Laboratory Jobs in Iowa
Laboratory jobs in Iowa are in steady demand, concentrated in healthcare systems, agricultural testing, food and beverage manufacturing, and industrial quality control, with openings from entry-level technician to senior research scientist. Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids account for the largest share of postings, anchored by employers like UnityPoint Health, the University of Iowa, and Quaker Oats. The most in-demand specialties are clinical laboratory science, environmental testing, and food safety analysis. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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AmeriCorps 4-H Member – Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (Three-Quarter-Time)Living Allowance
$14,300 paid in equal semi-monthly installments
Education Award
$5,176.50 upon successful completion of the service term
On-site housing is also available for the AmeriCorps member.
Internship credit may be available through your academic program; check with your advisor.
Location
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory – Milford, Iowa
1838 Highway 86
Milford, IA 51351
Term of Service
Start date: As soon as a qualified member is identified – August 31, 2027
Three-Quarter-Time – 1,200 hours
Program
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory in partnership with AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach/ISU Extension
Position Summary
Spend a year serving youth, exploring the outdoors, and gaining hands-on environmental education experience on the shores of beautiful Lake Okoboji!
The Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist AmeriCorps position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental education, STEM programming, youth development, community outreach, and summer programming.
Working alongside the Education Coordinator at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, the AmeriCorps member will help deliver engaging, hands-on educational experiences for youth while supporting the development of new programs and expanding access to environmental education throughout the community.
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory's youth education programs have grown rapidly in recent years, with increasing demand for school field trips, homeschool programs, summer camps, community programs, and hands-on learning experiences. The AmeriCorps member will help the education team meet this growing need while maintaining high-quality programming.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in community-focused service to strengthen organizations, expand access to resources, and support youth and families across Iowa. AmeriCorps 4-H members serve in partnership with local programs to deliver high-quality, research-based activities that make a measurable impact.
About the Program
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory provides opportunities for youth and community members to explore, investigate, and connect with the natural world through hands-on learning. The program combines environmental education and STEM with Positive Youth Development and the 4-H learn-by-doing philosophy.
The AmeriCorps member will play an important role in expanding the reach of Iowa Lakeside Laboratory's educational programs, particularly through school programming, homeschool activities, summer camps, community outreach, and partnerships with local schools and organizations.
Key Service Activities
- Deliver hands-on environmental education and STEM programs through school field trips, homeschool programs, summer camps, family workshops, and community outreach events.
- Develop standards-aligned curriculum and educational resources for PreK–12 youth.
- Recruit, mentor, and support youth leaders and volunteers through the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program and other volunteer opportunities.
- Build and strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local stakeholders to expand access to environmental education programming.
- Support summer day camps and community education programs.
- Assist with developing and adapting educational programming to meet the needs of youth, schools, families, and community partners.
Service Schedule
Youth programming occurs year-round, with the busiest season running from May through August.
During the school year, programming primarily includes K–12 field trips, classroom programs, School of the Wild programming, homeschool and no-school-day camps, and occasional community outreach events.
Summer programming includes day camps and community education programs.
The member will generally serve:
- Monday–Thursday during the school year
- Monday–Friday during the summer
- Typical service hours are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Occasional evening and weekend service may be required, approximately once every month or two. The member should also expect to participate in one or two overnight youth camps during the summer.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 17 years old
- High school diploma or GED (or in progress)
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
- Must pass a national service criminal history check
AmeriCorps Member Benefits
- $14,300 living allowance for the 1,200-hour service term
- $5,176.50 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the term
- On-site housing available
- Student loan forbearance and interest repayment for eligible loans
- Childcare assistance, if eligible
- Professional development, training, and statewide networking opportunities
- Potential opportunity to receive academic internship credit, subject to approval by the member's academic program
Performance Expectations
Members must complete required AmeriCorps 4-H trainings, submit bi-monthly timesheets, complete monthly reports, and participate in scheduled check-ins with program staff. Mid-term and end-of-term evaluations are required.
Members are expected to actively participate in youth programming, educational activities, outreach efforts, summer programming, and other service activities outlined in their Member Position Description.
Why This Role Is Unique
This is an amazing opportunity to live and serve right on Lake Okoboji while gaining valuable professional experience in environmental education, STEM, youth development, and outdoor learning. With on-site housing available, the member can fully experience the unique natural setting of Iowa Lakeside Laboratory while serving youth and the surrounding community.
The position is especially suited for someone interested in education, environmental science, natural resources, biology, outdoor recreation, youth development, STEM education, or related fields. The member will gain practical experience working directly with youth, developing educational resources, leading programs, supporting volunteers, and building community partnerships.
During the summer, the experience comes alive through day camps, community education programs, outdoor learning, and youth activities. Throughout the year, the member will help connect young people with the natural world through hands-on exploration and discovery.
This position offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people while living and working in one of Iowa's unique outdoor environments.
Pay: $14,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
Work Location: In person
See All 54 Laboratory Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory JobsLaboratory Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- UnityPoint Health16
- The University of Iowa5
- Prairie Holdings3
- Elanco2
- AgSource2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory jobs across Iowa.
- Active Iowa license or ASCP certification recognized by the Iowa Department of Public Health
- Associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or chemistry
- Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and quality control procedures
- Proficiency in laboratory information systems and accurate data documentation
- Knowledge of CLIA regulations, safety protocols, and standard laboratory practices
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established testing procedures independently
Laboratory Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory professional in Iowa?
Most laboratory positions in Iowa require at minimum an associate degree in medical laboratory technology or a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, followed by national certification through ASCP or AMT. Clinical laboratory scientists who perform moderate or high-complexity testing must hold a license recognized by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. Completing an accredited clinical practicum and passing the national board exam are the standard path to meeting Iowa's hiring requirements.
Which companies hire laboratory professionals in Iowa?
Employers hiring laboratorys in Iowa right now include UnityPoint Health, The University of Iowa, and Prairie Holdings, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's mix of large academic medical centers, regional hospital networks, and food and agricultural processing companies means consistent openings for both clinical and industrial laboratory roles across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most laboratory jobs?
Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines have the most laboratory openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives volume through its concentration of major hospital systems and corporate headquarters, Iowa City is anchored by University of Iowa Health Care and its affiliated research programs, and Cedar Rapids draws demand from both its medical community and its large food processing industry.
Are there remote laboratory jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Most laboratory work requires hands-on specimen handling, instrument operation, or on-site quality control that cannot be done remotely. About 0% of laboratory openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions are typically in laboratory informatics, data analysis, or regulatory compliance rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a laboratory professional in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a laboratory assistant or phlebotomist role at a regional Iowa hospital while completing or having just finished an accredited program. UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Health Care both offer new-graduate support structures and tend to hire candidates who completed clinical rotations at their facilities. Earning ASCP certification before applying, even without full-time experience, gives candidates a measurable edge over uncertified applicants for these roles.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to laboratory jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search by city, specialty, or experience level to find roles that fit your background, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 54 Laboratory Jobs in Iowa
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