Travel on a barge. Clean America's rivers. Have the adventure of a lifetime!

Help Wanted: Full-time, paid crew members

Living Lands & Waters is looking for motivated, team-oriented crew members to join us on the river. This is a hands-on, outdoor role supporting river cleanups, habitat restoration, and day-to-day barge operations on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

Crew members live and work together aboard our barge for much of the cleanup season, traveling to different river communities and working closely with staff, volunteers, and partners. If you enjoy physical work, being outside, an adventurous lifestyle, and contributing to meaningful environmental impact, this could be a great fit.

What to Expect

This is a full-time, year-round position with seasonal travel and extended time living on our barge (generally March–November, with some flexibility). Workdays vary depending on weather, river conditions, and project needs.

Room and board and groceries are provided while living on the barge as part of your employment package. Crew members have a private bedroom, shared bathrooms, and a communal galley and living space. This is close-quarters, communal living that works best for people who are respectful, flexible, and team-minded.

Key Responsibilities

Crew members support a wide range of operations, including but not limited to:

• Participating in river cleanups and habitat restoration projects

• Assisting with volunteer coordination and on-site support during cleanup events

• Safely operating boats (including 30’ jon boats) to transport volunteers or collected debris (training provided)

• Driving LL&W vehicles, including trucks with trailers (training provided)

• Supporting barge operations such as rigging, decking, and general upkeep

• Helping with basic maintenance, errands, and daily operational tasks

• Working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

• Traveling to project sites

• Pitching in where needed

You don’t need to know everything coming in - we provide on-the-job training!

What We’re Looking For

We’re less concerned with specific experience and more interested in the kind of person you are. Strong candidates are:

• Reliable, adaptable, and willing to learn

• Comfortable with physical labor and outdoor work

• Positive, respectful teammates who communicate well

• Able to stay flexible in a fast-moving, sometimes unpredictable work environment

• Passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement

• Computer and/or mechanic skills are a plus!

Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older

• Valid driver’s license

• Comfortable with communal living and shared responsibilities

• Able to lift heavy objects and perform physical work safely

• Willing and able to travel and live on the barge for extended periods

A Few Things to Know

• Crew members must relocate to the Quad Cities area as this is where we are based out of when not on the barge

• This is not a remote position - it’s very hands-on and very in-person

• Schedules can include early mornings, long days, and weekend work depending on project needs

• Living Lands & Waters is a close-knit team, and this role is essential to our mission

Why This Work Matters

Since 1998, Living Lands & Waters has removed over 14 million pounds of trash from America’s rivers. Crew members are at the heart of that impact, doing real work that improves waterways, supports communities, and protects ecosystems.

If you’re looking for meaningful work, strong teamwork, and days that don’t look the same twice, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a full-time paid position with benefits.

The position offers a starting salary of $35,000 annually with room to negotiate based on skills and experience. Basic living expenses—including housing, meals, and groceries—are provided. More details will be discussed in the interview process.