Employment

RiverLink’s new Out of School Coordinator will develop and lead engaging environmental education programs for out of school groups, community centers, and other partner organizations. Through hands-on activities such as outdoor exploration, nature-based art, interactive models, and educational games, this position will help students deepen their understanding of aquatic ecosystems while fostering social and emotional learning.

A key focus of this role is building lasting partnerships with out of school organizations that primarily serve low-income families and students of color. By working collaboratively with these groups, the Out of School Coordinator will facilitate long-term, weekly programs that encourage students to explore their connection to nature, themselves, and their community. Additionally, this position will assist with outreach efforts, including social media management and representing RiverLink at community events.

If funding allows, this position has the option for an extended term to assist with RiverLink’s summer camp.  This would involve 5 weeks of day camp where we guide 3^rd-8^th graders on recreational and educational outings as they discover the beauty of the watershed. 

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

Plan and Deliver Out-Of-School Programming

• Lead out-of-school programs throughout the year focused on freshwater ecosystems and social and emotional learning (SEL).
• Collaborate with the Education and Outreach Specialist to deliver multi-week and short-term programs for students in afterschool organizations, schools, and community groups.
• Coordinate with organizational partners to plan programming, align goals, and respond to student needs.
• Adapt activities and instructional strategies to meet the needs, interests, and developmental levels of diverse student groups.
• Organize, maintain, and restock program materials, including science equipment, art supplies, food/snacks, water, and first aid kits.
• Use a combination of scientific tools, nature-based art, emotional regulation strategies, and reflection activities to deepen students’ connection to the environment.
• Assist with the Voices of the River: Art and Poetry Contest and help plan it’s integration with out of school art projects. 
• Support the In School Education Coordinator with in-school programming when time allows. 

Support Student Engagement and Safety

• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaging outdoor learning environment.
• Work closely with staff from partner organizations to guide student behavior and support shared learning goals.
• Transport students in a 15-passenger van to parks, streams, and other natural areas.
• Provide and model best practices for safety in outdoor settings, including in and around rivers, streams, and uneven terrain.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Refine and adapt existing lesson plans to better serve the needs of students and the community.
• Design new activities, games, and lessons suitable for a range of age groups and learning settings.
• Develop and implement innovative, qualitative feedback methods to assess program impact and document success stories.

Outreach and Communication

• Represent RiverLink at community events, workshops, and tabling opportunities.
• Support the Education and Outreach Specialist with social media content creation and outreach.
• Participate in RiverLink Board and Education Committee meetings to share updates and invite feedback on out-of-school programs.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experienced in managing group dynamics and behavior for children with diverse needs and fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all. 
• Comfortable and effective in engaging small and large groups of children in lessons and activities. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with community members and partner organizations, with a strong commitment to engaging groups historically excluded from environmental spaces.
• Strong active listening skills paired with open, honest, and empathetic communication with both program participants and staff.
• Highly organized, with strong time management skills and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
• Willingness to expand knowledge of watershed science, environmental education, and best practices for program delivery.
• Some familiarity with aquatic ecosystems, outdoor education methods, social-emotional learning, and historical and Indigenous perspectives on waterways is preferred but not required.
• Holds a valid driver’s license and is comfortable driving a 15-passenger van.
• Must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident, and willing to consent to a criminal history check.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Equipment / Software Used: Computer, Stream simulation table, water quality testing kits, biomonitoring sampling equipment, marketing/design software, SalsaLabs (a mass email and database software.) 

Physical Demands: Walk in rivers and streams and over rocky terrain, ability to lift 40 lbs, carry a canoe with a partner, drive a 15 passenger van, paddling experience helpful but not required. 

Transportation Needs: Must have a reliable vehicle. 

Setting/Location of Service Activities: Buncombe and Henderson counties with some activities in Transylvania and Madison counties as well. 

Compensation 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position paying $23.15 per hour.

Schedule & Time Commitment

30-hour/week starting at the beginning of September 2025 going to mid June 2026. If funding allows this term could be extended until the end of July 2026. Depending on funding, candidates may be able to return for a second term. 

This position typically works from 10am-6pm Mondays-Fridays with some weekends. Since there is a lot of work with afterschool groups, some days might go as late at 7pm.

