Community Conservation Coordinator

About the James River Association

Founded in 1976, the James River Association (JRA) is the oldest and largest river conservation group in Virginia and the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and restoring the James River. JRA has offices in Richmond, Lynchburg, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, as well as the James River Ecology School on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. JRA pursues its vision of a fully healthy James River that supports thriving communities by protecting the James River and connecting people to it. We work through four program areas based on a model of individual engagement – awareness, appreciation, action, and advocacy.  JRA’s core values are: We are optimistic; We are catalysts; Credibility is our currency; and Community drives everything we do.

Position Summary

The James River Association empowers residents of the James River watershed to implement river-friendly conservation practices at home through its River Hero Homes program and facilitates collaboration with communities and local governments to manage stormwater runoff through the use of gray and green infrastructure. JRA’s approach to conservation and stewardship yields desired conservation outcomes for residents of the watershed and supports cleanup plans for the James River to meet Chesapeake Bay and local water quality goals. 

The James River Association is seeking a Community Conservation Coordinator to support its River Hero Homes program and the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative. Core responsibilities of the Community Conservation Coordinator position include facilitating collaboration with external partners and stakeholders to achieve community-supported conservation outcomes, organizing educational workshops that empower residents of the watershed to take conservation actions at home, and organizing community tree planting and stewardship events.

The Community Conservation Coordinator will report to JRA’s Director of Community Conservation.

Primary Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities of the Community Conservation Coordinator position will be supporting JRA’s River Hero Homes program and Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative.

• River Hero Homes
• Plan, schedule, and lead educational River Hero Homes workshops and webinars in collaboration with JRA’s Director of Community Conservation and communications team
• Create educational content to be shared via JRA’s website, newsletters, and social media accounts in collaboration with JRA’s Director of Community Conservation and communications team
• Track key performance indicators and gauge the impact of River Hero Homes
• Assist JRA’s Director of Community Conservation and Director of Grants with writing grant applications and reports

• Greening Richmond Public Libraries
• Schedule and facilitate regularly scheduled Greening Richmond Public Libraries team meetings
• Schedule and facilitate community engagement activities to include in-person and virtual meetings
• Plan, schedule, and lead workshops to be held at Richmond Public Library branches
• Plan, schedule, and lead community tree planting events
• Plan, schedule and lead green infrastructure stewardship volunteer events
• Track key performance indicators and gauge the impact of the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative
• Assist JRA’s Director of Community Conservation and Director of Grants with writing grant applications and reports

• Professional Growth
• Embed with other JRA programs to develop a better understanding of the organization and breadth of its work
• Support JRA programs and events and serve on internal committees
• Successfully complete an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED course
• Register for the Richmond Tree Stewards Training Course and successfully complete certification
• Register for the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Level 1 and 2 courses and successfully pass both exams

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree
• Experience with green infrastructure project planning, implementation, and maintenance
• Experience leading educational programs and volunteer events
• Experience with volunteer recruitment and coordination
• 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

Desired Skills & Abilities

• Team player capable of working with a variety of people to get the job done
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to work in a deadline driven environment
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Ability to lift heavy objects (tools, trees, etc.)
• Ability to drive JRA’s fleet vehicles and tow trailers 

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Richmond, Virginia. JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment with opportunities for growth. A generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes four weeks of paid time off, two floating holidays, 12 paid holidays, sick and bereavement leave, 401(k) with matching contribution (up to 4%), fully paid health and dental insurance coverage (employee only), life insurance, and long term disability insurance. The starting annual salary for this position is $40,000.