Habitat AmeriCorps Construction Crew Lead - Repairs

The repair crew leader plays an integral part in building and repairing homes. They will assist Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg in helping local senior citizens, persons with disabilities, veterans and low-income families live longer and more safely in their homes. The repair program leader will be responsible for repair/construction related tasks. They will work closely with the home repair manager to lead groups of skilled and unskilled volunteers and homeowners in construction and repair activities while maintaining a safe, efficient work environment, thus developing, and enhancing their volunteer management and construction skills.

Service activities

• Assist the home repair manager and construction crew (as needed) with all aspects of hands-on repair and construction tasks including, but not limited to, site prep, framing, painting, carpentry, and landscaping. 
• Projects may include new construction, home repair and weatherization projects.
• Lead small groups of volunteers and facilitate safe and positive experiences for everyone working on site. 
• Maintain site safety by adhering to Habitat construction safety policies, modeling best practices and guidelines, volunteer instruction and site monitoring. 

Member development

Minimum expectations are outlined in the member development guidance, which will be available during the interview process, with the understanding that further trainings may be required, as determined by the host site, Habitat for Humanity International or our federal funder. AmeriCorps National members’ training may not exceed 20% of their aggregate hours.

The AmeriCorps member will attend monthly staff meetings as well as monthly meetings with the repair team. The AmeriCorps member may need to attend additional training with the construction crew and repair team in order to learn skills needed to lead volunteers on repair projects. Additionally, the AmeriCorps member will be expected to attend groundbreakings and ribbon cutting/house dedication ceremonies night to be part of the Habitat team and grow their Habitat knowledge. 

Experience, knowledge, and skills

Minimum requirements

• AmeriCorps members must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• AmeriCorps members must be at least 18 or older.
• AmeriCorps members must have a high school diploma or GED.
• AmeriCorps members may have recurring access to vulnerable populations and must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of and willingness to promote the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity International and AmeriCorps.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with volunteers, instructing individuals, or facilitating groups.
• Experience working as a member of a team.
• Current valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to drive large pickup trucks (or willingness to learn).

Physical requirements

• Ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time, often on rough and uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work on ladders and heights up to two stories. 
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions. (Sites are often not heated during winter and not air-conditioned during summer.)

Service site environment 

Service site is an active construction site, often with rough and uneven terrain. Members will serve both indoors and outdoors during all types of weather. Construction tools will be provided. Members will have access to a shared computer station in the Habitat organization office to check service-related email and complete timesheets and reporting.