Crew Leader
WisCorps, Inc.
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Now Hiring 2025 Crew Leaders And Members. Work Outside. Get Paid. Make a Difference.
Seasonal
Job Starts: Apr 29, 2025
Jobs in the Spotlight
Current Job dates:
Currently recruiting for the season that runs from April 29th, 2025 to November 19th, 2025.
- Identifying sources for climate change information and compiling data to report to LEED for Cities, Green Tier Legacy Communities, and CDP.
- Support staff in meeting the benchmarks for action in the CAP.
- Help develop and guide an interdepartmental green team.
- Assist CAPSC working groups in researching program development of climate actions.
- Research and design projects that incorporate baseline information from the CAP.
- Design and implement programs on climate actions and create supporting documentation and presentation materials.
- Identify and develop virtual resources related to climate action.
- Assist with the implementation and reporting on granted projects.
- Increase awareness of the CAP and promote climate action through community outreach events.
- Assist with designing, improving, and updating public engagement material for the CAP.
- Collaborate with community organizations on public awareness campaigns for climate action.
- Help create or curate simple “how-to” videos and infographics, including but not limited to sustainable lifestyles, recycling, composting, etc.
- Create an outreach plan to connect with local and environmental organizations.
- A team player and good communicator with flexible attitude and eagerness to learn.
- Physically active and able to lift at least 30 lbs. (occasionally 50lbs) with stooping and bending.
- Ability to present, virtually and in-person to a variety of stakeholders and the public.
- Able to work in all weather conditions conducive of Wisconsin, and willingness to be flexible for night and weekend service opportunities.
- Physically able to work long days outside on steep, rugged terrain, which involves some lifting, carrying, bending, and hiking across uneven terrain.
- An intrepid sense of curiosity and enthusiasm about research.
- Willing to interact inter-generationally and inter-culturally in a respectful manner.
- Ability to take direction and accept constructive criticism with a strong sense of responsibility and follow – through.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Education and/or experience in community health, recreation management, education, environmental studies, sustainability, and climate resilience a plus.
- Technology proficient in platforms such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and ArcGIS.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
- Upon hire, a criminal background check will be conducted. Service with WisCorps will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Be a leader within the organization and community for equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Continually create and support a culture of equity and inclusion within the Crew Program
- Seek to remove barriers to participation and create a safe and welcoming environment for crew members and staff from communities traditionally marginalized in the conservation movement, including, but not limited to, BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQIA+, Hispanic/Latinx, and individuals with disabilities
- Lead with an anti-racist mindset and continually evaluate WisCorps policies and procedures to identify and refine or remove those that do not support equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Management and Supervisory Duties
- Supervise 2-3 field crews, which includes being on call during non-work hours to respond to crew emergencies or incidents
- Perform weekly site visits and evaluations of project sites, Crew Leaders, and Crew Members
- Maintain regular communication with field crews, including nights and weekends throughout the field season
- Be on call during non-work hours to respond to crew emergencies or incidents throughout the field season
- Facilitate any corrective action for Crew Leaders and Crew Members and keep appropriate records
- Assist with Crew Member candidate interviews
- Conduct Crew Leader & Crew Member evaluations
- Programmatic Duties
- Ensure that the Crew Program provides both a positive experience for participants and high-quality work for project partners
- Actively observe, seek, and evaluate feedback from crew members, crew leaders, staff, and project partners and use gathered data to improve the program continually
- Attend all WisCorps staff, committee, and program meetings as requested
- Ensure projects comply with AmeriCorps regulations
- Training Duties
- Assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating Crew Leader and Crew Member trainings
- Be able to identify the different learning styles of staff, crew leaders, and crew members and effectively adapt training as needed
- Outline skills and leadership development goals for Crew Leaders
- Identify inefficiencies and challenges within the Crew Program
- Risk Management and Safety Duties
- Create a culture where risk management practices are written, trained, followed, evaluated, and refined
- Maintain appropriate certifications for self and staff (e.g., pesticide applicator, chainsaw, First Aid/CPR)
- Maintain a work environment that is both physically and emotionally safe
- Assist with warehouse systems, processes, and inventories
- Remain drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free while on duty or while in uniform
- Projects and Logistics Duties
- Lead the development of project itineraries and pre-project site visits and assist with communication before, during, and after the project
- Provide technical and logistical support for trail maintenance/construction, conservation, natural resource, and special initiative projects
- Visit crews in the field to provide guidance, support, and assistance to crew leaders as well as ensure that project accomplishments meet project partner expectations
- Respond to in-field issues and emergencies; provide emotional and behavioral support to participants
- Serve as stand-in Crew Lead during instances when the crew required additional on-project support
- Data Collection Duties
- Ensure Members and Project Partners complete timesheets, incident reports, evaluations, accomplishments/performance measures, feedback forms, and others as necessary
- Ensure Project Sponsors complete end-of-project evaluation
- A minimum of two years of experience in leading or supervising a group or team, as well as managing outdoor projects, is required. Preferred qualifications include relevant experience in youth leadership, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and/or natural resource management. Experience with manual labor projects, using hand tools, operating chainsaws, and driving fleet vehicles and trailers is also desirable.
