Community Program Assistant Jobs in Swannanoa, NC

French Broad River Program Coordinator

MountainTrue is seeking a French Broad River Program Coordinator. The French Broad River Program Coordinator will help expand the capacity of the French Broad Riverkeeper program by coordinating volunteer engagement, water quality monitoring, data management, restoration efforts, and community outreach activities throughout the watershed. The position will play an important role in supporting watershed protection efforts while helping build meaningful connections between local communities and the French Broad River.

The French Broad River Program Coordinator will work closely with the French Broad Riverkeeper to support ongoing monitoring programs, stewardship initiatives, volunteer engagement activities, restoration projects, and public education efforts. The position will also assist in developing and maintaining systems that strengthen the program's ability to respond to emerging water quality concerns and watershed needs.

The Position

The French Broad River Program Coordinator reports to the French Broad Riverkeeper. While this position has no direct reports, it serves an important leadership role in coordinating volunteers, representing MountainTrue at community events, and supporting stewardship initiatives throughout the French Broad River watershed.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Water Quality Monitoring and Data Management

• Coordinate recreational water quality monitoring and reporting activities.
• Lead microplastics sampling efforts and associated data collection.
• Support the implementation, maintenance, and expansion of real-time water quality monitoring stations.
• Conduct routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of monitoring equipment.
• Organize and manage water quality datasets, including DMRs, NPDES reports, and other monitoring information.
• Support quality assurance processes and contribute to annual reporting efforts.

Volunteer Coordination and Community Engagement

• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for sampling, restoration, and stewardship activities.
• Organize volunteer workdays, including river cleanups, live staking projects, and water quality monitoring events.
• Coordinate educational and outreach activities focused on watershed health, river ecology, geology, history, and aquatic resources.
• Represent MountainTrue and the French Broad Riverkeeper program at community meetings, presentations, and public events.

Restoration and Program Support

• Coordinate live staking and riparian restoration projects.
• Assist with watershed assessments, field monitoring, and research projects.
• Support monitoring and investigation of water quality concerns throughout the watershed.
• Assist with restoration project implementation and stewardship initiatives.
• Help maintain field and laboratory equipment, supplies, and monitoring resources.
• Assist with grant proposal development and grant reporting activities.

Program Development and Collaboration

• Support applied watershed research efforts.
• Assist with the expansion of water quality monitoring and modeling initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve monitoring methods, volunteer engagement, and program efficiency.
• Collaborate with MountainTrue staff and community partners to advance watershed protection goals.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Field Work: Experience conducting environmental field work, water quality monitoring, ecological restoration, or related activities.
• Volunteer Coordination: Experience recruiting, training, coordinating, or leading volunteers and community participants.
• Project Coordination: Experience managing multiple projects, activities, or deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards.
• Data Management: Experience collecting, organizing, managing, and reporting environmental, scientific, or programmatic data.

A combination of education and experience may be considered. MountainTrue values lived experience and encourages individuals who may not meet every qualification to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience coordinating community engagement and volunteer-based activities.
• Ability to collect, organize, and analyze environmental data.
• Familiarity with water quality monitoring equipment and environmental sampling techniques preferred.
• Familiarity with environmental databases, GIS, or data management systems preferred.
• Grant writing or project management experience preferred.
• Comfortable kayaking and/or canoeing on moving water.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the French Broad River watershed.
• Ability to confidently lead volunteers and community members in outdoor settings.

Location and Travel

This position includes a combination of field work and office work, with the primary office located in Asheville, North Carolina. Regular travel throughout the French Broad River watershed is required. Evening and weekend work will occasionally be necessary to support volunteer events, community meetings, outreach activities, and restoration projects. Travel costs associated with job responsibilities are covered by the organization.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to hike uneven terrain and work in and around streams and rivers.
• Ability to safely operate field equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to paddle and safely navigate moving water conditions.

Safety Expectations

• Follow MountainTrue's safety protocols and procedures.
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses, and near misses immediately.
• Participate in required safety trainings and investigations as needed.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate staff member.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $52,000 to $57,000 annually. The benefits package includes 20 vacation days per year, 12 holidays, sick leave, a paid two-month sabbatical after five years, health, dental and vision insurance, and participation in a SIMPLE IRA with an employer match of up to 3%.

MountainTrue values and respects all types of diversity and strongly encourages applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, military/veteran status, or any other protected status. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.