Carousel loves and welcomes new employees and volunteers to get involved to help with ongoing operations and special events.

If you would like to get involved please email us at information@heritagecarousel.org to apply or any questions.

Job Openings

  • Duties include:

    1. People-oriented, self-starters.

    2. Carousel Operators are responsible for the daily operation of the Carousel.

    3. The ideal candidate will have some retail experience, the maturity to work unsupervised, and pass a background check.

    4. Understanding the history and purpose of the Heritage Carousel and promoting it as a service to the community*. If or when working around customers, have a pleasant attitude that compliments the family-friendly atmosphere of the Carousel.

    This is the perfect part-time job for college students, retirees, or someone looking for a fun summer job!

    Carousel Public Hours:
    • Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Open on Mondays for holidays, special events and private rentals.

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY

    Questions - contact Jackie at information@heritagecarousel.org

  • Approximately 10 hours per week.

    The position is primarily May-August. Additional hours possible September-October. Hours are flexible! Must be able to work before the Carousel opens and/or on Monday when the Carousel is closed.

    Carousel Public Hours:
    • Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Open on Mondays for holidays, special events and private rentals.

    Duties include:

    1. Brass brightening! This is a very important task. If the brass doesn’t look good, the Heritage Carousel doesn’t look good! It is the first thing noticed and shiny brass makes a big impression! Cleaning the brass is usually broken down into two or three days and worked on in the mornings prior to opening. This may consume 2 – 5 hours per week but can be affected by #2.

    2. Brass Wiping! The use of products that cut down on the amount of oil left on the brass by rider’s hands can drastically affect how shiny the brass remains and how often an actual brass cleaner must be used. If this task is done between uses of brass cleaner, the brass does not tarnish as much. 1-2 hours per week depending.

    3. Carousel Platform – the wooden platform that the Carousel sits on should be swept 2-3 times per week as needed and mopped at least once per week.

    4. Carousel core, lights and animals – These parts are to be washed down or wiped (as in the case of light bulbs) at least 2-3 times per month.

    5. Benches, fence, cement, doors, displays – these items and areas should be rinsed off once per month, displays should be thoroughly wiped down 1 time per week. The display is to be wiped 2 times per week.

    6. Understanding the history and purpose of the Heritage Carousel and promoting it as a service to the community*. If or when working around customers, have a pleasant attitude that compliments the family-friendly atmosphere of the Carousel.

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY

    Questions - contact Jackie at information@heritagecarousel.org

Volunteer Opportunities

  • The Des Moines Carousel Foundation is governed by a 15 member volunteer board. Board members serve terms for 3 years and expectations include participating on a committee, attending quarterly board meetings, and supporting the Carousel with a donation.

    Reach out at information@heritagecarousel.org

  • The Carousel is involved with many events during the year. If you would like to help plan or work at an event, let us know!

    Reach out at information@heritagecarousel.org

  • The Carousel is often in need of help to fill in for our staff. Volunteers operators can be scheduled or can be on call. Training will be provided!

    Reach out at
    information@heritagecarousel.org

The Heritage Carousel provides a unique service to Des Moines, its surrounding communities and beyond.

The operation is overseen by The Des Moines Carousel Foundation, a non-profit entity, which works to keep the cost to ride reasonably so that many individuals may enjoy the carousel.

Employees must understand and help support this concept by promoting the usage of the Carousel (rider cards, rentals, events, etc.), educating users when possible on the fact that it is a non-profit entity and that their support of the Carousel by riding it, purchasing merchandise, and making donations is critical.