Employment

RiverCamp seeks to educate and empower the next generation of watershed stewards. RiverCamp provides summer opportunities for river and watershed exploration for rising 3rd-8th grade students. We’re looking for counselors to help guide campers through hands-on environmental education, river recreation, and service-learning projects.

Title: RiverCamp Counselor

Reports to: Education Coordinator & Education & Outreach Manager 

Duration: June 20th – July 1st  & July 11th – 22nd, about 40 hours/week. Mandatory half-day orientation on June 16th.

Pay: $18/hour

Location:  Based in Asheville, NC with activities throughout the French Broad River Watershed. 

Responsibilities: 

• Supervise and help facilitate activities for up to 12 campers from 8:30am-4pm. Activities include river recreation (rafting, swimming, canoeing), environmental education lessons, and service-learning (e.g. habitat restoration and river clean-ups)
• Compassionately and appropriately manage camper behavior.
• Share duties transporting campers in a 15-passenger van.
• Provide post-care for campers from 4pm to 5:30pm.
• Communicate professionally with parents and guardians.
• Represent RiverLink well and help campers to do the same while in public.
• Engage campers in icebreaker, games or other activities during downtime. 

Requirements: 

• Candidates must be 18 years of age and eligible to work legally in the United States.
• Clean driving record, with experience and comfort driving large vehicles preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Must be able to attend each day of camp and the orientation.
• Ability to work outdoors 8 hours a day and to engage in or assist with physical activities including river recreation and river cleanups (may include heavy lifting)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge about stream ecology and environmental science is preferred.  
• Experience and passion for working with youth, preferably with ages 8-14.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and make decisions that reflect the importance of camper and staff safety.
• Able to work closely with other counselors and the camp director.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and campers. 
• A positive attitude, and patience working with campers and parents.

To Apply

Please email Justin Young, Education & Outreach Manager, at justin@riverlink.org with:

• A brief cover letter stating your interest and qualifications
• Resume 
• Any relevant certifications (CPR, First Aid, etc.) 
• Availability 

Deadline: Applications are due by May 20th 2022, with positions open until filled.

The Watershed Coordinator works to improve water quality in the French Broad River Watershed. This is accomplished through grant funded watershed restoration projects (stream restorations, watershed planning studies, and stormwater best management practices); educating the community about water quality and quantity issues. In this position you will have opportunities to assist with project management, grant writing, community outreach and volunteer engagement. 

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of water quality and quantity issues, watershed dynamics, and stormwater best management practices. 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience with ArcGIS. 
• Social media skills
• 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
• Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, and consent to a criminal history check. 

Preferred Service Hours / Weekly Schedule: 

Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend events. Typically, there will be one Saturday event per month during the busy season (Sep-Nov and Mar-Jul). 

Position Responsibilities and Duties

Conservation Education: 40%

• Develop public service-learning opportunities on topics such as water quality, stream restoration, and riparian habitat restoration. 
• 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. 
• Member will collaborate with RiverLink’s AmeriCorps Education Coordinator, when needed, to conduct youth environmental education programs.

Volunteer Infrastructure Program (VIP): 20%

• Recruit and train volunteers for the Adopt-A-Storm Drain program. 
• Work with volunteers on grant funded conservation projects, such as stream restorations, stormwater control measures, and watershed planning studies.
• Member will collaborate with RiverLink’s AmeriCorps Stewardship Coordinator, when needed, to organize volunteer events.

At-Risk Ecosystem Impacts: 40%

• Work with volunteers to develop and maintain stormwater control measures. 
• Assist with riparian habitat and stream restorations on public and conserved lands. 
• Conduct water quality monitoring, often utilizing citizen scientists to help collect data. 

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to fulfilling host site service responsibilities, all Project Conserve members are required to fully participate in team trainings, service projects and statewide AmeriCorps events. Project Conserve team events will occur approximately twice per month in locations throughout the service area and may require up to three overnight stays.

Essential Functions

• Ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people in field-based and office settings (ex. broad range of age groups from youth to adults, BIPOC residents, government and non-profit partner organizations). 
• Developing and implementing educational programs and events related to the WaterRICH program (presentations, workshops, social media content, etc). 
• Conducting field-based monitoring, assessment, and management of stormwater features on public lands, and water quality monitoring. 
• Using GIS mapping software and other computer programs to create basic maps, reports, and/or analysis based on field data.

Equipment / Software Used: iPad, ArcGIS, ArcCollector, Microsoft Office Suite 

Physical Demands: Must be able to work outdoors in variable weather, doing strenuous activity and walking over uneven terrain. Will need to sit for extended periods of time at a computer. 