- Experience and working knowledge of environmental restoration project management, and implementation. Types of projects include but are not limited to trail building, carpentry, habitat restoration, including manual and herbicide & pesticide invasive species control, and general resource management.
- Must be capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor-intensive projects. Training and work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite. This position will primarily work outside in all weather conditions and environments, including but not limited to remote areas, cold, rain, snow, heat, humidity, wind, etc. The noise level in the atmosphere is quiet to loud. PPE is provided, and use is required.
- Demonstrated ability and desire to create and nurture a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Able to communicate efficiently and effectively regarding crew dynamics and project implementation
- Valid driver's license and insurable driving record
- Current WFA and CPR certificate (or higher) or ability to attain WFA and CPR within 30 days of starting employment
- Ability to pass WisCorps and AmeriCorps criminal history check requirements
- Experience with Microsoft Office Software, including Outlook, Excel, and Word
- Experience with AmeriCorps programing is preferred
- Believes in the WisCorps’ mission and willing to adhere to policies and procedures
- April 29th through August 20th, 2025 (17 weeks) - 1200-Hour AmeriCorps Service Term
- September 9th through November 19th, 2025 (11 weeks) - 900-Hour AmeriCorps Service Term
- Biweekly living stipend paid throughout season - $550 per week for 28 weeks, $15,400 total
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service - Approximately $8,800
- 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
- NOLS Wilderness First Aid
- Chainsaw Use and Maintenance Certification
- Brush Saw Use and Maintenance Training
- Certified Pesticide Applicator Certification in Wisconsin
- Trail Building Training
- AmeriCorps Orientation
- AmeriCorps Conflict Resolution Training
- Fleet Vehicle Use and Driving Training
- Trailer Towing Training and Practice
- Tent and Campsite Set Up Training
- Budgeting, Food Shopping, Cooking, and Hygiene Overview
- Co-lead and motivate a conservation corps crew made up of 2 or 3 Crew Leaders and 3 or 4 Crew Members
- Oversee safety and well-being of the crew during the service day and during non-project time
- Serve up to 12 hours per day on project for 4-10 consecutive days in outdoor locations; 40 hours per week of direct project field service time is expected
- Complete service projects 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 including cooking, camp cleanliness, crew schedule and time management, errands, chores, and vehicle and trailer cleanliness
- Use basic budgetary and financial guidelines to manage food shopping expenses
- Keep detailed records of crew accomplishments, including acres restored or feet of trails maintained/built
- Assist with documenting and promoting the WisCorps Crew Program by photographing participants in the field and sharing photos with WisCorps staff
- Communicate with project partners to ensure proper completion of project objectives
- Communicate with Crew Members, WisCorps staff, 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 off times
- 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 conservation corps Crew Leader, summer camp counselor, trip leader, mentor, resident assistant, or other related experience
- Participants must provide personal items such as all-leather boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers and rain gear; WisCorps 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 28 week field season
- Passionate about environmental causes and creating community through environmental service
- Understanding or willingness to learn various conservation practices or land management techniques
- Possess a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record
- Upon hire, all Wisconsin Conservation Corps 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
- Summer: May 27th through August 15th, 2025 (675 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term)
- Fall: September 9th through November 14th, 2025 (675 Hour AmeriCorps Service Term)
- Biweekly living stipend paid throughout the season
- Summer: $300 per week for 12 weeks, $3,600 total
- Fall: $300 per week for 10 weeks, $3,000 total
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award earned upon successful completion of service
- Summer: Approximately $2,800
- Fall: Approximately $2,800
- 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
- Brush Saw Use and Maintenance
- Trail Building Basics
- AmeriCorps Orientation
- AmeriCorps 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 trail
- Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack
- Effectively communicate with fellow Crew Members, Crew Leaders, Wisconsin Conservation 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 Wisconsin Conservation Corps & AmeriCorps policies and procedures
- Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times
- 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; WisCorps 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 12-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 Wisconsin Conservation Corps Crew Members must consent to a Criminal History Check; service with WisCorps will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed
Individual Placement Program
AmeriCorps Sustainability Coordinator
$500.00 / week
La Crosse
Position Title: Sustainability Coordinator (Position Description PDF)
Position Service Site: City of La Crosse (City Hall in La Crosse, WI)
Service Time: March 10, 2025 – August 22, 2025 (900 Hour AmeriCorps Term, 24 weeks, 40 hours per week)
Benefits: Living stipend total for the whole term = $12,000 ($500 per week). Education Award of approximately $3,700 upon successful completion of service. To find out more about the Award, https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award/find-out-more.
Health insurance optional (1,700-hour positions only, available for individuals who are not already covered).
Requirements: Covid-19 vaccine required.
OVERVIEW: The City of La Crosse’s goal is to provide young environmental leaders with the opportunity to gain relevant professional experiences that serve the environment and the community. The City is focused on combating climate change and building more sustainable practices within the municipal practices and communitywide. The City of La Crosse adopted the Climate Action Plan (CAP) in January 2023. This plan establishes greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets through 2030.
Learn more at www.cityoflacrosse.org/climateaction
SERVICE DESCRIPTION: The City’s Sustainability Coordinator will assist the Environmental Planner and Climate Action Plan Steering Committee (CAPSC) in implementing the CAP. The plan addresses nine sectors through 41 strategies which are supported by 281 actions. This role requires creative problem solving to take what’s on paper into the world using incentives, regulations, pilot projects, and community engagement. In addition, the City participates in multiple sustainability programs and has secured several grants that require data collection, reporting, and promotion.
CALL TO ACTION:
Please complete this general application to be considered for a position at Wisconsin Conservation Corps. If you have any questions or prefer a paper-formatted application, please contact Eric.Robertson@WisCorps.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Community Improvement
Programming
Program Marketing
QUALIFICATIONS:
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 staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.
Crew Program
Field Coordinator
$860.00 / week
La Crosse
Now Hiring Division Staff!
Job Title: Field Coordinator
Location: La Crosse, WI
Division: Wisconsin Conservation Corps
Program: Crew Program
Status: Seasonal, full-time (40 hours per week)
Position Dates: March 31st – December 5th, 2025 (36 WEEKS)
Schedule: Flexible schedule with varying shifts: 40 hours/week with additional hours as needed. Evening & weekend hours are occasionally required during field season. The expected start date is March 31st.
Reports To: Crew Program Manager
Travel: Yes, regional travel and overnights throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest
Compensation: $860 per week, exempt from overtime
Benefits: Competitive pay, paid certifications, and opportunity for advancement
To Apply: Email cover letter & resume to Eric Robertson at Eric.Robertson@WisCorps.org by 5:00 pm on Jan 17th, 2025
About WisCorps:
Our mission is to engage the next generation of environmental leaders through guided, hands-on service opportunities that benefit our region’s public lands. Our primary focus is to engage young adults through hands-on service opportunities in environmental stewardship, accomplished through partnerships with land management agencies and environmental education organizations across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.
WisCorps is a division of Central Conservation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation agency that empowers environmental organizations working to care for our Earth.
Position Overview:
Field Coordinator positions are full-time seasonal based out of the La Crosse, WI WisCorps office. They travel to projects sites in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest and are responsible for supervising AmeriCorps Crew Leaders as well as administrative, logistical and personnel support of 2-3 traveling field crews. WisCorps expects to run as many as six simultaneous AmeriCorps crews during the 2024 field season (May – November). Field Coordinators are responsible for project preparation, implementation and reporting. This position will ensure WisCorps crews are fully prepared and equipped with the appropriate project supplies/tools, transportation and equipment prior to departing for their projects. This position will work directly with each Crew Leader to ensure crew safety, high quality work, positive crew community, strong work ethic, and personal development of all participants, among other responsibilities.
