Community Conservation Coordinator

James River Association
Community Conservation Coordinator

Location: Richmond VA
Hybrid Position: Approximately 80% on-site and 20% telework
Experience: Entry Level
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Part time non exempt
Position Term: September 1 2026 through May 31 2027
Hourly Wage: $20.00 per hour maximum of 30 hours per week
Reports to: Community Conservation Manager

The James River Association JRA is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. JRA is excited to announce an opening for a Community Conservation this role you will support community based conservation and stewardship programs across the James River watershed with a primary focus on JRAs River Hero Homes program and the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative.

JRAs Community Conservation team empowers residents to implement river friendly practices at home and works with communities to better manage stormwater runoff through the use of gray and green infrastructure. This community driven approach to conservation and stewardship supports residents strengthens neighborhoods and advances cleanup plans for the James River to meet Chesapeake Bay and local water quality goals.

Were looking for someone with strong communication and organizational skills an interest in community engagement and environmental stewardship and a desire to help connect people to actions that protect the James River.

Responsibilities

River Hero Homes

Plan schedule and lead educational River Hero Homes workshops and webinars in collaboration with JRAs Director of Community Conservation Community Conservation Manager communications team and regional staff members
Create educational content for JRAs website newsletters and social media accounts in collaboration with JRAs Community Conservation and communications teams
Facilitate annual and monthly River Hero Homes membership mailings
Track key performance indicators and support evaluation of River Hero Homes program impact

Greening Richmond Public Libraries

Participate in regularly scheduled Greening Richmond Public Libraries team meetings
Support community engagement activities including in person and virtual meetings
Plan schedule and lead educational programs at Richmond Public Library branches
Support planning and implementation of community planting events
Support Green Infrastructure Stewards volunteer events
Track key performance indicators and support evaluation of the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative

Professional Growth

• Embed with other JRA programs to develop a broader understanding of the organization and its work across the watershed
• Successfully complete an American Red Cross First Aid CPR and AED course
• Successfully complete Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Level 1 Certification

Qualifications

Associate degree bachelors degree or equivalent experience
Interest in conservation community engagement environmental education or related fields
Experience supporting or leading educational programs community events or volunteer activities
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products
Knowledge of environmental issues facing the James River and its communities

Requirements

Valid drivers license and clean driving record
Ability to work a part time schedule up to 30 hours per week during the position term
Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for community meetings programs or volunteer events
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff partners volunteers and community members
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a timely and organized manner
Ability to lift and carry tools trees plants and other project materials up to 50lbs
Ability to drive JRA fleet vehicles and tow trailers or willingness to be trained

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience with volunteer recruitment coordination or stewardship events
Experience leading workshops webinars or public education programs
Experience with community engagement or neighborhood based conservation work
Familiarity with stormwater management green infrastructure trees native plants or river friendly practices
Comfort working with a wide range of people partners and community groups
Interest in the James River watershed conservation and community based environmental work

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package

This is a part time non exempt position based in Richmond Virginia. The hourly wage for this position is $20.00 per hour with a maximum of 30 hours per week.

Part time employees are not eligible for JRAs full time employee benefits package but may be eligible for third party benefits through Corestream and Paychex. This position also offers professional development and growth opportunities hands on experience in community conservation and the opportunity to support meaningful stewardship work across the James River watershed.

APPLY HERE by submitting your resume and cover letter with this link.

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.

We are proud to be an EEO employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace. At JRA we believe in community conservation and driving change. We encourage applications from all backgroundsif youre excited about working with us we want to hear from you!