Transportation Needs: Must have a reliable personal vehicle 

Setting/Location of Service Activities: 170 Lyman Street Asheville NC 28801 

RiverLink’s Education Coordinator works with school groups and the general public to lead hands-on experiential activities throughout the watershed that expand students’ knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and empower the next generation of river stewards. Activities include various stream surveys, interactive models, use of STEAM technologies, educational games, and more. All lessons integrate NC Essential Standards, STEAM education methods, and inquiry/place based learning. 

The Education Coordinator will also foster appreciation for the river as a source of creative inspiration, and a space to play and explore. They will host an art and poetry contest where students will submit work inspired by their time on the river. They will also lead 4 weeks of summer camp, where they’ll guide 3^rd-8^th graders as they discover the beauty of the watershed. This position will also help with various outreach duties such as managing social media channels.  

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• A high school degree. 
• Comfort speaking to large and small groups, particularly children. 
• An understanding of equity and how it applies to the environmental and education sectors. 
• Can form deep and genuine relationships with community members and organizations that have often been excluded from environmental spaces. 
• Active listening skills and the ability to have open, honest, and empathetic communication with program participants and staff. 
• Can manage time effectively and maintain a detailed personal schedule to help meet deadlines. 

• Willingness to pursue further watershed education to fill in gaps in knowledge. 
• Some prior knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, outdoor education methods, and historical/indigenous knowledge about the river is beneficial but not required.
• Has a valid driver’s license
• Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, and consent to a criminal history check. 

Preferred Service Hours / Weekly Schedule: 

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.

Position Responsibilities and Duties

Conservation Education: 80%

• Host RiverRATS lessons with over 3,000 students throughout the school year focused on the physical, biological, & chemical aspects of stream ecology. 
• Create new, and continue existing methods to engage students through the use of scientific equipment, interactive learning strategies, & thoughtful reflection. 
• Coordinate with organizational partners and government agencies to facilitate larger scale educational programming. 
• Organize the Voices of the River: Art and Poetry Contest. 
  • Create outreach materials and market the contest to schools, parents, and media outlets. . 
  • Recruit local judges and create a rubric for judging submissions. 
  • Collect prize donations from local businesses. 
  • Plan awards ceremony to be hosted at RiverLink’s Earth Day Kid’s Festival. 
  • Work with businesses throughout the watershed to display submitted works. 
• Represent RiverLink at a variety of events, seminars and workshops. 
• Support the development of educational program expansions such as an after school program that engages BIPOC and low-income students in their environment. 
• Serve as lead 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. 
• Work with the Watershed Resources Coordinator to schedule and host adult education opportunities.

Volunteer Infrastructure Program (VIP): 20%

• Host 1 volunteer educator training per month to recruit members of the public to assist with educational activities. 
• Create an evaluation system for volunteer educators to determine their effectiveness during lessons. 
• Work with the Stewardship Coordinator to host school groups for service projects, and incorporate education into public volunteer opportunities.  

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to fulfilling host site service responsibilities, all Project Conserve members are required to fully participate in team trainings, service projects and statewide AmeriCorps events. Project Conserve team events will occur approximately twice per month in locations throughout the service area and may require up to three overnight stays.

Essential Functions

• Using computer software and online programs for conservation-based education and outreach initiatives, including social networking, written articles and press releases 
• Leading, coordinating, and interacting with diverse individuals in field-based and office settings (ex. landowners, students, community members, partner organizations). 
• Developing and implementing educational programs and events for groups (presentations, workshops, educational hikes and outings, etc). 
• Developing partnerships and relationships with other organizations, schools, and government agencies.

Equipment / Software Used: Computer, Stream simulation table, Backpack electrofisher, water quality testing kits, Biomonitoring sampling equipment, Adobe illustrator/photoshop, mass email and database software called SalsaLabs,. 

Physical Demands: Creek walking, ability to lift a canoe with a partner, ability to drive a 15 passenger van, paddling experience helpful but not required. 

Transportation Needs: Must have a reliable vehicle. 

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

The Stewardship Coordinator works with RiverLink’s Land Resources Manager on land protection, restoration and public access projects in the French Broad River watershed. These projects will occur on public lands, and lands that RiverLink owns, has conservation easements on, or is coordinating grant-funded stormwater and stream restoration projects.

These properties are protected and managed for riparian buffers, floodplain, wetland and steep slope habitats, along with their public and ecological benefit as, parks, greenways, river access points, cultural importance, stream restoration projects and green stormwater infrastructure.

The Stewardship Coordinator will assist with accomplishing stewardship goals by maintaining and monitoring these properties, including: leading volunteer work days, developing and implementing management plans, strategizing for specific projects, monitoring conservation easements, reporting on monitoring visits, creating baseline documentation reports for protected lands, and assisting with other components of protected lands acquisition and management, such as designing and installing signage, constructing recreational amenities and managing vegetation.

