Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

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Due to significant flooding and impassable roads in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Nature Center is temporarily CLOSED.

All of our animals are safe and accounted for, and there is minimal damage to the habitats. However, Swannanoa River Road and the main bridge to the Nature Center were washed away, and it will take time to reopen. We will undoubtedly need your support as we rebuild. 

Donations can be made at www.wildwnc.org/donate.

Employment & Apprenticeships

Employment Opportunities at the WNC Nature Center

The WNC Nature Center is a park within the City of Asheville. To find out about employment opportunities, visit the City of Asheville employment page.

 

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that supports the Nature Center through fundraising, marketing, membership, Gift Shop, outreach education, and volunteer programs. Current employment opportunities are posted on Indeed and listed below.

 

 

The Friends periodically have part time openings in the Gift Shop for Gift Shop Sales Associate (pdf)  positions. Please click the link to learn more. 

 

View the Friends’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement here.

 

Volunteer Apprenticeships at the WNC Nature Center

Applications for the summer 2025 apprentice position will be available in February 2025.

Are you looking to gain experience or learn more about zoo careers?

Each spring, The WNC Nature Center searches for seasonal apprentices to assist with our Education Department. Our apprentice positions are volunteer, non-paid positions, but after serving a minimum of 240 hours, apprentices will be eligible to receive a $2,000 stipend (any applicable taxes will apply) from the Friends of the WNC Nature Center; $2,000 is the maximum stipend one can receive.

Apprenticeships may be eligible for school credit, pending your school’s approval. The Nature Center can only host a limited number of apprentices, so the selection process is competitive.

For general information about Nature Center apprenticeship possibilities, view our apprenticeship descriptions.  Questions? Contact the Apprenticeship Coordinator at ccochran@ashevillenc.gov.


Periodically,
The Friends of the WNC Nature Center offer paid and unpaid internships in their Outreach Education, Marketing, and Membership Departments. If there are current opportunities available, they will be listed below.