The Elizabeth River Project is hiring a Restoration Field Technician to play a hands-on role in improving the health of the Elizabeth River. This is a full-time, temporary position starting now and going through September, with the potential to transition into a permanent role depending on available funding and employee performance.
This position is physically demanding and takes place outdoors in all weather conditions. The technician will perform daily manual labor, including digging, planting, lifting, carrying heavy materials, and constructing natural infrastructure such as rain gardens, oyster reefs, and living shorelines. Candidates must be comfortable working in muddy, uneven, or wet environments, often near or in shallow water, and performing tasks such as wheelbarrowing materials, moving oyster shells, and installing native plants. This position also helps maintain safety of job sites, particularly as it involves heavy machinery and working near water.
The technician will support our restoration team, working to implement best management practices that reduce pollution and restore habitat throughout the watershed. This includes loading and unloading supplies such as native plants, bags of sand, and other materials needed for each job site.
This role also supports the ongoing maintenance of the Ryan Resilience Lab grounds, with a focus on landscape upkeep, removing invasive species, and caring for green infrastructure like the rain gardens and green roof.
In addition to physical work, the technician will interact directly with the public and volunteers. The ability to maintain a friendly, professional attitude and provide basic information about the Elizabeth River Project’s Restoration projects is essential. Strong communication and teamwork skills are important, as this position works closely with other staff in the field.
Ideal candidates will have experience in landscaping, restoration, construction, or other forms of physically demanding work. Experience in customer service or public engagement is a plus. Above all, applicants must be reliable, able to follow instructions, and committed to safety and environmental stewardship. The pay for this position ranges from $17 – $18/hour based on experience.
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your resume and three professional references to Jaye Hughes, our Human Resources Manager, at jhughes@elizabethriver.org.
The Elizabeth River Project is an equal opportunity employer.
