Crew Member

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

Service Dates:

• September 10th through November 15th, 2024
  • 450 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term

Benefits:

• Biweekly living stipend paid throughout the season
  • Fall: $300 per week for 10 weeks, $3,000 total
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service
  • Fall: Approximately $1,900

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 restoration projects all over Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as a part of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps Crew Program. WCC crews travel throughout the northern Midwest and can expect to perform conservation service projects with 3 to 6 different project partners during their season. Crew Members and Crew Leaders may be moved from crew to crew depending on the needs of WCC 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 or three 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 WCC 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. Wisconsin Conservation Corps does not allow the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or tobacco throughout the crew season, during the service day or during non-projec time. WCC 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 WCC 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 rain gear; WCC 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 12 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 Wisconsin Conservation Corps Crew Members must consent to a Criminal History Check; service with WCC will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed

WCC 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.