River Restoration Crew

Position Overview

The Northwest Indiana region has some of the most beautiful and diverse parklands / natural areas anywhere. The Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the world’s largest urban national park systems encompassing 15,000 acres of Indiana coastal landscape visited by two million people each year. These parklands add immeasurably to the quality of life in the region. River Restoration Crew volunteers will work closely with partners of the National Park, such as the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, on stewardship activities that will help keep the East Branch of the Little Calumet River water trail open and accessible for paddling.

Minimum Commitment

Work is typically done late April-September. Workdays range from a couple times a week to 

biweekly.

Goal / Outcome of Job: 

River Restoration Crew volunteers will work to enhance and protect the water trail system in 

several ways. River Restoration Crew volunteers clean up/fix hazards in and along the water trail 

such as fallen trees, log jams, issues with access sites, manmade garbage, and debris.

Description of Duties

• Coordinate with River Crew leadership to conduct an accessibility assessment of the river 

once every two weeks or after any significant wind or rainstorms. 

• Perform basic water trail restoration/maintenance with the River Restoration Crew using capstan pullers and hand saws (training required). If a member of the crew is trained according to NPS standards, they may operate a chainsaw.

• Participate in trail stewardship workdays.

Knowledge/ Skills Desired

• Knowledge of simple handheld GPS devices and/or have a willingness to learn.

• Ability to paddle a canoe or kayak with competence.

• Ability to help move and relocate large woody debris.

• The ability to work with a diverse community of volunteers and park staff.

• Knowledge and understanding of the National Park Service mission and goals.

• Possess ability to use photos, GPS information and verbal / written communication to 

describe the location and details of trail conditions and invasive species.

• Understand and respect all park regulations and policies.

• Desire and ability to work outdoors.

• Ability to work in inclement weather.

• Ability to work in diverse terrain and footing.

• Ability to handle some strenuous physical activity.

Difficulty 

Average to Strenuous.