Field Coordinators must be comfortable with physical labor and long days (including some nights and weekends) in outdoor & unpredictable conditions. Field Coordinators should expect extensive travel and overnights throughout the course of the field season.
Field Coordinator Responsibilities:
Field Coordinator Qualifications:
All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.
WisCorps provides equal employment opportunities regardless of 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 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 to another language, please get in touch with us by phone at 608-782-2494, by email at staff@wiscorps.org, or by Wisconsin Relay 711.
Crew Program
Crew Leader
$15,400.00 / season
La Crosse
Position Title: AmeriCorps Crew Leader
Position Service Site: Wisconsin Conservation Corps, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin; project sites throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest
Service Dates:
The WisCorps Crew Leader commitment will feature two AmeriCorps service terms in 2025:
Benefits:
Housing: Provided in the form of single-occupancy tents at campsites or dormitory-style indoor accommodations (depending on project and time of year).
Requirements: Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a background check, and full availability throughout the season.
Position Overview: Crew Leaders guide and motivate Crew Members while completing conservation projects as a team in the outdoors. Wisconsin Conservation Corps crews travel throughout the Upper Midwest and can expect to perform conservation service projects with 3 to 6 different project partners during their season. A typical WisCorps crew features two Crew Leaders and three or four Crew Members. Crew Leaders may change crews during the field season depending on the needs of WisCorps or project partners. This means that one Crew Leader may not stay with a specific crew for their entire summer or fall season; they may serve with several different WisCorps crews during their season. A Crew Leader will oversee the safety of the crew throughout the season at project sites and during non-project time. A Crew Leader will co-educate Crew Members about conservation corps operations and successful implementation of conservation projects. Crew Leaders will need to communicate with WisCorps staff and project partners on a daily basis through phone calls, text messages, workflow apps, and email. Crew Leaders are required to drive WisCorps fleet vehicles and manage safe trailer use. Crew Leaders will regularly tow trailers behind their fleet vehicles throughout the season. 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: Wisconsin Conservation Corps crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting change in natural areas around the Upper Midwest. Conservation projects that WisCorps crews complete may include:
Crew Leaders 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. Wisconsin Conservation 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. WisCorps 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 Leader Training: Crew Leaders participate in a five-week training program provided by WisCorps at the beginning of the season. Crew Leader Training features the following trainings and more:
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
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 staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.
Crew Program
Crew Member
$3,600.00 / season
Position Title: AmeriCorps Crew Member
Position Service Site: Wisconsin Conservation Corps, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin; project sites throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest
Service Dates:
Benefits:
Housing: Provided in the form of single occupancy tents at campsites or dormitory-style indoor accommodations (depending on project and time of year).
Requirements: Ability to pass a background check and full availability throughout the season.
Position Overview: Crew Members complete high-priority restoration projects all over Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as a part of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps Crew Program. WisCorps crews travel throughout the northern Midwest and can expect to perform conservation service projects with 3 to 6 different project partners during their season. Crew Members and Crew Leaders may be moved from crew to crew depending on the needs of WisCorps or project partners. Projects may include habitat restoration, invasive plant removal and treatment, trail building and restoration, boardwalk construction, carpentry projects, and other land and grounds management duties for project partners. Crew Members live and serve with two Crew Leaders and two or three fellow Crew Members throughout the season. Crew Members can expect to live in single occupancy tents at campsites and campgrounds or in indoor, dormitory-style housing near their project sites. Crews may relocate every week or may stay in one location for several weeks at a time. When not actively serving on a project, Crew Members are responsible for promoting community service and environmental awareness through community engagement and volunteerism in the outdoors.
Service Description: Wisconsin Conservation Corps crews serve together to complete projects that make positive and lasting changes in natural areas around the Upper Midwest. Conservation projects that WisCorps crews complete may include:
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. Wisconsin Conservation 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. WisCorps 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 Member Training: Crew Members participate in a three-day training program provided by WisCorps staff at the beginning of the season. Crew Member Training features the following trainings and more:
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
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 staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.
Contact Info
- Eric Robertson
- eric.robertson@wiscorps.org
- wiscorps.org
