Position Title: AmeriCorps Crew Member (Position Announcement PDF)

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

Service Dates:

• Summer Session: May 18th through August 15th, 2026 (13 weeks) - 675-Hour Service Term
• Fall Session: September 8th through November 14th, 2026 (10 weeks) - 675 Hour Service Term

Benefits:

• Biweekly living stipend paid throughout the season
  • Summer: $300 per week for 13 weeks, $3,900 total
  • Fall: $300 per week for 10 weeks, $3,000 total
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service
  • Summer: Approximately $2,800
  • Fall: Approximately $2,800

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

Requirements: Ability to pass a background check and full availability throughout the season.

Position Overview: Crew Members complete high-priority conservation and restoration projects across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as a part of the WisCorps Crew Program. Crews partner with land management agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations to complete hands-on projects such as habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail construction, boardwalk installation, and other natural resource improvement work. Crew Members live and serve closely with their teammates throughout the season, forming a cooperative, inclusive living community. Each crew typically consists of two Crew Leaders and three to four Crew Members who share daily responsibilities such as meal planning, cooking, camp setup, and maintenance. Depending on project needs, crews may relocate weekly or remain at a site for several weeks, living in single-occupancy tents or dormitory-style housing. When not serving on active projects, Crew Members participate in community engagement and environmental education efforts, promoting sustainability and outdoor stewardship while exploring the communities they serve. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable field experience, build lifelong connections, and contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes as part of a dedicated AmeriCorps service team.

Service Description: WisCorps crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting changes 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 Members 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 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 Member Training: Crew Members participate in a three-day training program provided by WisCorps staff at the beginning of the season. Crew Member Training features the following trainings and more:

• Wilderness First Aid
• Leave No Trace (LNT) Training
• Brush Saw Use and Maintenance
• Trail Building Basics
• AmeriCorps Orientation
• AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training
• Tent and Campsite Set Up

Responsibilities:

• Serve up to 10 hours per day for 4-10 consecutive days on a crew comprised of 4-7 other service members in outdoor locations; 40 hours per week of direct project field service time is expected
• Serve and live in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures, either in a camping environment or in indoor dormitory-style housing
• Operate and maintain brush saws and hand tools to accomplish environmental restoration project tasks as assigned
• Use long-handled trail-building tools to maintain trails or to build new trails
• Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack
• Effectively communicate with fellow Crew Members, Crew Leaders, WisCorps staff, project sponsors, and members of the public
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and sustainable living techniques
• Be an active and reliable part of 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 18 years of age
• A citizen of the United States, a United States national, or a legal permanent resident of the United States
• Able to perform field duties while exposed to adverse conditions such as inclement weather and biting insects
• Willingness and ability to use hand tools and brush saws to complete assigned tasks
• 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 ten or 13-week field season
• Passionate about environmental causes and creating community through service
• Understanding or willingness to learn various conservation practices or land management techniques
• Proficient communication skills
• Upon hire, all WisCorps Crew Members 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.