Construction Crew Leader - 2025-26

Construction Crew Leader

For one year, you can 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 a real 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 skilled 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
• Nearest metropolitan area: Chicago, IL
• Full-time staff: 42
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 4
• Number of homes to be built: 12
• Activities and attractions: Chicago, IL is a city that dazzles with its culture, history, and energy. Home to world-class museums like the Art Institute and the Field Museum, it offers AmeriCorps members endless learning and exploration. The stunning lakefront boasts sandy beaches and breathtaking views, while historic sites tell the tale of its rich past. Sports fans cheer at Wrigley Field and the United Center, while food lovers indulge in diverse cuisine. Whether you're exploring the Museum of Science and Industry, savoring deep-dish pizza, or enjoying Shedd Aquarium's marine wonders, the city's spirit is undeniable.
• Unique projects: From very early on in their term of service our members are welcomed into our full team and given opportunities to grow and develop beyond just the tasks that their position requires. Members are given opportunities to meet with different teams throughout the organization and to learn more about areas they are curious about. We also hold regular meetings and training for our AmeriCorps members that include things like Life After AmeriCorps training, but also cover things like the stages of group formation that they may go through over the course of their year, background about why housing matters, especially in our community and other topics that our members express interest in.

When will you serve?

Start dates are flexible and based on this location's availability. Talk to the hiring manager for this position about start dates during your interview process. The start date will be 4-6 weeks from receiving an offer and no earlier than August 2025.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $20,400 for approximately 10 months of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395, upon successful completion of service (lifetime maximum of two full education awards).
• 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

• Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord ($700 per month)
• Grocery gift card ($250 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.

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.