Wisconsin Conservation Corps Looking for Crew Leader at Isle Royale National Park, Michigan and La Crosse, Wisconsin Full Time

Position Service Site: Wisconsin Conservation Corps, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Project Partners May Include:

• Ice Age Trail Alliance
• Isle Royale National Park
• Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association
• City of Waupaca
• City of Antigo
• Willow River State Park

Service Date Options:

• May 22nd through August 11th, 2023
  • 900 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term
  • 80 hours of service per week: 40 hours spent on service projects, 40 hours spent on crew and camp management
• May 22nd through August 25th, 2023
  • 1200 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term
  • 90 hours of service per week: 50 hours spent on service projects, 40 hours spent on crew and camp management

Benefits:

• Biweekly living stipend paid throughout season
  • $6,600 total for 12 weeks, $550 per week
  • $7,700 total for 14 weeks, $550 per week
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service
  • $3,447.50 for 900 Hour Service
  • $4,826.50 for 1200 Hour Service

Requirements: Valid Driver’s license, ability to pass a background check, and full availability throughout the season.

Position Overview: Lead and motivate conservation corps Crew Members while working together to complete conservation projects. A typical Roving Crew features two Crew Leaders and three 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

Roving Crew participants have an opportunity to expand their comfort zone and discover new facets of themselves. Roving Crews spend the full duration of their season living, serving, and traveling together. Service on projects 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 by a campfire or while reading a book. 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. Roving 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 Roving Crew participants. Housing is provided in the form of a single occupancy, personal tent at a campsite or in the form of a shared indoor living space (dormitory or roommate style).

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 team leaders for a conservation crew of five individuals
• Oversee safety and well-being of the crew on and off the project site
• Serve up to 12 hours per day for 4-10 consecutive days in outdoor locations; 40 hours per week of direct project field service time is expected
• Serve 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 not limited to meal planning and cooking; 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 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 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 camping items such as all-leather boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers and raingear; 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 or 14-week season
• 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

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 [email protected] or Wisconsin Relay 711.