James River Association - Seasonal Environmental Educator

Location: Amherst County, VA

Telework: On-site

Duration: 12 weeks

Experience:  Entry

Number of Openings: 1

Job Status: Part-time 

Salary Range: $20 per hour

Reports to: Upper James Education Program Coordinator

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 Seasonal Environmental Educator based out of our Upper James Education Center located at Riveredge Park in Amherst County, VA! In this role, you’ll team up with other JRA staff to implement both existing and new education initiatives. You’ll participate in a supportive, positive team environment that values an inclusive, community-focused approach to educational programs.

You’ll be working an average of 30 hours/week, including occasional weekends, with the contract ending at the conclusion of  the fall season (by December 1). Reporting to the Upper James Education Program Coordinator and working closely with other educators, you’ll ensure exceptional service to our students and the local community.

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, paddling skills, and a personal interest in the James River. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead hands on environmental education programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Work with boats and field equipment at various sites to conduct outdoor experiences.
• Provide a safe educational environment for students in a variety of new experiences.
• Support strong relationships with school administrators, teachers, youth groups, and organizational partners to improve program outcomes and ensure high participation retention in JRA education programs.
• Assist in creating curriculum for the education program and collaborate with the Upper James Education Program Coordinator and other education team members on program implementation.

Qualifications: 

• Experience with using and knowledge of kayaks and canoes 
• Familiarity with Google suite and basic computer skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Reliability to work at various sites for 30 hours each week

Requirements: 

• Ability to operate JRA vehicles and obtain a valid state issued driver’s license
• Ability to lift and carry equipment ranging from 40-50 pounds
• Ability to pass applicable pre-hire or licensure background checks
• Must have strong communication skills and be able to effectively interact with diverse audiences of youth, educators, donors, partners, and the general public.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in the field of environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential education 
• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, science education, or a related field. 
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Experience in planning lessons aligned with the state standards of learning (SOL)
• Flexibility and ability to engage positively on a consistent basis with age groups K-12.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and patience with diverse stakeholders while managing multiple responsibilities.

Salary & Benefits Information: Rate of pay is $20 per hour for an average of 30 hours per week, issued biweekly on Wednesdays. Seasonal and part-time employees are eligible for supplemental benefits through our third-party providers.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. 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.

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!