Seasonal Living Shoreline Stewardship & Outreach Assistant

Location: Williamsburg Region, Virginia
Telework: Hybrid
Experience: Entry Level
Job Status: Seasonal Part Time, Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate: $15/Hour
Reports to: Senior Coastal Restoration Manager
Duration: June 9-August 15, 2025 (flexibility on start and end date)

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 a job opening for a Seasonal Living Shoreline and Marketing Program Assistant to be focused in the tidal James River watershed of Virginia. Work will be split between field activities and office-related work, with an option of teleworking from home and/or from JRA’s regional offices.  

JRA’s Living Shorelines Program is focused on scaling up implementation of resilient shoreline protection projects in the tidal James River watershed, through use of nature-based designs that provide erosion control, habitat and water quality benefits, and buffer floodwaters. JRA increases installation of living shorelines by 1) working directly with property owners, providing technical assistance and cost share support, and 2) convening the Living Shoreline Collaborative, a network of partners and communities focused on building and sharing knowledge, increasing capacity, and elevating acceptance of living shorelines. This position will support several key initiatives, including: the Living Shoreline Cost Share Program, Marsh Stewards Program, and the Living Shoreline Collaborative.

This seasonal opportunity offers hands-on experience in coastal restoration, environmental stewardship, marketing and communications, along with opportunities to network with professionals across nonprofits, government, and academia. Note that the position may require driving to attend partner meetings and to access JRA’s living shoreline projects, which span from Hampton and Norfolk to Charles City County. This position will receive on the ground training in plant identification, and shoreline maintenance and assessment by JRA and partner staff. JRA will provide access to a laptop, and supplies needed for shoreline assessments.

Key Responsibilities:

Site Inspections & Monitoring (Cost Share Program):

• Assist with pre- and post-construction inspections of living shoreline sites
• Collect field data to assess living shoreline project success
• Support data management related to site assessments

Community Engagement (Marsh Stewards Program):

• Help coordinate and support volunteer stewardship events (e.g., marsh plantings, invasive species removal, site cleanups) 
• Assist with outreach materials, event logistics, and volunteer coordination
• Contribute to educational content creation for social media

Partnership & Program Support (Living Shoreline Collaborative):

• Support planning/coordination of Living Shoreline Collaborative meetings
• Assist with maintaining website, generating monthly LSC newsletter, and general marketing
• Other general duties as assigned such as blog writing, water quality monitoring, or other activities related to promoting and stewarding living shorelines

Qualifications:

• Interest in environmental science, marine biology, ecology, or related field
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in coastal/marsh environments and work in various weather conditions such as heat, rain, and cold
• Willing to participate in JRA’s random drug testing policy for vehicle operators
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation 
• Computer skills, particularly in word processing and record-keeping (Microsoft Word and Excel). GIS experience is a plus, but not required.
• Excellent at problem-solving, meeting deadlines, following schedules, and overall time management
• Ability to coordinate with partners and collaborators via email and phone.
• Strong communications, analytical skills, teamwork, integrity, and reliability.

Compensation: JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment. Pay is set at $15/hour, 30-40 hours a week for 10 weeks. This position is part-time, non-exempt. JRA is an equal opportunity employer. 

Additional Benefits: Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, flexible work environment.