Employment

 

If hard, rewarding work is calling you …

Join our team to help protect and preserve Virginia’s most vital resource. Our staff works hard to nurture the James, enjoy the James, and restore the river we love.

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountains and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

John Lubbock

Staff picking up tires

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: 1) Achieving a fully healthy James River; and 2) Helping communities within the watershed realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

We’re committed to embedding the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all parts of our work and our watershed. We acknowledge this takes time, intention, and effort. It requires truly listening to others, identifying shared goals, and charting a strategic course through collective action. People who have been historically marginalized in the James River Watershed have suffered injustices for far too long. At JRA, we recognize that at times our actions and inaction have contributed to the problem, and now we are stepping up to be part of the solution.

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

Presquile Seasonal Environmental Educator

Location: Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, Chester, Virginia
Telework: On-site
Experience: Entry Level
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Part-time, Seasonal
Salary Range: $20/hour
Reports to: Regional Education Manager

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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Additional Benefits: Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, flexible work environment.

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

 Seasonal Environmental Educator

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

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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Additional Benefits: Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, flexible work environment.

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

 Donor Engagement 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 Donor Engagement Manager. In this role, you’ll plan and execute events across the James River Watershed, drive engagement with our donors, and support our 5-year strategic Development plan.

We’re looking for someone with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for event planning and building relationships with donors, and a personal interest in the James River. This is a hybrid position working out of our Richmond, VA office.

 Responsibilities: 

  • Event Planning and Coordination: Plan, coordinate, and execute JRA events throughout the James River watershed, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community impact.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with Development and Marketing Teams to develop event concepts, oversee design and production of materials, manage promotion, and fulfill sponsorship commitments.
  • Budget Management: Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses, and meet revenue goals to support JRA’s financial objectives.
  • Sponsorship Development: Create tailored sponsorship packages in collaboration with the Development Team, CEO, Board of Directors, and Event Committees to secure sponsorships and maintain partner satisfaction.
  • Relationship Building: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with current event sponsors while actively pursuing new sponsorship opportunities to expand support.
  • Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and manage event volunteers, including leading volunteer committees as necessary, to ensure efficient and effective event execution.
  • Event Metrics Analysis: Track and analyze event metrics to assess success and inform future planning and improvements.
  • Logistics Oversight: Manage all event logistics, from venue selection to on-site coordination, ensuring a seamless and professional experience for attendees and partners.
  • Donor Portfolio Management: Manage an assigned portfolio of annual donors, developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies in collaboration with the Development Team to increase donor engagement and support.
  • Community Representation: Conduct presentations, tours, donor visits, and represent the organization at community events, supporting broader development initiatives such as annual appeals.

Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated passion for driving revenue from event management  and engaging audiences in outdoor settings.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of professionalism.
  • Experience managing donor relationships within a nonprofit environment.
  • Proficient in information management for reporting, 
  • Proven experience in executing diverse fundraising strategies.
  • Skilled in encouraging a positive team culture and embedding DEIJ initiatives into daily work
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to manage and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
  • Flexibility to travel across the James River Watershed as needed.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent experience
  • 2-3 years of experience in event planning and volunteer coordination.
  • Demonstrated success in revenue generation from events.
  • 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 CRM systems, particularly Salesforce
  • Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and event and data management software.
  • Proven success in event management and execution, with strong writing and interpersonal skills for effective relationship-building.
  • Attention to detail with timely follow-through on commitments and public speaking ability for engaging with groups and organizations.
  • Commitment to understanding and fostering donor relationships, recognition, and stewardship in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong initiative, flexibility, and a self-directed work ethic aligned with JRA’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Willingness to travel throughout the James River watershed for meetings and events, with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for donor visits and activities.

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 $55,000 to $62,000 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. 

Why Work for the James River Association?

We are OPTIMISTS

We believe through individual and collective action, the James River can be preserved and improved, enriching all communities in the watershed.

We are CATALYSTS

We are proactive change-makers, not bystanders. We take initiative, bring creativity and passion, and enlist the broader community to drive positive change for the James River.

CREDIBILITY is our currency.

Our success depends on the trust we build. We operate with integrity and can be relied on as a true, steady, dependable resource grounded in science.

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.

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 your community is in the James River watershed, you can give back to its health.
Whether you appreciate access to clean water or just feel passionate about protecting our environment, there are things you can do that don’t involve getting wet!

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

We are a voice for the James, identifying the risks facing our river and sharing solutions that will produce results for clean water and healthy waterways. With so much ground to cover, we need your help.

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!