of the horses need cared for and exercised. While each horse has a professional trainer, time still is devoted to walking horses, leading to track areas, feeding and watering, and cleaning stalls. Positions are through individual horse owners and are usually offered to independent contractors. The work is extremely physical and can range in pay from $7.25 per hour up, depending on the owner and the amount of work done. Some owners pay at the end of their stay, others pay daily. It is up to the independent contractor to work out all details of the job prior to accepting.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino also experiences peek periods during the spring and summer months. There are positions for indoor and outdoor work. Outdoor work includes groundskeeping, security and valet parking. Indoor positions include: paramutual betting cashiers, bartenders and cocktail waitstaff, security, gaming table dealers, snack bar staff, restaurant staff, buffet staff and catering staff.
For information on summer job opportunities at Prairie Meadow Racetrack and Casino go to: Prairie Meadows Careers

Iowa Speedway: 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr Newton, IA 50208 Phone: (641)792-8722

Much like Prairie Meadows, the Iowa Speedway provides entertainment to hundreds of thousands annually. Spring and summer are the only seasons the auto track are open. As the newest attraction to Iowa, the Iowa Speedway has bolted into one of the busiest venues. Newton is about 30 miles east of Des Moines on Interstate 80, a car pool may help reduce the cost of travel. Seasonal positions offered include: Guest services and events staff, tram drivers, security, catering and waitstaff and merchandisers. To apply online visit: Iowa Speedway

Gardening and farming jobs in Iowa:

The dirt so rich and black plants can't help but do well. Farmers and gardeners from all walks of life need help from planting to harvest in Iowa. There are plenty of opportunities for individual gardeners as well. Farmers Markets abound across the state and constantly need new suppliers of fruits, vegetables and craft items. Even if you get a late start on the growing season there is money to be made from the Iowa ground. Start a garden early to reap the earnings of the full growing season.

Flower gardening is also profitable in Iowa. Aside from farmers markets, talk to individual business owners about selling your beautiful blooms in or outside their shop. Look for busy locations like the Court Avenue district downtown. Business in this district cater to young executives who often work late or live in the downtown area. The entire Court Avenue district is full of restaurants and bars. The nightlife is always jumping. Ask business owners if you can sell flowers to customers by walking through with product once or twice per night.
Professional seasonal farm work is available to those of all ages in Iowa. Bean walking and corn de-tasseling pays well at about $9.00/hr, but the work is hard and relentless. For more information and companies to contract with or work for see: Summer Jobs for Students in Iowa.