Employment

About the James River Association

Founded in 1976, the James River Association is the oldest and largest river conservation group in Virginia, and the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and restoring America’s Founding River, the James River. JRA’s mission is to be the guardian of the James River – to provide a voice for the river and take action to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of its natural resources. To accomplish our mission, JRA’s two strategic goals include:

• Achieving a fully healthy James River
• Helping communities within the watershed realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it.

Open Positions

Vice President of Finance and Operations

Location: Richmond, Virginia (primary office)
Telework: Hybrid and flexible
Experience: 8-10 years in nonprofit finance and human resources
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full time, Exempt
Salary Range: $110,000-$120,000
Reports to: President and Chief Executive Officer

The James River Association is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. With the upcoming retirement of our long-serving Vice President of Finance and Operations, we are beginning the search for our next financial and operational leader. This is a meaningful opportunity to join a values-driven team that cares deeply about our people, our river, and the communities we serve.

We are seeking a seasoned, steady, and relationship-centered executive who can guide the financial health of the organization, nurture a positive operational and cultural environment, and serve as a trusted partner to our leadership team. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in nonprofit finance, strategic budgeting, operational excellence, human resources, and people-centered leadership. This person will help shape JRA’s next chapter and ensure a strong foundation for our mission now and into the future.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of JRA’s finances and operations.
• Key liaison responsible for the annual “Single” Audit and Form 990
• Manage and mentor the Administration team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance to provide steady and meaningful support for all of JRA’s activities
• Identify opportunities and oversee development of ways to improve operational systems and organizational efficiency
• Ensure accuracy of financial records and best practices in cash management
• Create and prepare the annual budget in collaboration with other staff and leadership, as well as prepare regular financial reports for each program area
• With the Director of People and Culture annually review, maintain and modernize benefits offerings
• Lead quarterly finance committee meetings, presenting salient financial data
• Work closely with the Development team, including tracking of long-term pledges and providing year to date revenue data for comparison and reporting to the board
• Serve as a key member of JRA’s executive leadership team, contributing to organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.

Qualifications:

• Proven success in nonprofit budgeting, audit and cash management as well as an understanding of restricted funds and endowments.
• Executive presence with strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with human resources functions including benefits, staff culture and support, and maintaining operational excellence
• Firm commitment to the ethical standards expected of accounting professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire a team.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8-10+ years of experience in finance and HR, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; CPA license preferred
• Proficiency in QuickBooks (desktop) and superior Excel skills

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Ability to present data in understandable and impactful way to board and staff
• Perseverance in achieving efficiencies, savings, and improving processes and work flow
• Capacity to work collaboratively across departments to maintain a deep understanding of the operations and financial activity of the organization
• Self-starter who is naturally intuitive with excellent listening skills

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package: Includes fully paid employee-only health and dental coverage, life and LTD insurance, generous paid time off (starting at four weeks/year), twelve paid holidays, and 401(k) matched contributions. Professional development and growth opportunities. Dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment.

The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on education and work experience.

APPLY by submitting your resume and cover letter through this link. This position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated hire date in early February 2026.

 Seasonal Environmental Educator – Williamsburg

Location: Williamsburg, VA
Telework: On-site 
Experience:  Entry Level
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Part-time, Seasonal
Salary Range: $20/hour
Reports to: Lower James Regional Education Manager

The James River Association (JRA) is a non-profit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. JRA is excited to announce an opening for a Seasonal Environmental Educator. In this role, you’ll deliver engaging, high-quality environmental education programs. This role involves direct participant interaction, program preparation, and operational support to ensure smooth and impactful experiences. Seasonal Environmental Educators are essential in inspiring environmental stewardship and fostering connections with the James River through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration.

This is a part time, seasonal position, averaging no more than 30 hours per week with the season running between February 15 and November 31. 

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for environmental education, paddling and boat skills, and a personal interest in the James River.

Responsibilities: 

• Program Delivery: Deliver engaging educational programming to participants of various ages, fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable educational environment that is trauma-informed and supports diverse student populations in exploring new experiences.
• Group Management: Manage large student groups during programs to ensure a positive and productive experience for all attendees.
• Educational Materials Preparation: Prepare and organize educational materials, including making copies and setting up activities and learning stations.
• Participant Check-In: Assist with check-in, including collecting permission forms and waivers.
• Facility and Equipment Support: Assist with preparing the fleet, facilities, and equipment before programs and ensure proper breakdown and clean-up afterward.
• Gear Maintenance: Participate in the daily cleaning, maintenance, and minor repairs of program gear to ensure functionality and readiness.
• Community Engagement: Support community events by assisting with logistics and on-site activities as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Passion for environmental education and a commitment to the mission and values of the James River Association.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to program setup and breakdown, including ability to lift equipment ranging from 40-50 pounds
• Strong group management and experience working with children or adults in an educational or recreational setting.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to effectively interact with diverse audiences of youth and educators.
• Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Science Education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Must be available for flexible scheduling, including occasional weekends and evenings. 
• Ability to travel to various locations within the assigned region as needed to support programmatic requirements and seasonal demands, sometimes on short notice. 
• Travel within the James River watershed may be occasionally required for meetings and training.
• Ability to operate JRA vehicles and obtain a valid state issued driver’s license

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience delivering environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential programs in outdoor settings, such as rivers, parks, or restoration sites.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Comfort with kayaking and canoeing, including basic paddling skills and safety practices.
• Comfort with boating and fishing activities such as pulling trawl nets, handling various aquatic species, and a willingness to learn and apply principles of good seamanship as part of a vessel crew, including knot tying, drills, and boat safety.
• Familiarity with field science tools and equipment, such as water quality testing kits, sampling gear, and data collection instruments.
• Certifications such as CPR and First Aid, ACA Kayak and Canoe, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder are preferred to support safety and outdoor program delivery.

