Position Title: AmeriCorps Crew Leader (Position Description PDF)

Position Service Site: WisCorps based in La Crosse, Wisconsin; project sites throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest

Service Dates: The Crew Leader commitment will feature two AmeriCorps service terms in 2026:

• Summer Session: April 21st - August 19th, 2026 (18 weeks) - 1200-Hour Service Term
• Mid-Season Break: August 20th – September 7th (2 weeks - unpaid)
• Fall Session: September 8th - November 14th, 2026 (10 weeks) - 900-Hour Service Term

Benefits:

• Biweekly living stipend paid throughout the season - $550 per week for 28 weeks, $15,400 total
• Education Award earned upon successful completion of service - Approximately $8,800

Housing: Provided in the form of single-occupancy tents at campsites or dormitory-style indoor accommodations (depending on project and time of year).

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a background check, and full availability throughout the season. At least 21 years of age. A citizen of the United States, a United States national, or a legal permanent resident of the United States. Leadership experience as a conservation corps Crew Leader, summer camp counselor, trip leader, mentor, resident assistant, or other related experience

Position Overview: Crew Leaders guide and motivate Crew Members while completing high-priority conservation and restoration projects across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as a part of the WisCorps Crew Program. A typical WisCorps crew includes two Crew Leaders and three to four Crew Members who live and serve cooperatively throughout the season, forming a close-knit community focused on service, sustainability, and teamwork. Depending on project needs, crews may relocate weekly or remain at a site for several weeks, living in single-occupancy tents at campsites or in shared dormitory-style housing near project sites. Crew Leaders may be reassigned between crews as needed to support WisCorps or project partner priorities. Crew Leaders are responsible for ensuring crew safety, fostering positive team dynamics, and supporting the professional and personal growth of Crew Members. They co-lead daily project work, train Crew Members in conservation techniques, and model effective communication, problem-solving, and leadership in the field. They communicate regularly with WisCorps staff and partners, operate fleet vehicles and trailers, and oversee logistics and transportation. When not serving on active projects, Crew Leaders are responsible for leading the crew in community engagement and environmental education, promoting sustainability and outdoor stewardship while exploring the communities they serve. This position provides valuable leadership and conservation experience while making a lasting impact on public lands through AmeriCorps service.

Service Description: WisCorps crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting change in natural areas around the Upper Midwest. Conservation projects that WisCorps crews complete may include:

• Habitat restoration through the treatment and removal of invasive species
• Trail building and design in state parks, national parks, conserved land, and other publicly accessible natural areas
• Boardwalk construction and installation along National Scenic Trails and in publicly accessible natural areas

Crew Leaders have the opportunity to expand their comfort zone. Crews spend the full duration of their season living, serving, and traveling together. Off times during the season are an opportunity to explore nearby towns and natural areas, take care of chores like laundry and grocery shopping, and relax at camp or in provided housing. WisCorps does not allow the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or tobacco throughout the entire crew season, during the service day or during non-project time. WisCorps crews live sustainably and follow Leave No Trace principles. Participants are responsible for developing a menu, grocery shopping, and cooking together, while taking into account all possible dietary restrictions.

Crew Leader Training: Crew Leaders participate in a five-week training program provided by WisCorps at the beginning of the season. Crew Leader Training features the following trainings and more:

• NOLS Wilderness First Aid
• Chainsaw Use and Maintenance Certification
• Brush Saw Use and Maintenance Training
• Certified Pesticide Applicator Certification in Wisconsin
• Leave No Trace (LNT) Training
• Trail Building Training
• AmeriCorps Orientation
• AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training
• Fleet Vehicle Use and Driving Training
• Trailer Towing Training and Practice
• Tent and Campsite Set Up Training
• Budgeting, Food Shopping, Cooking, and Hygiene Overview

Responsibilities:

• Co-lead and motivate a conservation corps crew made up of 2 or 3 Crew Leaders and 3 or 4 Crew Members
• Serve up to 15 hours per day on the project for 4 to 10 consecutive days in outdoor locations. A total of 40 hours per week of direct project field service time is expected, along with another 40 hours of indirect non-project service time.
• Oversee safety and well-being of the crew during the service day - Provide technical, logistical, and leadership support to crews while training Crew Members in field skills such as situational awareness, tool use, and partner-approved project methods to ensure safety and quality work
• Oversee safety and well-being during non-project time - Instruct Crew Members in all aspects of camp life, including Leave No Trace principles, group kitchen setup and use, hygiene practices, and waste management
• Complete service projects and camp in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures
• Operate and maintain chainsaws, brush saws, carpentry and power tools, herbicide applicators, backpack sprayers, mowers, and hand tools to accomplish conservation projects as assigned
• Communicate regularly with project partners to confirm project goals, expectations, and successful completion of deliverables
• Foster clear, respectful, and consistent communication with Crew Members, WisCorps staff, project partners, and the public
• Operate fleet vehicle and trailer as assigned
• Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack
• Manage day-to-day crew tasks, including cooking, camp cleanliness, crew schedule and time management, errands, chores, and vehicle and trailer cleanliness
• Use basic budgetary and financial guidelines to manage food shopping expenses
• Assist with documenting and promoting the WisCorps Crew Program by photographing participants in the field and sharing photos with WisCorps staff
• Communicate with Crew Members, WisCorps staff, and members of the public
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and sustainable living techniques
• Create a functional and positive crew community
• Abide by all WisCorps & AmeriCorps policies and procedures
• Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times

Qualifications:

• At least 21 years of age
• A citizen of the United States, a United States national, or a legal permanent resident of the United States
• Possess a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record
• Able to perform field duties while exposed to adverse conditions such as inclement weather and biting insects
• Willingness and ability to use herbicide, chainsaws, and any other tools required to complete assigned tasks
• Leadership experience as conservation corps Crew Leader, summer camp counselor, trip leader, mentor, resident assistant, or other related experience
• Participants must provide personal items such as all-leather boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers and rain gear; WisCorps has a small library of outdoor gear that may be borrowed for a season (supplies are limited and are not guaranteed to be available upon arrival)
• Must be able to commit to the full 28-week field season
• Passionate about environmental causes and creating community through environmental service
• Understanding or willingness to learn various conservation practices or land management techniques
• Upon hire, all WisCorps Crew Leaders must consent to a Criminal History Check; service with WisCorps will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed

WisCorps provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to assuring equal employment opportunity and equal access to services, programs, and activities for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability, and need to access information in an alternative format, or need it translated into another language, please contact us at 608-782-2494, by email at staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.