Crew Leader
WisCorps, Inc.
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Still Hiring Field Leaders. Work Outside. Get Paid. Make a Difference.
Job Starts: Apr 30, 2024
Wisconsin Conservation Corps
Wisconsin Conservation Corps
Currently recruiting for the season from March 1st, 2024 to November 22nd, 2024.
The WisCorps mission is to develop leadership, self-confidence, and a strong work ethic in youth and young adults through the active stewardship of upper Midwest communities and natural resources. WisCorps, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) conservation corps headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin that engages youth and young adults in two areas: conservation projects and nature education.
Roving Crews complete high-quality projects throughout the upper Midwest as they gain technical skills and expand their knowledge of natural resource management.
- Location
- Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
- Season
- Year Round
- Staff size
- 8
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- Crew Program housing is provided in the form of a single-occupancy tent at a campsite or indoor, dormitory style housing. Individual Placement Program housing is provided for some positions, but not all.
- Family housing available
- No
- Single occupancy housing available
- Yes
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Intermittent
About Wisconsin Conservation Corps
Be prepared to work hard in beautiful places with the Wisconsin Conservation Corps! WCC operates the Crew Program and the Individual Placement Program.
Crews are responsible for the gritty aspect of conservation at natural areas throughout the upper Midwest. Crews work together to build trails, manage habitats, and perform carpentry projects at properties managed by non-profits, local government, state agencies, and the National Park Service. Crews join the teams that manage some of the most beautiful areas in our region. Crew participants get the chance to network with land management agencies, learn various land management techniques, and serve their communities as a member of AmeriCorps. Being on a crew can be a platform for personal change. Crews connect with nature through their AmeriCorps service and their leisure time. Previous Crew Leaders and Crew Members have commented that this opportunity to connect with nature has helped boost their self-esteem and confidence. During the experience, participants collaborate to eat healthily and minimize their impact on the earth.
Individual Placements serve with WCC partner organizations focused on the areas of natural resource conservation and environmental education. Members promote community service and environmental awareness through direct training and service in the outdoors while participating in community engagement projects. Members will spend time researching, maintaining and cultivating interest in community gardens, educate students and community members about the natural world, complete technical fieldwork, and assist with volunteer mobilization and recruitment. Members are supported and mentored by WCC staff and Placement Site staff throughout their term of service.
The Employee Experience
With WCC, you will:
- work directly with WCC staff and project partners
- maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity
- learn and master techniques in different aspects of conservation
Ideal Candidate
Placements, Crew Leaders, and Crew Members are:
- Highly self-motivated, hardworking, confident, autonomous
- Passionate about the environment or nature
- Creative thinkers and have a sense of humor
- People who appreciate being outside
- Understanding of the importance of conservation work
Room and Board
WCC offers housing for the Crew Program. Most crews live and work together throughout the entirety of training and the project season. Housing accommodations vary by crew. Crews may be stationed at various front country campgrounds, may need to camp in backcountry or remote locations, and may live in an apartment or dormitory style space depending on the project and time of year. Tents are provided for all Crew Leaders and Crew Members in the Crew Program, but you may use your own tent if you prefer. All food is provided for the entire season in the Crew Program.
Housing is offered for some Individual Placement positions by the Partner Site. If housing is offered, Members should be prepared to live in communal housing with other members of the program. If housing is not offered, it is the responsibility of the Individual Placement to find accommodations.
Employee Perks
- WCC crews get to live and work in some of the most beautiful National Parks, State Parks, public lands, and wild areas in the Upper Midwest
- WCC provides excellent opportunities to network with land management agencies and nonprofits to learn about potential career paths
- Participants get to learn about themselves, become exposed to other cultures and opinions, learn about professional conservation techniques, and experience new places around the Midwest
Getting Here and Getting Around
Crew Program Travel Logistics:
- Please do not bring personal vehicle. Please get a ride from friends or family, take a bus or train, take a plane to the Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport, or talk to staff about other transportation options.
- If driving your personal vehicle is your only option:
- There is a $100 parking option available for the summer season. The parking is available through UW-La Crosse and we will put you in contact with their parking managers. The parking location is at a UW-La Crosse lot near the WCC warehouse.
- There is parking available at Camp Ehawee in the fall. If you must drive a personal vehicle to a fall season, you will be able to leave your vehicle at Camp Ehawee for the duration of your season.
- We operate a shuttle from the Minneapolis - St. Paul airport on Arrival Day before Crew Leader and Crew Member Training. WCC also operates a shuttle back to the MSP airport on the Saturday after the season ends. Using MSP as your airport option is cheaper and more reliable than flying to the La Crosse (LSE) airport.
Individual Placement Program Travel Logistics:
- Individual placements are accountable for organizing their own travel arrangements. Partners sites will convey any details or logistics that are specific to their location.
