Seasonal Environmental Educator

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 a Seasonal Environmental Educator. In this role, you’ll deliver engaging, high-quality environmental education programs. This role involves direct participant interaction, program preparation, and operational support to ensure smooth and impactful experiences. Seasonal Environmental Educators are essential in inspiring environmental stewardship and fostering connections with the James River through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration.

This is a part time, seasonal position, averaging no more than 30 hours per week with the season running between February 15 and November 31. 

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

Responsibilities: 

• Program Delivery: Deliver engaging educational programming to participants of various ages, fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable educational environment that is trauma-informed and supports diverse student populations in exploring new experiences.
• Group Management: Manage large student groups during programs to ensure a positive and productive experience for all attendees.
• Educational Materials Preparation: Prepare and organize educational materials, including making copies and setting up activities and learning stations.
• Participant Check-In: Assist with check-in, including collecting permission forms and waivers.
• Facility and Equipment Support: Assist with preparing the fleet, facilities, and equipment before programs and ensure proper breakdown and clean-up afterward.
• Gear Maintenance: Participate in the daily cleaning, maintenance, and minor repairs of program gear to ensure functionality and readiness.
• Community Engagement: Support community events by assisting with logistics and on-site activities as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Passion for environmental education and a commitment to the mission and values of the James River Association.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to program setup and breakdown, including ability to lift equipment ranging from 40-50 pounds
• Strong group management and experience working with children or adults in an educational or recreational setting.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to effectively interact with diverse audiences of youth and educators.
• Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Science Education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Must be available for flexible scheduling, including occasional weekends and evenings.
• Ability to travel to various locations within the assigned region as needed to support programmatic requirements and seasonal demands, sometimes on short notice.
• Travel within the James River watershed may be occasionally required for meetings and training.
• Ability to operate JRA vehicles and obtain a valid state issued driver’s license

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience delivering environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential programs in outdoor settings, such as rivers, parks, or restoration sites.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Comfort with kayaking and canoeing, including basic paddling skills and safety practices.
• Comfort with boating and fishing activities such as pulling trawl nets, handling various aquatic species, and a willingness to learn and apply basic boating skills, including knot tying.
• Familiarity with field science tools and equipment, such as water quality testing kits, sampling gear, and data collection instruments.
• Certifications such as CPR and First Aid, ACA Kayak and Canoe, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder are preferred to support safety and outdoor program delivery.