International Coastal Cleanup Volunteer

About the Role

Volunteers support Indian River County Parks, Recreation & Conservation and Coastal Connections by assisting with a one-day community cleanup at Round Island Riverside Park. The event focuses on removing litter and debris from public-use areas bordering the Indian River Lagoon, improving park conditions, and protecting local wildlife and aquatic habitats. This opportunity is ideal for individuals, families, students, civic organizations, businesses, and community groups interested in environmental stewardship, marine conservation, litter prevention, public lands, community service, or the health of the Indian River Lagoon.

Responsibilities

• Check in with event leaders and attend the required safety briefing before beginning volunteer activities.
• Collect litter and debris from designated areas, which may include the shoreline, boardwalk, trails, picnic areas, parking areas, and other public-use spaces.
• Use cleanup supplies such as gloves, bags, buckets, or litter-removal tools as directed by staff and event leaders.
• Sort, count, record, or consolidate collected debris when requested to support International Coastal Cleanup data collection.
• Carry filled bags or collected materials to designated staging or disposal locations within the park.
• Immediately report sharp objects, medical waste, chemicals, dead or injured wildlife, unknown containers, or other potentially hazardous materials to staff; volunteers must not handle these items.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife, nests, native vegetation, shoreline habitat, park infrastructure, and other natural or cultural resources.
• Maintain a safe and organized work area and assist with final cleanup of the volunteer check-in and staging areas.
• Demonstrate respect for park visitors, other volunteers, staff, wildlife, and the natural environment.
• Represent Indian River County Parks, Recreation & Conservation in a positive and professional manner.
• Follow all County policies, safety procedures, event rules, and staff instructions.

Requirements

• Volunteers age 18 and older may participate independently; volunteers ages 14 through 17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
• Ability to work outdoors for the duration of the volunteer event.
• Ability to walk on uneven, sandy, wet, vegetated, or potentially slippery surfaces.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and carry light materials or filled cleanup bags for short distances.
• Comfort working near water and around vegetation, insects, sun exposure, heat, humidity, and other natural outdoor conditions.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality; volunteers should arrive by 8:45 AM.
• Closed-toe shoes are required.
• Comfortable outdoor clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, work gloves, and a reusable water bottle are recommended.
• Attendance at the required safety briefing before beginning volunteer activities.
• Adherence to all County policies, safety procedures, environmental protection guidelines, and code of conduct standards.

Schedule

The volunteer event will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

• Volunteer check-in and safety briefing: 8:45 AM
• Cleanup activities: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location

Round Island Riverside Park
2200 South Highway A1A
Vero Beach, FL 32963

Volunteer check-in will be located near the picnic pavilion and main parking area.

Supplies

• Cleanup supplies, including collection bags and other materials needed for the event, will be provided by the event organizers.
• Gloves and litter-removal tools will be available as supplies allow.
• Volunteers may bring their own work gloves if preferred.
• Volunteers are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.

Event Contacts

Robert Catapano, MBA
Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator
Parks, Recreation & Conservation
Office: (772) 226-1724 | Cell: (772) 584-1147
Email: rcatapano@indianriver.gov

Olivia Roddenberry
Environmental Education Coordinator
Conservation Lands Division
Office: (772) 226-1772 | Cell: (772) 925-9050
Email: oroddenberry@indianriver.gov