APPLY by submitting your resume and cover letter through this link. This position will remain open until filled.

 Seasonal Environmental Educator – Hampton

Location: Hampton, VA
Telework: On-site 
Experience:  Entry Level
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Part-time, Seasonal
Salary Range: $20/hour
Reports to: Lower James Regional Education Manager

The James River Association (JRA) is a non-profit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. JRA is excited to announce an opening for a Seasonal Environmental Educator. In this role, you’ll deliver engaging, high-quality environmental education programs. This role involves direct participant interaction, program preparation, and operational support to ensure smooth and impactful experiences. Seasonal Environmental Educators are essential in inspiring environmental stewardship and fostering connections with the James River through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration.

This is a part time, seasonal position, averaging no more than 30 hours per week with the season running between February 15 and November 31. 

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for environmental education, paddling and boat skills, and a personal interest in the James River.

Responsibilities: 

• Program Delivery: Deliver engaging educational programming to participants of various ages, fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable educational environment that is trauma-informed and supports diverse student populations in exploring new experiences.
• Group Management: Manage large student groups during programs to ensure a positive and productive experience for all attendees.
• Educational Materials Preparation: Prepare and organize educational materials, including making copies and setting up activities and learning stations.
• Participant Check-In: Assist with check-in, including collecting permission forms and waivers.
• Facility and Equipment Support: Assist with preparing the fleet, facilities, and equipment before programs and ensure proper breakdown and clean-up afterward.
• Gear Maintenance: Participate in the daily cleaning, maintenance, and minor repairs of program gear to ensure functionality and readiness.
• Community Engagement: Support community events by assisting with logistics and on-site activities as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Passion for environmental education and a commitment to the mission and values of the James River Association.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to program setup and breakdown, including ability to lift equipment ranging from 40-50 pounds
• Strong group management and experience working with children or adults in an educational or recreational setting.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to effectively interact with diverse audiences of youth and educators.
• Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Science Education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Must be available for flexible scheduling, including occasional weekends and evenings. 
• Ability to travel to various locations within the assigned region as needed to support programmatic requirements and seasonal demands, sometimes on short notice. 
• Travel within the James River watershed may be occasionally required for meetings and training.
• Ability to operate JRA vehicles and obtain a valid state issued driver’s license

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience delivering environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential programs in outdoor settings, such as rivers, parks, or restoration sites.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Comfort with kayaking and canoeing, including basic paddling skills and safety practices.
• Comfort with boating and fishing activities such as pulling trawl nets, handling various aquatic species, and a willingness to learn and apply principles of good seamanship as part of a vessel crew, including knot tying, drills, and boat safety.
• Familiarity with field science tools and equipment, such as water quality testing kits, sampling gear, and data collection instruments.
• Certifications such as CPR and First Aid, ACA Kayak and Canoe, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder are preferred to support safety and outdoor program delivery.

APPLY by submitting your resume and cover letter through this link. This position will remain open until filled. This position will remain open until filled.

Open Request For Proposals/Statements of Qualification

The James River Association is requesting Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified consultants to assess and improve internal systems and processes that address the administrative and operational challenges associated with managing diverse funding streams for their collaborative riparian forest buffer initiatives.

Please direct questions to Amber Ellis, Restoration Director, aellis@thejamesriver.org . Submittals should be emailed by close of business on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The James River Association is requesting Statements of Qualification from contractors for living shoreline construction services to be provided in the lower James River watershed. 

Statement of Qualifications must include the following to be eligible for consideration (1) Cover Letter (2) Summary of Qualifications (3) Prior Experience (4) Safety Record (5) Insurance Requirements. Proposals should be emailed to Amanda Guthrie of the James River Association at aguthrie@thejamesrier.org by 5pm ET on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Why Work for the James River Association?

COMMUNITY drives everything we do.

We believe in the power of community to achieve common goals, honoring a full range of voices in the process. Our efforts consider the varied needs and interests of our watershed communities.

Building a James River for All

JRA’s vision is a fully healthy James River, valued by all communities in the watershed. At JRA, we believe in community, conservation, and driving change. We encourage applications from all backgrounds—if you’re excited about working with us, we want to hear from you!

JRA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Volunteer

Ready to give back to the James? Whether it’s getting your hands dirty with one of our Watershed Restoration projects, acting as a voice for the river through our Advocacy efforts or helping out with office tasks, there is a job for everyone to play a part in making a cleaner James River.

If you live or work in the James River watershed, you can give back to its health.

We have great opportunities if you prefer working on land – or even your own backyard.

Use your time on the river to give back to its health.

We also have opportunities for individuals who enjoy time on the James. If you routinely spend time fishing, paddling, or boating the James or one of its tributaries, these are great ways to get involved!