Watershed Coordinator

Summary of Position:

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.