Kenosha County Park System – Summer Project Leader (AmeriCorps)

Position Title:  Summer Project Leader (PDF)

Position Service Site:  Kenosha County Park System

Service Time: May 27 – August 15, 2025 (450 hours total, 40 Hours/Week)

Benefits: Living stipend total for whole term = $6,000 ($500 per week) Education Award of approximately $1,900 upon successful completion of service. To find out more about the Award: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award/find-out-more

OVERVIEW: Established in 1927, the Kenosha County Parks system offers over 1,500 acres of managed recreational land at eight parks dotted across the county, plus 14 miles of paved cycling trails. The mission of the Kenosha County Parks Division is to provide accessible, diverse venues throughout the County that encourage the pursuit of healthy, recreational, and educational outdoor activities while promoting the preservation of our community’s natural resources. View the complete mission statement here.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: The Summer Project Leader will be responsible for providing opportunities through the Kenosha County Summer Youth Program. They will spend most of their time leading projects alongside youth crews and crew counselors in the field. The Summer Project Leader will also accomplish meaningful outdoor conservation projects, gain experience in other conservation areas, and explore career options. Kenosha County Parks headquarters staff and leaders will support and mentor them throughout their term of service.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Improvement & Programming

• Hands-on community leadership
• Plan/organize/motivate/mentor small crews (10-15 members & 3-5 counselors)
• Participate in basic park improvement projects
• Leadership with Summer Youth Employment Program (June to September)
• Maintaining natural and prairie areas throughout Kenosha
• Participating in herbicide treatments
• Manual invasive species removal
• Attend and lead invasive species outings
• Organize and develop annual maintenance programs for natural areas/ prairies
• Categorize and document native species within forested areas
• Develop standard operating procedures for prairie areas
• Create hiking trails, build boardwalks and bridges, & close unsustainable trails
• Prune and fell trees
• Assist with planning, scheduling, teaching and general supervision of program
• Complete program and event evaluations

Program Marketing

• Assist in creating publicity for programs and events
• Assist in distribution of publicity for upcoming events
• Assist with marketing on an as needed basis
• Assist with scheduling and supervision of projects
• Make sure appropriate records are being kept as needed

Career Exploration/Conservation Skills

• Construction and maintenance of trails for access for individuals of all abilities
• Non-native plant removal and disposal as well as re-vegetation of native plants
• Restoration and improvement of area ecosystems as related to assigned tasks

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Leadership experience as a summer camp counselor, trip leader, mentor, tutor, resident assistant, or other related experience
• Experience in outdoor recreation
• Passionate about environmental causes and creating community surrounding environmental service
• Understanding of or willingness to learn various conservation practices or land management techniques
• Ability to problem-solve, make decisions, and think creatively
• Proficient communication skills
• Possess a valid driver’s license and an excellent driving record
• Enthusiastic, creative, and flexible
• Physical demands and service environment regularly require the service member to be outdoors in wooded areas and on uneven natural paths
• Physically able to work long days outside in inclement weather, hike on and off trail
• Able to carry up to 50 pounds of equipment
• Work in a variety of weather conditions such as temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense, sunshine, rain, and snow
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions
• Upon hire, a criminal background check will be conducted. 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.