Friends of the Rappahannock is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religious creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or disability. We are inclusive. We believe diversity drives innovation. We are always growing our partnerships and believe it takes a watershed to make a difference. We strongly encourage applications from People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and those who are members of other marginalized communities.

 

Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) is a 501c3 watershed protection organization. FOR works to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River. We accomplish this through three program pillars – advocacy, restoration, and education. FOR seeks a full-time (minimum 32 hours/week) Environmental Educator to support our robust environmental education program. This will include classroom and outdoor education, including on-water programs and physical restoration work, as necessary. This position will be based out of our Culpeper, VA office.

 

Duties

  • Support our Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) programs in the upper Rappahannock region (Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, Greene) by providing in-class school visits, leading outdoor field experiences, and supporting student action projects.
  • Support teacher professional development workshops introducing MWEE elements.
  • Support our summer camp program, leading week-long day programs for students K-8 through environmental education and river recreation programs.
  • Support environment and outdoor education public programs in partnership with Parks and Recreation, including nature hikes, homeschool and pre-k programs, and paddles. 
  • Support education program planning, logistics, and communications with partners and participants.
  • Support education program attendance tracking and other reporting parameters as necessary.
  • Occasionally support restoration work, including nursery work, tree planting, etc. 
  • Support outreach and fundraising events as necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned by the manager.

 

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related degree, OR relevant training AND/OR coursework.
  • Strong working knowledge of watersheds and human impacts on watersheds.
  • Enthusiasm for working in an inclusive environment that serves children of all backgrounds and abilities.
  • Daily local travel is necessary, with some early mornings, late afternoons, and occasional weekends and evenings. 
  • Able to lift and carry 50 lbs, e.g., Loading kayaks onto a trailer.
  • Extremely organized, adaptable, and personable.
  • Comfortable being outdoors in all weather.
  • Google Suite/Microsoft Word/Excel proficient.
  • Able to pass a background check.
  • A valid driver’s license is required.

 

Preferred

  • Certification in Environmental Education, MWEE 101, OR Certified Interpretive Guide.
  • Minimum of one year of experience leading outdoor environmental education programs.
  • Basic knowledge of native plant and animal species.
  • Experience leading Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences. 
  • Classroom or group management skills indoors and outdoors.
  • Ability to drive company vehicles.
  • Comfortable using basic tools, such as shovels and drills.
  • Comfortable in canoes and/or kayaks.
  • Comfortable speaking basic Spanish.

 

This is a Full-Time position with 37.5 hours per week. As long as a minimum average of 32 hours/week is maintained, full-time employee benefits will be honored. These include paid time off, holiday pay, health care stipend, optional company retirement matching, professional development opportunities, and pro-deals. The pay rate is $18-20/hr, commensurate with experience. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible with a mutually agreed-upon date.

Willing to train the right candidate. Please send a cover letter and resume to our Programs and Operations Manager at April.Harper@riverfriends.org.