Position Title: AmeriCorps Crew Member (PDF)

Program Website: https://wiscorps.org/crew-program/

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

Service Dates: September 9th through November 14th, 2025 (10 weeks, 675-hour AmeriCorps Service Term)

Benefits:

• Biweekly living stipend – $300 per week for 10 weeks, $3,000 total (paid throughout the season
• AmeriCorps Education Award – Approximately $2,800 (upon successful completion of service)

Housing: WisCorps crews live in single-occupancy tents or dormitory-style housing during the field season. They typically camp in a State or County Park, or a natural spot near the project site in the summer and early fall. When evening temperatures begin to plummet in the fall, we provide indoor housing for our crews.

The crews will always have access to toilets at the project site or camp, and most State Park campsites have direct access to showers. For camping without showers, crews will usually shower at a nearby community center once or twice a week. Camp showers may also include a shower located inside a privacy tent near the campsite. In rare cases, such as at Isle Royale National Park, showers are only accessible on off-days because the crew is in a remote part of the wilderness area. 

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

Position Overview: Crew Members complete high-priority restoration projects all over Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as a part of the WisCorps Crew Program. WisCorps crews can expect to perform conservation service projects with 3 to 6 different project partners during their season. Crew Members and Crew Leaders may be reassigned from one crew to another, depending on the needs of WisCorps or project partners. Projects may include habitat restoration, invasive plant removal and treatment, trail building and restoration, boardwalk construction, carpentry projects, and other land and grounds management duties for project partners. Crew Members live and serve with two Crew Leaders and two or three fellow Crew Members throughout the season. Crew Members can expect to live in single-occupancy tents at campsites and campgrounds or in indoor, dormitory-style housing near their project sites. Crews may relocate every week or may stay in one location for several weeks at a time. When not actively serving on a project, Crew Members are responsible for promoting community service and environmental awareness through community engagement and volunteerism in the outdoors.

Service Description: Wisconsin Conservation Corps 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

Throughout the season, WisCorps crews will live, serve, and travel together. During their off time, they can explore nearby towns and natural areas, attend to chores such as laundry and grocery shopping, or relax at camp or in the provided housing. WisCorps prohibits the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, and tobacco throughout the crew season, both during the service day and during non-project time. WisCorps crews are dedicated to sustainable living and adhere to Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Participants are responsible for planning a menu, grocery shopping, and cooking together, while taking into account any 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:

• 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 trail
• Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack
• Effectively communicate with fellow Crew Members, Crew Leaders, Wisconsin Conservation Corps 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 Wisconsin Conservation Corps & AmeriCorps policies and procedures
• Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times

Qualifications:

• 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 raingear; 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 tothe full ten-week fall 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.