AmeriCorps Crew Member Wisconsin Conservation Corps

Crew Members complete high-priority conservation and restoration projects across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as a part of the Wis Corps Crew Program. Crews partner with land management agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations to complete hands-on projects such as habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail construction, boardwalk installation, and other natural resource improvement work.

Crew Members live and serve closely with their teammates throughout the season, forming a cooperative, inclusive living community. Each crew typically consists of two Crew Leaders and three to four Crew Members who share daily responsibilities such as meal planning, cooking, camp setup, and maintenance. Depending on project needs, crews may relocate weekly or remain at a site for several weeks, living in single-occupancy tents or dormitory-style housing.

When not serving on active projects, Crew Members participate in community engagement and environmental education efforts, promoting sustainability and outdoor stewardship while exploring the communities they serve.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable field experience, build lifelong connections, and contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes as part of a dedicated Ameri Corps service team.

Wis Corps crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting changes 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

Crew Members have the opportunity to expand their comfort zone. 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 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.

Crew Members participate in a three-day training program provided by Wis Corps staff at the beginning of the season. Crew Member Training features the following trainings and more:

• Wilderness First Aid
• Leave No Trace (LNT) Training
• Brush Saw Use and Maintenance
• Trail Building Basics
• Ameri Corps Orientation
• Ameri Corps Conflict Resolution Training
• Tent and Campsite Set Up

• 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
• Serve and live in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures, either in a camping environment or in indoor dormitory-style housing
• Operate and maintain brush saws and hand tools to accomplish environmental restoration project tasks as assigned
• Use long-handled trail-building tools to maintain trails or to build new trails
• Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack
• Effectively communicate with fellow Crew Members, Crew Leaders, Wis Corps 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 Wis Corps & Ameri Corps policies and procedures
• Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times

• At least 18 years of age
• A citizen of the United States, a United States national, or a legal permanent resident of the United States
• Able to perform field duties while exposed to adverse conditions such as inclement weather and biting insects
• Willingness and ability to use hand tools and brush saws to complete assigned tasks
• Participants must provide personal items such as all-leather boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers, and rain gear;
  Wis Corps has a small library of outdoor gear that may be borrowed for a season (supplies are limited and are not guaranteed to be available upon arrival)
• Must be able to commit to the full ten or 13-week field season
• Passionate about environmental causes and creating community through service
• Understanding or willingness to learn various conservation practices or land management techniques
• Proficient communication skills
• Upon hire, all Wis Corps Crew Members must consent to a Criminal History Check; service with Wis Corps will be considered probationary until all…