Supervision & Reporting

The Out of School Coordinator reports to the Education and Outreach Specialist and works closely with the broader education team, including the Education and Outreach Manager and In School Coordinator, under the leadership of RiverLink’s Executive Director.

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to education@riverlink.org Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, preference given to local college graduates (including Warren Wilson College, UNCA, WCU and App State), and the position will remain open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.

RiverLink’s In School Education Coordinator leads free, hands-on learning experiences for school groups and the general public throughout the French Broad River watershed. These programs deepen students’ understanding of aquatic ecosystems through outdoor exploration, interactive models, scientific tools, and inquiry-based activities that align with NC Essential Standards and STEAM education principles.

This role emphasizes connection, helping students build meaningful relationships with local waterways through both science and creative expression. The Coordinator oversees Voices of the River, an annual art and poetry contest inspired by students’ time on the river, and plans a public gallery event to showcase their work.

During summer, the Coordinator leads five weeks of French Broad RiverCamp, guiding 3rd–8th graders through stream studies, river recreation, and activities that foster curiosity, reflection, and environmental stewardship. The role also includes community outreach, volunteer engagement, and occasional support with afterschool programs and social media. Collaborating with the education team, the Coordinator contributes to curriculum development, lesson evaluation, and expanding the program’s reach to new schools and partners.

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

Plan and Deliver In-School Programming

• Lead educational programs throughout the school year focused on the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of stream ecology.
• Use a combination of scientific equipment, interactive learning strategies, and reflection practices to help students connect with their environment and local waterways.
• Coordinate with teachers, school staff, organizational partners, and government agencies to plan logistics and align programming with academic goals.
• Adapt lesson plans and teaching strategies to meet the needs, interests, and developmental levels of diverse student groups.
• Organize, maintain, and restock instructional materials and supplies, including science kits, safety gear, and teaching handouts.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment in both classroom and outdoor settings.
• Provide and model best practices for safety in rivers, streams, and other rugged outdoor environments.
• Support the Out-of-School Education Coordinator with afterschool programs when time allows.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Revise existing lesson plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reflect current programming needs and SEL curriculum standards.
• Collaborate with the education team to develop new modules on topics such as history and culture, climate change, and community resilience.
• Create and implement qualitative evaluation tools to measure program effectiveness and guide improvements.

Host the Voices of the River: Art and Poetry Contest

• Work with the Education & Outreach Manager to lead RiverLink’s annual Voices of the River contest, which integrates student creativity and watershed education.
• Develop outreach materials and market the contest to schools, families, and local media.
• Recruit judges, design scoring rubrics, and secure prize donations from local businesses.
• Plan and coordinate a public gallery event to showcase student submissions.
• Collaborate with the Out-of-School Education Coordinator to integrate the contest into complementary arts-based programming.

Serve as a camp counselor for French Broad RiverCamp. 

• Drive a 15 passenger van to key sites throughout the watershed. 
• Conduct forested and urban stream studies with campers. 
• Plan creative and reflective activities for campers to do between scheduled activities. 
• Join campers on recreational river activities such as tubing and rafting. 
• Tour local water infrastructure such as treatment plants, reservoirs, and stormwater features.

Outreach and Communication

• Represent RiverLink at community events, workshops, and tabling opportunities.
• Support the Education and Outreach Specialist with social media content creation and outreach.
• Participate in RiverLink Board and Education Committee meetings to share updates and invite feedback on out-of-school programs.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates comfort and effectiveness in speaking to diverse audiences, including large groups, small groups, and children.
• Proven ability to develop and sustain meaningful relationships with community members and organizations, with a focus on engaging groups historically excluded from environmental spaces.
• Exhibits exceptional active listening skills alongside open, honest, and empathetic communication with both program participants and staff.
• Skilled in managing classroom dynamics and group behavior to create an engaging, orderly, and supportive learning environment.
• Effectively manages time and maintains a detailed personal schedule to ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Shows a willingness to pursue additional watershed education to further enhance instructional leadership and lesson delivery.
• Some familiarity with aquatic ecosystems, outdoor education methods, and historical/indigenous perspectives regarding the river is advantageous, though not required.
• Holds a valid driver’s license and is comfortable operating a 15-passenger van.
• Must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident, and willing to consent to a criminal history check.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Equipment / Software Used: Computer, Stream simulation table, water quality testing kits, biomonitoring sampling equipment, marketing/design software, SalsaLabs (a mass email and database software.) 

