Education Program Coordinator (Petersburg)

James River Association - Education Program Coordinator

Location: Richmond Office (Based in Petersburg) 

Telework: Hybrid

Experience:  Mid-level

Number of Openings: 1

Job Status: Full Time

Salary Range: $42,000 - $52,000

Reports to: Regional Education Manager

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 Education Program Coordinator. In this role, you’ll focus on delivering engaging, high-quality environmental education programs while coordinating and leading the logistical and operational components of these experiences. Acting as a program lead for trips and programs, this position collaborates closely with the Regional Education Manager, team members, and external partners to ensure smooth, impactful programming. The Education Program Coordinator will serve as a key contact for program communications, safety preparation, and equipment management, contributing to the James River Association’s mission of protecting and enhancing the James River. 

We’re looking for someone with passion for education with leadership skills and a commitment to fostering meaningful environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for environmental education and curriculum development, and a personal interest in the James River. 

Responsibilities: 

• Program Delivery - Deliver dynamic environmental education experiences for school-age children, ensuring inclusivity for participants of all ages and backgrounds. Facilitate professional learning for educators that connects them with the natural and cultural resources of the James River. Lead multi-day trips, including overnight experiences, ensuring program safety and excellence.
• Program Coordination and Leadership - Serve as the main point of contact during trips to ensure smooth execution and address challenges. Brief seasonal educators on schedules and content, ensuring clarity and readiness. Collaborate with the Education Manager to align programs with organizational goals and lead team debriefs for feedback and improvement.
• Operations, Maintenance, and Safety Preparation - Oversee the daily maintenance and organization of education centers, including managing educational resources. Ensure the readiness of boats, canoes, vehicles, and equipment, coordinating seasonal openings and inspections with the Director of Operations. Lead safety preparations and ensure compliance with safety standards for all activities.
• Community Engagement - Represent the organization at community events to build awareness and foster engagement. Build positive relationships with partners, parents, and participants to enhance the impact of the program.
• Administrative Duties - Log trip details and maintain accurate records for documentation. Support the Education Program Manager with communications related to JRLE and provide feedback on curriculum effectiveness to improve participant engagement.

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
• Demonstrated leadership in coordinating educational programs and managing teams.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Strong group management, communication and interpersonal skill and experience working effectively 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.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in environmental education, outdoor education, or a similar role.
• Must be available for flexible scheduling, including occasional weekends, evenings, and overnight trips. 
• 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:

• Comfort with kayaking and canoeing, including basic paddling skills, safety practices and gear management and maintenance.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Familiarity with field science tools and equipment, such as water quality testing kits, sampling gear, and data collection instruments.
• Boating safety certification and/or willingness to obtain required certifications, such as CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Responder/Wilderness First Aid, etc.

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package includes fully paid employee-only health and dental coverage, Life and LTD insurance, generous paid time off (starting at four weeks/year), twelve paid holidays, and 401(k) matched contributions! Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment. The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $42,000 - $52,000 annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. 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.