For Fun
WCC offers a unique experience for Crew Leaders and Crew Members, including the ability to work and live in the areas below:
- The Wisconsin Conservation Corps main office is located in La Crosse, known for its beautiful bluffs, river activities, hiking, camping, and outdoor music events
- Crews and Individual Placements live and work in some of the most beautiful places in the Midwest
- Locations include Isle Royale National Park, Voyageurs National Park, the Keweenaw Peninsula, Chequamegon National Forest, the St. Louis River (near Duluth), the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, the prairies of southwestern Wisconsin, and Door County
Jobs in the Spotlight
Current Job Openings
- April 30th through August 22nd, 2024 (17 weeks)
- 1200 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term
- September 10th through November 20th, 2024 (11 weeks)
- 900 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term
- Biweekly living stipend paid throughout season
- $550 per week for 28 weeks, $15,400
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service
- Approximately $8,700
- Approximately $8,700
- 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
- NOLS Wilderness First Aid
- Chainsaw Use and Maintenance Certification
- Brush Saw Use and Maintenance Training
- Certified Pesticide Applicator Certification in Wisconsin
- 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
- Co-lead and motivate a conservation corps crew made up of 2 or 3 Crew Leaders and 3 or 4 Crew Members
- Oversee safety and well-being of the crew during the service day and during non-project time
- Serve up to 12 hours per day on project for 4-10 consecutive days in outdoor locations; 40 hours per week of direct project field service time is expected
- Complete service projects and camp in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures
- Operate and maintain chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide applicators, backpack sprayers, mowers, and hand tools to accomplish conservation projects as assigned
- 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
- Keep detailed records of crew accomplishments, including acres restored or feet of trails maintained/built
- Assist with documenting and promoting the WCC Crew Program by photographing participants in the field and sharing photos with WCC staff
- Communicate with project partners to ensure proper completion of project objectives
- Communicate with Crew Members, WCC 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 WCC & AmeriCorps policies and procedures
- Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times
- 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; 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 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
- Possess a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record
- Upon hire, all Wisconsin Conservation Corps Crew Leaders must consent to a Criminal History Check; service with WCC will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed
- May 28th through August 16th, 2024
- 675 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term
- Biweekly living stipend paid throughout the season
- $300 per week for 12 weeks, $3,600 total
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service
- Approximately $2,800
- 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
- Brush Saw Use and Maintenance
- Trail Building Basics
- AmeriCorps Orientation
- AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training
- Tent and Campsite Set Up
- 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
- 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
Crew Program
Crew Leader
$15,400.00 / season
Position Title: Crew Leader
Position Service Site: Wisconsin Conservation Corps, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin; project sites throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest
Service Dates:
The WCC Crew Leader commitment will feature two AmeriCorps service terms in 2024:
Benefits:
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.
Position Overview: Crew Leaders lead and motivate Crew Members while completing conservation projects as a team in the outdoors. Wisconsin Conservation Corps crews travel throughout the northern Midwest and can expect to perform conservation service projects with 3 to 6 different project partners during their season. A typical WCC crew features two or three Crew Leaders and three or four Crew Members. Crew Leaders will be expected to change crews at times during the field season depending on the needs of WCC or project partners. This means that one Crew Leader may not stay with a specific crew for their entire summer or fall season; they may serve with several different WCC crews during their season. A Crew Leader is responsible for the safety of the crew throughout the season at project sites and during non-project time. A Crew Leader will educate Crew Members about conservation corps operations and successful implementation of conservation projects. Crew Leaders will need to communicate with WCC staff and project partners on a daily basis through phone calls, text messages, workflow apps, and email. Crew Leaders are required to drive WCC fleet vehicles and manage safe trailer use. Crew Leaders will regularly tow trailers behind their fleet vehicles throughout the season. When not actively serving on a project, a Crew Leader is responsible for promoting 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 change in natural areas around the upper Midwest. Conservation projects that WCC crews complete may include:
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. Wisconsin Conservation Corps 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. 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 Leader Training: Crew Leaders participate in a five week training program provided by WCC at the beginning of the season. Crew Leader Training features the following trainings and more:
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
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.
Crew Program
Crew Member
$3,600.00 / season
Position Title: Crew Member
Position Service Site: Wisconsin Conservation Corps, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin; project sites throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest
Service Dates:
Benefits:
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:
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:
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
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.
How to Apply
Read more about the Wisconsin Conservation Corps and apply on our website. For more information about the Crew Program, contact Paul George-Blazevich at paul.blazevich@wiscorps.org. For more information about the Individual Placement Program, contact Holly Pierro at holly.pierro@wiscorps.org.
Contact Info
- Eric Robertson
- eric.robertson@wiscorps.org
- (608) 782-2494
- www.wisconsinconservationcorps.org