Volunteer work days on RiverLink’s protected lands might include: removing litter, managing invasive plants, planting native plants, establishing riparian buffers, installing signage, etc. Volunteer work days elsewhere across the French Broad River watershed, might include river cleanups (on foot and in boats), installing live stakes (with Watershed Resources Manager and ACPC Watershed Coordinator), and other projects related to waterways and public lands.

In addition to stewardship of RiverLink’s protected lands, the Stewardship Coordinator will educate community members on best practices for responsible land stewardship. This might include sharing expertise on invasive plants, native plants, riparian buffers, stream restoration and green stormwater infrastructure. 

The Stewardship Coordinator will also have opportunities to work with other RiverLink program staff and AmeriCorps members, including the Watershed Coordinator and Education Coordinator, on stormwater and stream restoration projects, teaching endeavors and events.

Desired Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• Passion for clean rivers, healthy riparian habitats, native plants, and outdoor recreation.
• Interest in working collaboratively with a diverse network of staff, partners and community members.
• Empathy for how conservation and environmentalism have historically and currently impacted black, indigenous, and other people of color.
• Interest in natural resource management, land protection, water recreation, parks and greenways.
• Knowledge of land trust practices, including: real estate and property information, conservation easements and annual monitoring, baseline document reports and stewardship. 
• Knowledge of native plant and animal species present in Western North Carolina.
• Knowledge of exotic invasive plant species and techniques to manage and remove. 
• Knowledge of stream restoration techniques and best practices.
• Experience with river access design and implementation.
• Experience with leading volunteers and working with community members.
• Skillful in written and verbal communication. Able to speak to groups of all sizes.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and smartphone applications.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, and consent to a criminal history check. 

Preferred Service Hours / Weekly Schedule: 

This position typically works from 9AM-5PM Mondays-Fridays with some evenings and weekends. RiverLink offers a workspace in our office, but is flexible on working remotely when duties allow.  

In addition to fulfilling host site service responsibilities, all Project Conserve members are required to fully participate in team training, service projects and statewide AmeriCorps events. Project Conserve team events will occur approximately twice per month in locations throughout the service area and may require up to three overnight stays.

Position Responsibilities & Duties

Conservation Education: (30% of time)

• Provide conservation/stewardship education to RiverLink’s conservation easement landowners, along with other residents and visitors of the French Broad River watershed. 
• Integrate education into volunteer events in the form of discussing water quality impacts, invasive species identification, stream restoration techniques, and river and land use history. 
• Work with staff and other AmeriCorps members to organize educational and recreational events such as workshops and guided paddle trips to connect the public with local waterways and issues.
• Participate in tabling events such as conferences, festivals, career days, etc.

At-Risk Ecosystem Impacts: (30% of time)

• Lead volunteers in invasive plant removal, riparian habitat restoration, and bank stabilization on RiverLink’s protected properties and public lands.  
• Lead volunteers in removing trash from local waterways.

Volunteer Infrastructure Program: (40% of time)

• Plan and lead volunteer events for individuals and groups on public lands, and lands that RiverLink owns, or has conservation easements on. 
• Plan and lead volunteer events for individuals and groups on projects for which RiverLink is implementing grant-funded stormwater and stream restoration projects.
• Lead information sessions designed to recruit and educate future volunteers.
• Match volunteer groups with project needs that benefit the French Broad River watershed.
• Collect volunteer feedback and integrate suggestions to improve volunteer initiatives. 
• Create outreach strategies to promote opportunities for people to engage with RiverLink. 

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to fulfilling host site service responsibilities, all Project Conserve members are required to fully participate in team trainings, service projects and statewide AmeriCorps events. Project Conserve team events will occur approximately twice per month in locations throughout the service area and may require up to three overnight stays.

Essential Functions

• Equipment / Software Used: Computer, smartphone, iPad, GPS, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, pickup truck, canoes, canoe trailer, hand tools, weed whacker, safety equipment. 
• Physical Demands: Required: Ability to lift 50 pounds, ability to use hand tools. Helpful but not required: Paddling experience, ability to drive truck and canoe trailer, ability to walk on steep and uneven terrain. 
• Transportation Needs: Reliable transportation required.
• Setting / Location of Service Activities: French Broad River watershed in North Carolina: Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe and Madison Counties. 

Other Essential Functions:

• Using ArcGIS and associated apps to collect data on conserved lands. Writing reports based on field collected data. 
• Using computer software and online programs for conservation-based education and outreach initiatives, including social networking, written articles and press releases. 
• Leading, coordinating, and interacting with diverse individuals in field-based and office settings (ex. landowners, students, underserved communities, and partner organizations). 
• Training, supporting, coordinating, and recognizing volunteers for conservation-based volunteer opportunities.

Considerations: 

• Work days can occur in or near open water and muddy soil, with exposure to poison ivy, thorns, biting/stinging insects, trash/debris and other potential hazards. 
• Work days can occur in adverse weather conditions, including cold, wind, rain, heat and humidity.