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 commits to a drug free workplace to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve.

Position Description

This is an entry level position that offers the opportunity to learn and engage with program and support staff in several departments. This position’s primary department is the Restoration Department. Your supervisor will be the Deputy Director and you will receive support and additional assignments from the Communications Manager, Upper Rappahannock River Steward, and Volunteer and Outreach Manager. This position will work out of our Upper Rappahannock River Office in Rapidan, Virginia co-located at the George Washington Carver Agricultural Research Center 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733. This office serves the communities of the Rappahannock and Rapidan River Watersheds in Greene, Orange, Madison, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Fauquier Counties. This office also travels to our headquarters office at 3219 Fall Hill Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401 as needed.

Job Duties
This position will be responsible for supporting our grant funded restoration programs and the Rappahannock Conservation Nursery. This includes: Rappahannock Coastal Forest Program, Urban and Community Forestry Projects, River Cleanup Program, and Green Infrastructure projects. Specific tasks include:

  • Daily support and maintenance of the Rappahannock Conservation Nursery
  • Support for riparian buffer project planning, installation, monitoring, and maintenance
  • Support for urban tree planting project planning, installation, monitoring, and maintenance
  • Support for river cleanup projects
  •  Support the recruitment and facilitation of volunteers
  • Support for oyster shell recycling and associated events
  • Use and care of FOR trucks, trailers, and equipment
  • Project tracking and reporting

These tasks require frequent travel to project sites, working outdoors in all weather conditions, physical labor with hand and power tools, lifting heavy objects, working independently, with a small team, and with multiple partner organizations. Many projects require evening and weekend support.

This position will also support our communications and development team with outreach events, interpretive trips, and other tasks as needed. Specific tasks include:

  • Support and contributions to social media and website content
  • Tabling at outreach and community events
  • Support for regional fundraising efforts
  • Creation of promotional materials

At the direction of the Upper Rappahannock Education Manager, this position will support our education programs, including MWEE programs, summer camps, field trips, and other educational programming. All staff contribute to the maintenance of our properties, vehicles, trailers, equipment and tools.

While your supervisor is the FOR Deputy Director and we strive to provide a strong and accessible support system, should you ever desire to speak with another senior staff member about any workplace issues or concerns, our Executive Director and Education Director will always be an available resource for you.

Minimum Qualifications
This position requires previous experience with fieldwork and outdoor labor. The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, forestry, environmental science, ecology or a similar discipline. Previous experience in the nursery and landscape industry may be substituted for education requirements.
  • Knowledge and interest in native plants
  • Virginia drivers license and clean driving record
  • Experience driving trucks, trailers, and handling power tools and equipment
  • Proven ability to work and complete assigned tasks on time and independently
  • Experience working and supporting a small team
  • Experience contributing photos or content to website, blog, or social media

Preferred Qualifications

  • Training via Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) program
  • Experience supervising volunteers
  • Proficiency in Spanish
  • VDACS certified applicator license
  • Previous experience at a native plant nursery
  • Experience with GIS mapping software

Compensation

This is an hourly, part-time position with the opportunity to grow into a full time position for the right candidate. This position will require an average of 25 hours per week with more hours available during peak project seasons. Compensation will be $15 – $18 per hour commensurate with experience.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and two references via email to bryan.hofmann@riverfriends.org with “Restoration Technician” in the subject line. No phone calls please.