Local La Crosse Crew Leader

Position Title: Local La Crosse Crew Leader

Position Service Site: WisCorps, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Service Dates:

• May 22nd through August 25th, 2023

o 450 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term

o 40 hours of service per week

Benefits:

• Biweekly living stipend paid throughout season - $5,950 total for 14 weeks, $425 per week

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service - $1,824.07 for 450 Hour Service

Housing: Not provided. Local Crew participants must have their own, private housing in or near La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Requirements: Valid Driver’s license, ability to pass a background check, and full availability during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, throughout the field season.

Position Overview: Lead and motivate conservation corps Crew Members while working together to complete conservation projects. A typical Local Crew features two Crew Leaders and six Crew Members. A Crew Leader is responsible for personal and crew safety throughout the season while on and off of project sites. A Crew Leader will educate Crew Members about conservation corps operations and successful implementation of conservation projects. 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: 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

Local Crew participants have an opportunity to expand their comfort zone and discover new facets of themselves. Service on projects takes place Monday through Friday with evenings and weekends off, with off time being taken privately. WisCorps does not allow the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or tobacco during the service day. WisCorps crews live sustainably and follow Leave No Trace principles. Local Crew participants are responsible for developing a lunch menu and going grocery shopping together during the service day.

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

• Chainsaw Use and Maintenance Certification

• Brush Saw Use and Maintenance Training

• Certified Pesticide Applicator Training and Certification

• Trail Building Training

• AmeriCorps Orientation

• AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR

• WisCorps Fleet Vehicle Use Training

• Trailer Towing Training and Practice

• Tent and Campsite Set Up Training

• Field Work and Tools Orientation

• Group Food Shopping and Cooking Training

Responsibilities:

• Motivate, mentor, and be one of two Crew Leaders for a conservation corps crew of 8 individuals

• Oversee safety and well-being of the crew on and off the project site

• Serve up to 10 hours per day for 5 consecutive days in outdoor locations; 40 hours per week of direct project field service time is expected

• Serve in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures

• Operate and maintain chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide applicators, backpack sprayers, 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 and use basic budgetary and financial guidelines to manage expenses

• Keep detailed records of crew accomplishments; assist with documenting and promoting the WisCorps Crew Program by photographing activities and participants in the field

• Communicate with project partners to ensure proper completion of project objectives

• Effectively communicate with Crew Members, WisCorps staff, project sponsors, and members of the public

• Practice Leave No Trace principles and sustainable living techniques

• Create and be an active member 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 service days

Qualifications:

• 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 summer camp counselor, trip leader, mentor, tutor, resident assistant, or other related experience

• Participants must provide their own personal items such as all-leather boots, 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 14-week season with minimal weekday conflicts

• Passionate about environmental causes and creating community through environmental service

• Understanding 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 excellent driver record

• Upon hire, all WisCorps Crew Leaders must consent to a Criminal History Check; service with WisCorps will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed