Careers in Conservation

 

Opportunities Abound

Careers in Conservation flyer

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There is a growing need for professionals who work in conservation, especially around riparian forest buffers. If you have interest and/or experience in the areas below, this may be a good time to pursue education and a career in this area.

Positions range from 1) primarily indoor focused like grant writing, communications and marketing, and program management, 2) hybrid positions split between indoor and outdoor work like doing site designs, meeting with property owners, and volunteer management, to those that are primarily outdoor focused like planting, buffer and landscape maintenance, and growing trees.

Here are some of the jobs available in the field:

  • Arborists and Foresters
  • Engineers
  • Green Infrastructure, Low Impact Development (LID), Stormwater Professionals
  • Grounds Managers and other maintenance professionals
  • Horticulturists
  • Landscape architects and designers
  • Integrated pest management (IPM) technicians or licensed pesticide applicators
  • Landscape contractors and technicians
  • Nutrient management (fertilizer) planners
  • Soil and Environmental Scientists
  • Urban Planners
  • Agricultural and Natural Resources
  • Other Related Professionals
2023 Business of Buffers Roundtable Final Report

Within the James River Watershed, existing riparian buffer contractors are seeing an increase in the demand for their services but are struggling to recruit and train the workforce needed to fulfill existing contracts, limiting their capacity to take on more work. In addition, the cost of doing business has risen (materials, fuel, equipment, labor rates), profits have decreased, there aren’t always enough seedlings to meet demand, and there have been disruptions in the supply chain for tree tubes. In 2023, CBLP and JRA organized a Business of Buffers roundtable to inform the following:

  1. Small Business Engagement with Buffer Projects
  2. Ongoing Outreach Activities for the Riparian Consortium
  3. Contractor Capacity Building
  4. Planning and Delivery of Training and Professional Development Workshops

Read the Report to see their findings and recommended actions »

Business of Buffers webinar

Seed Your Future

The Seed Your Future movement was founded to address a critical issue in the horticulture industry – the lack of enough qualified candidates for all of the open jobs across the art, science, technology and business of plants. Learn more »

Meet the Pros

See highlights from people in the field and hear about their career path.

Are you a conservation professional? Share your story »

Meet Daniel Grubb

Project Coordinator at Conservation Services Inc.

Meet Christian Anderson

Virginia Agriculture Projects Manager at Alliance For the Chesapeake Bay

Meet Lauren Huey

Director of Environmental Communications at Green Fin Studio

Meet Lindsay Spotts

Upper James River Field Technician at Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Meet David Wise

Watershed Restoration Manager at Stroud Water Research Center

Meet Shereen Hughes

Assistant Director of Wetlands Watch and Virginia CBLP Co-Coordinator

Meet Kelly Snoddy

Senior Conservation Specialist with the Peter Francisco Soil & Water Conservation District

Meet Luke Longanecker

Conservation Programs Manager with the Thomas Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District

Meet Bill Sweeney

Western Regional Watershed Specialist with the Virginia Dept. of Forestry.

Meet Amber Ellis

Restoration Director with the James River Association.

Early Career, Internships & Volunteering

Whether you are just out of high school, college, or looking for a change in your career path, figuring out how to get your foot in the door can be hard! It’s also a time where you might want to try some things out to see what you like and don’t like. Internships and volunteering are both great options to learn more about the conservation world, meet potential employers, and get your feet wet.

Internships & Fellowships

The James River Stewardship Program offers 12-week positions to support James River riparian buffer maintenance. Internships typically start in late May to late August and recruitment starts in February. More info » 

The Virginia Department of Forestry offers paid summer internships each year. They have entry level jobs that do not require a forestry degree. Many have significant fire-response duties. Careers in Forestry brochure »

The Virginia Cooperative Extension, a Virginia Tech program, offers paid summer internships across the state, primarily in agriculture or 4-H youth development. More info »

The Student Conservation Association offers stipened internships across the country. Reach out to them directly and ask for advice on curating your profile to get matched with an opportunity that is right for you.  More info »

The National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates offer fellowships that can help  if you are looking to get into a Masters program. More info »

The Appalachian Conservation Corps partners with land management agencies and organizations to accomplish critical conservation projects and offers internships and AmeriCorps positions . More info »

The Allegheny Mountain Institute offers tuition-free farm fellowships designed for individuals interested in rural agriculture and sustainable farming. More info »

Volunteering

The Virginia Master Naturalist Training runs intensive volunteer training courses that cover all kinds of ecology topics. Learn more »

Your city may have an active Tree Stewards group. Here are a few from around Virginia:

Join the James River Association and Chesapeake Bay Foundation to plant riparian buffers or become a Riparian Steward to help care for them. Volunteer information »

Continued Learning

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Program is a system of materials and consistent instruction across the region, creating a community of certified professionals to be better stormwater partners and environmental stewards.

Visit the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional website for complete information »

CBLP-Buffers

CBLP also offers a series of certificate programs including CBLP-Buffers, a comprehensive riparian buffer training program developed with Pennsylvania partners and members of the James Riparian Consortium.

CBLP-Buffers is taught in 3 sessions, and is comprised of a series of videos, webinars, and in-person field workshops. Field workshops are held in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Virginia. More info »

 

Certified Pesticide Applicator

Virginia Dept of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesThe Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services outlines the steps for becoming a commercial applicator or registered technician. Visit the VDACS website for complete information »

Nutrient Management Certification

Virginia Dept of Conservation and RecreationThe Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers training to receive nutrient management certification in either an Agriculture or Turf and Landscape category. Visit the VDCR website for complete information »

Sustainable Landscape Design with  Woody Plants Certificate Program

This certificate program will familiarize you with woody plant identification, appropriate plant use, and design and landscape establishment in various human-impacted landscapes. Learn more »

Workshops & Training

There are a variety of workshops and training opportunities for you to build your knowledge of the latest and greatest in conservation practices and emerging needs. Keep an eye on our Consortium Calendar for related events.

Check out the calendar »

Job Opportunities

Appalachian Voices is Hiring a Communications Associate

The Communications Associate at Appalachian Voices plays an integral role on the Communications Team by providing assistance in developing, distributing, and maintaining content across the organization’s public-facing communications channels. The Communications Team collaborates with all of the organization’s program staff to develop and execute effective communications strategies. The team’s goal is to help win campaigns and grow movements to end harmful fossil fuel practices and further energy solutions that protect our land, air, water, and communities.

To read more, or to apply, visit appalachian.bamboohr.com/careers

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is Hiring a Project Manager for Greener, Cooler, Healthier Richmond Campaign

VAIPL, a nonpartisan organization, collaborates among people of faith and conscience to grow healthy communities by advancing climate and environmental justice. VAIPL is a regional affiliate of the national organization Interfaith Power & Light. Our office is in Richmond, VA; however, our campaigns and outreach encompass the state of Virginia. We are looking for a full-time program manager to oversee the daily operations of an exciting urban forestry and outreach campaign to address the impact of the urban heat island on Richmond. The ideal candidate will manage grant deliverables and support event planning and execution of a five-year grant.

To read more, or to apply, visit vcnva.org/job-finder/

Virginia Conservation Network is Hiring a Campaigns and Policy Manager: Land Use & Transportation

VCN seeks a committed and motivated individual to lead its land use and transportation policy work. The Campaign & Policy Manager for Land Use & Transportation will work with VCN’s Network Partners to develop and implement strategic advocacy campaigns, improve coordination among allies, and advance Virginia’s sustainable land use and transportation policy. VCN’s Land Use & Transportation workgroup is composed of the leading environment non-profit advocates working on policy in the Commonwealth on issues including: public transportation, electric vehicles, walkable communities, bike lanes, smart growth, and more.

To read more, or to apply, visit vcnva.org/job-finder/

Appalachian Conservation Corps and Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative are Hiring Conservation Field Assistants as part of the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) 

In partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative, we are seeking two Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) Members. The WLCC will train the next generation of conservation leaders for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry. The WLCC is a part of the American Climate Corps (ACC), and service members will receive technical skills training, education awards, and career pathway opportunities. WLCC members will receive on-the-ground experience with partners and organizations who conduct programming to support the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices and systems. 

To read more, or to apply, visit jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationLegacy/Careers/jobs/

Appalachian Conservation Corps and James River Association are Hiring a Restoration and Outreach Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) Placement 

This WLCC Member will support JRA’s riparian forest buffer efforts through a unique position that calls for a creative person that loves the outdoors. This position will include two key roles: 1) outreach and communications support to raise awareness of the benefits of riparian forest buffers and connect landowners to technical and cost assistance programs, and 2) technical field support to include assessment and monitoring of riparian forest buffers in the Middle James River watershed. This position could be teleworking from home or out of JRA’s Scottsville, VA office, and will include field time and frequent travel.

To read more, or to apply, visit jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationLegacy/Careers/jobs/

Southern Grasslands Institute at Austin Peay State University is Hiring Field Technicians

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for two full-time Field Technician positions to study and restore native grasslands on national parks across the Eastern United States as part of our Grasslands Restoration, Inventory, and Monitoring team. Field Technicians will be responsible for collecting baseline data from grassland remnants and proposed grassland “reconstruction” sites at a diverse array of national parks across the Eastern U.S., as well as carrying out restoration and land management work, and collecting post-treatment data from all sites. Field Technicians will travel extensively throughout the year, often working alternative work schedules to reach the different project areas (up to 90% of time will be spent in the field), with overnight stays and travel expenses covered by grant funds. These positions will be remotely based in the Blacksburg and/or Roanoke, Virginia areas.

To read more, or to apply, visit conservationjobboard.com/

Virginia Forestry and Wildlife Group is Hiring Seasonal and Full-Time Natural Resource Management Technicians

The technicians will be part of a field management crew. Activities will include (but are not limited to) the implementation of natural resource management activities: primarily invasive species control (75%), prescribed fire, forest management, wildlife habitat establishment and maintenance, tree/shrub planting, field surveys and assessments and biodiversity restoration work. Excellent communication with company principals, staff and clients (private landowners, public agencies and non-profit organizations) is an important part of the position.

To learn more, or to apply, visit vaforestwild.com/jobs.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network is Hiring a Virginia Communications Manager

The Virginia Communications Manager will engage, educate, and motivate our target audiences through smart, friendly, compelling prose for various communications outlets. The top priority will be earning robust media coverage by producing top-quality messaging and developing solid relationships with outlets throughout Virginia, DC, Maryland, and beyond. The Communications Manager will grow our organic online presence via social media, blogs, and websites. 

To read more, or to apply, visit conservationjobboard.com/

Virginia Cooperative Extension is Hiring an Administrative & Fiscal Assistant in Goochland County

This position works independently with general direction from the Unit Coordinator providing excellent customer service and administrative support to unit faculty and staff. The essential duties to the operation of the unit include administrative, fiscal, and business functions.

To read more, or to apply, visit jobs.vt.edu/

Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is Hiring a Communications Specialist

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is seeking to hire a communications specialist to promote PEC’s mission and programs through a mix of online and offline means. The communications specialist will work to advance the following goals: build a network of reliable activists, donors and members, influence decision-makers to reach better outcomes, increase positive awareness of PEC and build support for a full range of PEC programs, and change behavior and foster an ethic of good stewardship of the Piedmont’s natural resources, historic and cultural resources, and the environment as a whole.

To read more, or to apply, visit pecva.org/about/jobs-internships/

Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is Hiring a Senior GIS Analyst 

PEC is seeking an experienced, innovative and collaborative GIS professional to help advance PEC’s mission. PEC utilizes cartography and GIS tools to create effective visualizations of data and easy-to-understand maps for the public. In this fast-paced world, we know that an effective visual can be the pathway for community engagement and action on critical environmental issues facing our region and the planet.

To read more, or to apply, visit pecva.org/about/jobs-internships/

Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is Hiring a Buy Fresh Buy Local Assistant 

PEC is seeking a Buy Fresh Buy Local Assistant to support local farms and a strong rural economy in the Virginia Piedmont. This position is part time and temporary, tasked with successfully updating and producing The Piedmont Environmental Council’s three Buy Fresh Buy Local publications, which help connect residents to local food throughout our region and provide local producers a venue for promoting their products. This role includes project management, sponsor outreach, marketing and communications, writing and editing. The Assistant will work approximately 20-25 hours per week over the course of a nine-month period, likely from October 2024 through June 2025.

To read more, or to apply, visit pecva.org/about/jobs-internships/

James River Association (JRA) is Hiring an Upper James Environmental Educator

In this role, you’ll team up with other JRA staff to organize and develop both existing and new education initiatives. You’ll play a key part in fostering a supportive, positive team environment that values an inclusive, community-focused approach to educational programs. You’ll also assist a seasonal educator in creating and understanding curriculum and educational techniques. Reporting to the Upper James Education Manager and working closely with seasonal educators, you’ll ensure exceptional service to our stakeholders and schools.

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for environmental education and curriculum development, and a personal interest in the James River.

To read more, or to apply, visit thejamesriver.org/about-the-james-river-association/employment/

James River Association (JRA) is Hiring a Director of Education 

We are seeking a passionate Director of Education to join our team. In this role, you will inspire and lead a team of educators, develop and implement innovative environmental science curricula, and drive strategic education initiatives. You will foster collaboration with staff, partners, community members, and students while building and maintaining professional relationships to support JRA’s strategic plan and goals. 

If you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, a proven track record in educational program development and team leadership, and a personal interest in the James River and environmental conservation, we encourage you to apply and join us in making a difference.

To read more, or to apply, visit thejamesriver.org/about-the-james-river-association/employment/

Places to post or look for jobs

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