Construction Crew Leader

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands-on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps National members serve the community in direct service and capacity building activities.

What will you do?

The construction crew leader plays an integral part in building and repairing homes. Lead groups of skills and unskilled volunteers and homeowner families in construction activities while maintaining a safe, efficient work environment, thus, developing and enhancing your volunteer management and construction skills.

• Typically serve Tuesday - Saturday on the build site.
• Assist with all aspects of hands-on construction tasks including, but not limited to, demolition, site prep, framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, roofing, finish carpentry and landscaping.
• Projects may include new construction, rehabilitation, critical home repair and weatherization projects.
• Lead small groups of volunteers and facilitate safe and positive experiences for everyone working on site.
• Maintain site safety by adhering to Habitat construction safety policies, modeling best practices and guidelines, volunteer education and site monitoring.

This position will focus on home construction aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Habitat for Humanity Chicago
• Full-time staff: 48
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 6
• Activities and attractions: Art Institute, Chicago Theater, Lake Michigan, 77 distinct community areas
• Unique projects: Through ambitious, resident-driven efforts like the Neighborhood Grants Initiative, Home Care Workshop Series, and public Homebuyer University, Habitat Chicago helps to create successful homeowners and encourage civic engagement with the long-term goal of improving physical, social, and market conditions of target neighborhoods. Our AmeriCorps National Construction Crew leaders will support the construction of 18 new homes across 3 neighborhoods (West Pullman, Greater Grand Crossing and Austin) and support our construction team as they pilot a new home design.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $17,600 for approximately 10 months of service.
• Segal Education Award of $6,895, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Personal and medical leave - approximately 10 days total.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Child care benefits, if you qualify.
• Worker's compensation insurance.

Supplemental Benefits

• $250 per month gift card for first year members
• $350 per month gift card for second year members
• Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord - $700 per month

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

Pursuant to current Habitat for Humanity policy, this position requires full vaccination against COVID-19, except to the extent such requirement is prohibited by applicable law.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.