Physical Demands: Walk in rivers and streams and over rocky terrain, ability to lift 40 lbs, carry a canoe with a partner, drive a 15 passenger van, paddling experience helpful but not required. 

Transportation Needs: Must have a reliable vehicle. 

Setting/Location of Service Activities: Buncombe and Henderson counties with some activities in Transylvania and Madison counties as well. 

Compensation 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position paying $23.15 per hour.

Schedule & Time Commitment

This is a 30 hour/week temporary position that will go from the start of September 2025 to the end of July 2026. Depending on funding, candidates may be able to return for a second term. 

This position typically works from 9am-5pm Mondays-Fridays with some weekends. Since there is a lot of work with schools, a good amount of days can start as early as 7AM.

Supervision & Reporting

The In School Coordinator reports to the Education and Outreach Manager and works closely with the broader education team, including the Education and Outreach Specialist and Out of School Coordinator, under the leadership of RiverLink’s Executive Director.

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to education@riverlink.org Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, the position will remain open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.

RiverLink’s Watershed Coordinator works to improve water quality in the French Broad River Watershed through on-the-ground projects and community engagement. This is accomplished through watershed restoration projects (e.g., stream & habitat restoration, watershed planning studies, and green stormwater infrastructure); educating others about watershed health; and collaboratively addressing community concerns about water quality and flooding issues. The Watershed Coordinator will have opportunities to assist with outreach and volunteer engagement, project management, and grant writing.

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

Watershed Restoration 

• Assist with the Adopt-A-Stream program, repairing eroding stream banks through establishing native vegetation
• Work with volunteers to develop and maintain stormwater control measures, such as rain gardens and rain barrels
• Assist with riparian habitat and stream restorations on public and conserved lands
• Conduct water quality monitoring 

Conservation Education

• Conduct workshops associated with our WaterRICH program, which teaches individuals how to design and construct stormwater control features, such as rain gardens and rain barrels
• Assist with the Name that Creek Program by maintaining an online StoryMap, organizing naming campaigns, and submitting all supporting documentation to the USGS 
• Create outreach materials and social media content related to water conservation topics
• Develop public service-learning opportunities on topics such as water quality, stream restoration, and riparian habitat restoration

Volunteer Engagement

• Work with volunteers on conservation projects, such as stream restorations, stormwater control measures, and watershed planning studies
• The Watershed Coordinator will collaborate with RiverLink’s Stewardship Coordinator when needed, to organize volunteer events

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of watersheds, water quality and flooding issues, and stormwater best management practices 
• Solid written and verbal communication skills 
• Social media skills are required (Instagram and Facebook)
• Ability to work on a team and receive constructive feedback 
• Comfortable speaking in front of small and large groups or motivated to develop this skill
• The ability to walk over uneven terrain, work outside in a variety of weather conditions, and use standard landscaping and hand tools 

• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation
• Must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, and consent to a criminal history check

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Equipment / Software Used: Computer, smartphone, hand tools, safety equipment, GIS, RiverLink truck, social media, basic design software.

Physical Demands: Frequent site visits and workdays where there is uneven and often steep terrain to navigate. Field work may take place year round with inclement weather possibilities.  Must be able to lift 50 pounds.  Will need to sit for extended periods of time at a computer.

Transportation Needs: Must have a valid drivers license and reliable vehicle.

Setting/Location of Activities: The Watershed Coordinator is often working in the field throughout Buncombe and Henderson counties with some activities in Transylvania, Madison, and Yancey counties. When not in the field, the position is based at the RiverLink office at 170 Lyman St. Asheville, N.C. Some remote work is allowed. 

Compensation 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position paying $23.15 per hour.

Schedule & Time Commitment

This is a 30 hour/week temporary position that will go from the start of September 2025 to the end of July 2026. Depending on funding, candidates may be able to return for a second term. 

Typical hours are Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend events. 

Supervision & Reporting

The Watershed Coordinator reports to the Watershed Program Specialist and collaborates frequently with the Director of Programs and the broader land conservation team, including the Land Resources Manager and Stewardship Coordinator. 

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to eli@riverlink.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.