Community Conservation Coordinator

James River Association • Richmond, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The James River Association (JRA) is seeking a Community Conservation Coordinator to support community-based conservation and stewardship programs within the James River watershed. This role will primarily focus on JRA’s River Hero Homes program and the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative. The Community Conservation team at JRA works to empower residents to adopt river-friendly practices at home and assists communities in managing stormwater runoff using gray and green infrastructure. This community-driven approach aims to support residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and contribute to the cleanup plans for the James River, aligning with Chesapeake Bay and local water quality objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, a keen interest in community engagement and environmental stewardship, and a passion for connecting people with actions that protect the James River.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Hands on experience in community conservation
• Opportunity to support meaningful stewardship work across the James River watershed
• Third party benefits through Corestream and Paychex (for part-time employees)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree