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.

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

 Seasonal Environmental Educator

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 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.

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

 Event Space Coordinator

Location: Richmond, VA
Telework: Hybrid
Experience: Entry-Mid
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time (20 Hours/Week)
Hourly Range: $20.00-$25.00
Reports to: Director of Operations

The James River Association (JRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. We are excited to announce an opening for an Event Space Coordinator.

In this role, you will provide administrative support for scheduling and coordinating events throughout at the James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond, Virginia. Specifically, you will oversee the scheduling, planning, and execution of event rentals and JRA community events. Key responsibilities include managing an event planning database, handling logistics, fostering relationships with partners, and ensuring all events align with JRA’s mission and strategic objectives.

 Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all aspects of event rentals, including handling inquiries, processing bookings, managing contracts, and providing on-site support for the James A. Buzzard River Education Center
• Utilization of the EventPro platform to manage event planning and execution, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless coordination.
• Act as the primary liaison for partners and stakeholders interested in hosting events at JRA sites, delivering exceptional customer service throughout the process.
• Ensure all events comply with safety, accessibility, and environmental standards to align with JRA’s mission and values.
• Monitor and report on event metrics, manage budgets, and gather feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance future events.

Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated passion for event coordination and engaging diverse audiences, particularly in outdoor and community-based settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and approachable demeanor.
• Experience in managing logistics, timelines, and partnerships preferably within a nonprofit environment.
• Proficient in maintaining and using event management databases to support planning and reporting.
• Skilled in fostering relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and attendees to ensure successful event outcomes.
• Committed to promoting a positive team culture and integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) principles into daily responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and communicate effectively with varied audiences.
• Flexibility to travel across the James River Watershed to support events and engagements as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent experience
• 1-2 years of experience in event planning.
• Proven ability to contribute to revenue growth through outstanding administrative support and effective coordination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional demeanor.
• High standards for quality and attention to detail.
• Experience in office administration.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with event planning systems, particularly EventPro
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and event and data management software.
• Proven success in coordinating and executing events, with strong writing and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow through on commitments, coupled with effective public speaking skills to engage and inform diverse audiences.
• Commitment to fostering positive relationships with community partners, event participants, and supporters, ensuring their recognition and engagement in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and a self-directed work ethic in alignment with JRA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Willingness to travel throughout the James River Watershed for event coordination, meetings, and site visits, with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment. The non-exempt part-time hourly range is $20.00-$25.00 hourly, 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. 

 Education Program Coordinator – Petersburg

Location: Richmond Office
Telework: Hybrid
Experience:  Mid-level
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full Time
Salary Range: $42,000 – $52,000
Reports to: 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 an Education Program Coordinator. 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 Regional Education Manager, 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, a passion for environmental education and curriculum development, and a personal interest in the James River.

Responsibilities: 

• Program Delivery – Deliver dynamic environmental education experiences for school-age children, ensuring inclusivity for participants of all ages and backgrounds. Facilitate professional learning for educators that connects them with the natural and cultural resources of the James River. 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 Manager 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 education centers, including managing educational resources. Ensure the readiness of boats, canoes, vehicles, and equipment, coordinating seasonal openings and inspections with the 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 – Log trip details and maintain accurate records for documentation. Support the Education Program Manager with communications related to JRLE and provide feedback on curriculum effectiveness to improve 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.
• 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.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in environmental education, outdoor education, or a similar role.
• 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:

• Comfort with kayaking and canoeing, including basic paddling skills, safety practices and gear management and maintenance.
• 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 $42,000 – $52,000 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. 

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!