Entry Level Conservation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 Coordinator. In this role, you will support community based conservation and stewardship programs across the James River watershed, with a primary focus on JRA's River Hero Homes program and the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative.
JRA's 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.
We're 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 JRA's Director of Community Conservation, Community Conservation Manager, communications team, and regional staff members
• Create educational content for JRA's website, newsletters, and social media accounts in collaboration with JRA's 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, bachelor's 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 driver's 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 JRA's 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 backgrounds-if you're excited about working with us, we want to hear from you!