Summer Dunes Crew Member

Position Title: Summer Indiana Dunes Crew Member

Position Service Site: WisCorps, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Indiana Dunes National Park in Chesterton, Indiana

Service Dates:

• June 6th through August 25th, 2023

o 675 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term

o 60 hours of service per week: 40 hours spent on service projects, 20 hours spent on logistics and living space management

Benefits:

• Biweekly living stipend paid throughout season - $3,600 total for 12 weeks, $300 per week

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service - $2,626.27 for 675 Hour Service

Housing: Provided

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

Position Overview: Dunes Crew Members complete high priority restoration projects at Indiana Dunes National Park. Projects may include habitat restoration, invasive plant removal and treatment, native plant planting, and grounds management for the National Park. Dunes Crew Members live with their two Crew Leaders and two fellow Crew Members in a dormitory style arrangement in the Chesterton, Indiana area throughout their WisCorps season. When not actively serving at Indiana Dunes National Park, Crew Members are responsible for promoting community service and environmental awareness through community engagement and volunteerism in the outdoors.

Service Description: WisCorps crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting change in natural areas around the upper Midwest. Potential conservation projects that WisCorps crews complete include:

• Habitat restoration through the treatment and removal of invasive species

• Trail building and trail design in state parks, national parks, conserved land, and other publicly accessible natural areas

• Boardwalk construction and installation along National Scenic Trails and in public parks

• Painting, hiking, hauling, digging, lifting, carrying, sawing, drilling, communicating, and many other conservation related actions

Dunes Crew participants have an opportunity to expand their comfort zone and discover new facets of themselves. Dunes Crews spend the full duration of their season living and serving together. Service with Indiana Dunes National Park takes place Monday through Friday with weekends off. Weekends are an opportunity to explore nearby towns and natural areas, take care of chores like laundry and grocery shopping, and relax. WisCorps does not allow the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or tobacco throughout the entire crew season, during the service day or during off time. WisCorps crews live sustainably and follow Leave No Trace principles. Dunes Crew participants are responsible for developing a menu, grocery shopping, and cooking together, while taking into account all possible dietary restrictions.

Housing: Provided for all Dunes Crew participants. Housing is provided in the form of a shared indoor living space (dormitory or roommate style).

Crew Member Training: Crew Members participate in a one-week training program provided by WisCorps staff at the beginning of the season. WisCorps Crew Member Training features the following trainings and more:

• Brush Saw Use and Maintenance Training

• Trail Building Training

• AmeriCorps Orientation

• AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training

• Tent and Campsite Set Up Training

• Field Work and Tools Orientation

• Group Food Shopping and Cooking Orientation

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 regularly

• Serve and live in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures

• Operate and maintain brush saws, herbicide applicators, backpack sprayers, and hand tools to accomplish environmental restoration project tasks as assigned

• 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 weekends

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 required to complete assigned tasks

• Participants must provide their own 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 limited)

• Must be able to commit to the full 12-week session including the crew member training days leading up to the project season

• Passionate about environmental causes and creating community surrounding environmental 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