AmeriCorps Developing Leader Wisconsin Conservation Corps

Wis Corps’ Ameri Corps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) offers an opportunity to make a positive impact through hands-on conservation projects while developing the skills needed to lead a conservation corps crew. Participants in this program serve as mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults while gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to assume full Crew Leader responsibilities.

The Developing Crew Leader position consists of two phases: a summer leadership development phase and a fall Crew Leader phase.

During the 18-week summer session, Developing Crew Leaders participate in orientation, training, and personal development alongside other Developing Leaders and a Senior Crew Leader. Developing Leaders complete a month-long onboarding and training process and receive the same technical and safety training as Wis Corps Crew Leaders, including tool certifications and leadership instruction.

Following training, Developing Leaders serve on a roving crew composed of four Developing Leaders and one Senior Leader. This crew spends approximately 12 weeks working on restoration projects for the National Park Service across the Upper Midwest, under the direction of the NPS Great Lakes Invasive Plant Management Team (Regional NPS Unit). Projects typically follow a hitch-style schedule, with non-project days spent together as a crew at pre-selected housing accommodations.

Throughout this phase, Developing Leaders build field skills, leadership capacity, and confidence while working under close mentorship and support.

After a two-and-a-half-week summer break, successful Developing Crew Leaders will transition into full Crew Leader roles during the fall session, assuming full leadership responsibility for a traditional Wis Corps roving crew consisting of two leaders and 3/4 members. In this phase, participants complete high-priority trails and restoration projects across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, working with a diverse range of partners.

Crews will live cooperatively, forming a close-knit community focused on service and teamwork, with potential weekly relocations to campsites or dormitory-style housing.

Crew Leaders ensure safety, foster team dynamics, and support Crew Members’ growth. They co-lead project work, train Crew Members in conservation techniques, and model effective communication and problem-solving. They also engage with Wis Corps staff, operate vehicles, and oversee logistics. When not on projects, Crew Leaders will lead community engagement and environmental education efforts. This position offers valuable leadership and conservation experience while making a lasting impact on public lands through Ameri Corps service.

Wis Corps crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting change in natural areas around the Upper Midwest. Conservation projects that Wis Corps crews complete may include:

• 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

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. Wis 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.

Wis Corps 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.

Developing Crew Leaders receive the same technical and safety training as Wis Corps Crew Leaders in a month-long training program provided by Wis Corps at the beginning of the season. This…