RiverLink’s Out of School Coordinator develops and leads 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 helps 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. 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.

This position will also lead 5 weeks of summer camp, where they’ll guide 3rd-8th graders on recreational and educational outings as they discover the beauty of the watershed. Additionally, this position will assist with outreach efforts, including social media management and representing RiverLink at community events.

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.
• 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 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.

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 one or two overnight stays.

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

Conservation Education (90%)

• Host out of school programs throughout the school year focused on the physical, biological, & chemical aspects of stream ecology, nature-based art, and social and emotional learning (S.E.L.).
• Work with the Education and Outreach Specialist to deliver multiple-interaction and single-interaction programs to students in various out of school organizations, schools, and community groups.
• Work collaboratively with staff from partnering organizations to effectively support student engagement, behavior, and learning goals in classroom spaces during multiple-interaction programs.
• Transport students in 15 passenger van to local parks and waterways, and work outdoors, including in rivers and streams, and over rough or rocky terrain.
  • Provide best practices and guidelines for safety for students in these environments.
• Prepare and organize educational materials and student care supplies, including science equipment, snacks, water bottles, notebooks, and art supplies.
• Utilize a variety of scientific equipment, emotional regulation strategies, & thoughtful reflection to help students connect with their environment and local waterways.
• Coordinate with organizational partners to plan program activities, meet the needs of students, and develop shared goals.
• 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.
• Assist the Education and Outreach Specialist with social media management and content creation.
• Assist the In School Education Coordinator with Voices of the River: Art and Poetry Contest.
• Support the In School Education Coordinator with in-school programming when time allows.
• Represent RiverLink at a variety of events, community groups, and workshops.
• Work with the Watershed Resources Coordinator to support community education opportunities.
• Revise and develop science-focused lessons that align with N.C. DPI standards.
• Revise and develop nature-based art projects that reflect social and emotional learning principles.
• Incorporate annual art and poetry contest into scheduled out of school time programming.
• Create relationship-building guide for out of school time partners.
• Design and implement systems of organization for out of school materials, such as filing systems for pre and post lesson documentation, and storage for art activities.
• Develop a list of educational games and icebreaker activities that can be used by educators.
• Design and implement innovative feedback and assessment methods for evaluating lessons that can help inform continuous improvement and document success stories.

Volunteer Engagement (10%)

• Work with the Education Committee to facilitate their active participation and support of out of school groups and the broader education program.
• Recruit teachers and community members to join the Education Committee and help facilitate committee members’ support of educational programs.

Compensation & Benefits

• $31,500 living stipend (paid in equal installments via direct deposit, twice per month, minus taxes; exact amount TBD on grant funding)
• Health insurance reimbursement if eligible. Members are eligible for reimbursement for the full cost of a Health Insurance Marketplace bronze or catastrophic plan, OR up to $100 for a higher-level Marketplace plan. Members who maintain health insurance through a parent or spouse’s employer are not eligible for reimbursement.
• Education award of $7,395.00 upon successful completion of the program. This award can be used to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs. 
• Childcare assistance if eligible.