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.

Seasonal Environmental Educator

Location: Amherst, Virginia
Telework: On-site 
Experience:  Entry Level
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Part-time, Seasonal
Salary Range: $20/hour
Reports to: Upper Program Coordinator

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 basic boating skills, including knot tying.
• 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.

Salary & Benefits Information: Rate of pay is $20 per hour for an average of 30 hours per week, issued biweekly on Wednesdays. Seasonal and part-time employees are eligible for supplemental benefits through our third-party providers.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Education Program Coordinator

Location: Amherst County, VA
Telework: Hybrid
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full Time
Salary Range: $42,000 – $52,000
Reports to: Director of Education

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 an Education Program Coordinator to facilitate programs based out of JRA’s Upper James River Education Center located at Riveredge Park in Amherst County, VA, as well as within the surrounding region. In this role, you’ll focus on delivering engaging, high-quality environmental education programs while coordinating and leading the logistical and operational components of these experiences. Acting as a program lead for trips and programs, this position collaborates closely with the Director of Education team members, and external partners to ensure smooth, impactful programming. The Education Program Coordinator will serve as a key contact for program communications, safety preparation, and equipment management, contributing to the James River Association’s mission of protecting and enhancing the James River. 

We’re looking for someone with passion for education with leadership skills and a commitment to fostering meaningful environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational and project management abilities, and a demonstrated ability to manage time effectively across multiple priorities. They should also have a passion for environmental education along with a personal interest in the James River.

Responsibilities: 

• Program Delivery – Deliver dynamic environmental education experiences for school-age students, ensuring inclusivity for participants of all ages and backgrounds. Lead multi-day trips, including overnight experiences, ensuring program safety and excellence.
• Program Coordination and Leadership – Serve as the main point of contact during trips to ensure smooth execution and address challenges. Brief seasonal educators on schedules and content, ensuring clarity and readiness. Collaborate with the Education Specialist and Director of Education to align programs with organizational goals and lead team debriefs for feedback and improvement.
• Operations, Maintenance, and Safety Preparation – Oversee the daily maintenance and organization of JRA’s Upper James Education Center, including managing educational resources. Ensure the readiness of boats, canoes, vehicles, and equipment, coordinating seasonal openings and inspections with the Assistant Director of Operations. Lead safety preparations and ensure compliance with safety standards for all activities.

• Community Engagement – Represent the organization at community events to build awareness and foster engagement. Build positive relationships with partners, parents, and participants to enhance the impact of the program.

• Administrative Duties: Build strong relationships with school districts and other community partners to support and grow JRA’s educational programs. Respond to field trip and program inquiries, meet with district leaders to plan logistics, handle scheduling and invoicing, and coordinate changes and cancellations. Log trip data, keeping accurate records, supporting the Director of Education with program communications, and offering feedback to help improve curriculum and participant engagement.

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
• Demonstrated leadership in coordinating educational programs and managing teams.
• Comfort with kayaking and canoeing, including basic paddling skills, safety practices and gear management and maintenance.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Strong group management, communication and interpersonal skill and experience working effectively 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, with at least three years of experience in environmental or outdoor education, or a similar role.
• Experience coordinating and managing educational programs, including scheduling, logistics, and communication with partners.
• Must be available for flexible scheduling, including occasional weekends, evenings, and overnight trips. 
• 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:

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage logistics across multiple programs, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Familiarity with field science tools and equipment, such as water quality testing kits, sampling gear, and data collection instruments.
• Boating safety certification and/or willingness to obtain required certifications, such as CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Responder/Wilderness First Aid, etc.

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. Work-life balance and dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment. The exempt salary range for this full-time position is [salary range annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Assistant Coastal Restoration Director

Location: Williamsburg, VA
Telework: 75% office-based (Williamsburg or home office), 25% field-based.
Experience:  Mid-Senior
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $60,000 to $70,000
Reports to: VP of Programs

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 an Assistant Director of Coastal Restoration.  In this role, you will: 1) serve as coordinator and convener for the Living Shoreline Collaborative (LSC), a group of regional and state partners working together to scale up implementation of resilient practices along shorelines in the tidal James River watershed, 2) provide oversight for restoration staff that manage green infrastructure projects such as those installed through the Living Shoreline Cost-Share Program, which assists landowners to install living shorelines on their property, and 3) help guide the vision of JRA’s role in resiliency efforts in the Lower James watershed. For more information about JRA’s Living Shoreline Collaborative and Cost Share Program visit https://www.jamesrivershorelines.org/

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the convener for the LSC which includes administrative tasks associated with coordinating partners; managing grant subawards and deliverables; holding field visits; capacity building workshops for localities, designers, and contractors; partner meetings; and Annual Living Shoreline Summits that bring regional partners together for training and knowledge-sharing.
• Lead the vision for JRA’s coastal restoration efforts in the Lower James River watershed including annual work plans, long term strategy, tracking progress, and identifying funding and partnership opportunities.
• Manage JRA team members, including JRA’s Sr. Coastal Restoration Manager who is also based out of JRA’s Williamsburg office, and oversees the hiring of new staff for the Coastal Restoration team. Works closely with other JRA team members which work out of JRA’s other office locations.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, watershed conservation groups, academic institutions, local governments, and other regional partners.
• Lead the Coastal Restoration team in pursuing grant applications, developing grant reports, and managing the program budget. Oversee implementation of several multiyear grants totaling over $1M in program expenses for restoration projects and LSC initiatives.
• Direct outreach efforts in the Lower James to identify restoration project sites, foster partnerships with local communities, and recruit volunteers for the Marsh Stewards program. Assist with living shoreline plantings, tree plantings, and other restoration events in the Lower James watershed.
• Act as a spokesperson for JRA at public speaking engagements, in media releases, and at program events/meetings.
• Participate in regional stakeholder meetings around resiliency and nature-based strategies in the Lower James region.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related science, natural resource-related field, or over 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, staff, and meet deadlines.
• A successful candidate is someone who is willing to spend time both in the office to coordinate partners and handle reporting, as well as in the field to visit sites and oversee installation of living shoreline projects.

Requirements:

• Comfort and flexibility in working with a variety of people, including urban and rural populations, local governments, citizens, volunteers, and other conservation groups.
• Familiarity with principles of watershed management, sea level rise, stormwater, and water quality issues, particularly related to the James River.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and ability to work independently in a deadline-driven environment.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout the James River watershed, particularly within the Lower James region.
• Computer skills, particularly in word processing and record-keeping (Microsoft Word and Excel), and familiarity with internet communication and search tools, GIS

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Familiarity with the permitting process for living shoreline projects.
• Experience in grant writing and project management.
• Comfortable being a spokesperson for JRA.

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. Work-life balance and dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment. The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $60,000 to $70,000 annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled. The desired start date for this position is August 28th, 2025 or sooner.

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.

Open Positions

 No open positions at this time. 

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!