Jester Park Nature Center Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Jester Park Nature Center in the United States is $82,306. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Jester Park Nature Center typically range from $71,970 to $94,174 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Jester Park Nature Center

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Is Jester Park Nature Center’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Jester Park Nature Center's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
VALLEY OASIS Inc $101,240
+23.0%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to VALLEY OASIS Inc's sector.
University of Kansas , Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals $85,608
+4.0%
Reflects structural premiums typical of University of Kansas , Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals's large-cap national operations.
Smile SBC $102,632
+24.7%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Smile SBC targets.
Central Regional Office $87,306
+6.1%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for Central Regional Office's specialized projects.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+40.1%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Jester Park Nature Center

Considering a career at Jester Park Nature Center? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
The culture values diversity, respect, and collaboration. The culture fosters empathy, hard work, and service. Leadership encourages innovation and listens to feedback, fostering a collaborative culture. I’ve had access to workshops and tuition support for career advancement. This is a stable job with predictable routines. It’s a job that values order and consistency over change. The benefits pack...
The culture supports diversity and transparency, fostering an environment where staff feel motivated to contribute positively to public service efforts. Job duties rarely change, which limits excitement. I’ve taken multiple courses subsidized by the agency, which have boosted my skills and confidence. Helped streamline our municipal processes quickly. Leadership communicates well, but implementati...
Great team dynamics with mutual support. Cut approval times by half. Better suited for those who prefer consistency and service rather than fast growth or innovation. Kept diverse stakeholders engaged and aligned. Management is responsive to employee concerns.

Jester Park Nature Center Overview

Website
www.jesterparknaturecenter.com
Founded In
1986
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
12130 NW 128th St Granger Iowa IA 50109
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
+1 5153235350
Social Media
About Jester Park Nature Center
The Jester Park Nature Center is one of Iowa's leading nature centers - a gateway to experience Iowa's natural environment. It welcomes those who come to learn and play, and tell the story of the land they are about to enjoy. We want all to enjoy the outdoors more. Understand it better. Care for it more deeply. Share in our common need to preserve what we have been given. One of Iowas leading natu

What Benefits Does Jester Park Nature Center Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Jester Park Nature Center offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Des Moines?

Understanding the cost of living near Des Moines is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Jester Park Nature Center.
Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). State capital, affordable housing, growing. DART bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Jester Park Nature Center, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of Jester Park Nature Center salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $48 (DART monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,078 - $3,328+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Jester Park Nature Center

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Jester Park Nature Center?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Jester Park Nature Center is approximately from $71,970 to $94,174. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Jester Park Nature Center pay compared to VALLEY OASIS Inc?

The average annual salary at Jester Park Nature Center is $82,306, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to VALLEY OASIS Inc which pays $101,240 per year or $49 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Jester Park Nature Center?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Jester Park Nature Center due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Jester Park Nature Center?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Jester Park Nature Center, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Jester Park Nature Center in Des Moines is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Jester Park Nature Center in Des Moines is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Jester Park Nature Center and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Des Moines" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Jester Park Nature Center differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Jester Park Nature Center can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.