Fall Crew Member

Wiscorps, Inc.; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 3,900 - 6,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biweekly stipend

Education Award

Job summary

WisCorps, Inc. seeks Crew Members to complete high-priority conservation projects across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as part of the WisCorps Crew Program.

Crews partner with land managers to restore habitat, remove invasives, and build trails, living and serving closely with teammates in a cooperative community. Positions involve camping or dormitory-style housing, long days in varied weather, and responsibilities like meal planning and gear setup.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• A United States citizen, national, or permanent resident.
• Able to perform field duties in inclement weather and biting insects.
• Willingness to use hand tools and brush saws to complete tasks.
• Must commit to full ten or 13-week field season.
• Passionate about environmental causes and community through service.
• Proficient communication skills.
• Consent to a Criminal History Check on hire.

Responsibilities

• Serve up to 10 hours per day for 4–10 consecutive days on a crew of 4–7 others; 40 hours per week of direct project field service time expected.
• Live and work in camping or dormitory-style housing across varying weather conditions.
• Operate brush saws and hand tools to complete restoration tasks.
• Use long-handled trail-building tools to maintain or build trails.
• Hike extended distances with a 25+ lb backpack.
• Communicate effectively with crew, staff, sponsors, and the public.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles and sustainable living practices.
• Be a reliable, positive member of the crew community.
• Abide by WisCorps and AmeriCorps policies and procedures.
• Alcohol, recreational drugs, and tobacco use are prohibited during the season.

Skills

Proficient communication

Ability to pass background check

Outdoor work readiness

Tools

Brush saws

Hand tools

Trail-building tools

Job description

Position Overview

Crew Members complete high-priority conservation and restoration projects across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest as part of the WisCorps 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.

Service Description

• Habitat restoration through 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

Training

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

Responsibilities

• Serve up to 10 hours per day for 4–10 consecutive days on a crew of 4–7 other service members; 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 build new trails
• Hike extended distances on various terrain with a 25+ pound backpack
• Effectively communicate with fellow Crew Members, Crew Leaders, WisCorps 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 WisCorps & AmeriCorps policies and procedures
• Alcohol, recreational drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited throughout the season, during project work, evenings, and off times

Qualifications

• 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; 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 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 WisCorps 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

Service Dates

• Summer Session (Waitlist Only): May 18 through August 15, 2026 (13 weeks) – 675‑Hour Service Term
• Fall Session: September 8 through November 14, 2026 (10 weeks) – 675‑Hour Service Term

Benefits

• Biweekly living stipend: $300 per week for 13 weeks (Summer, $3,900 total); $300 per week for 10 weeks (Fall, $3,000 total)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion: approximately $2,800 for both Summer and Fall sessions

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.

EEO Statement

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 by phone at 608-782-2494, by email at [e-mail], or Wisconsin Relay 711.