Construction Crew Leader - 2024-25

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 and home repair aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester
• Nearest metropolitan area: Worcester, MA
• Full-time staff: 12
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 2
• Number of homes to be built: 10
• Activities and attractions: We are headquartered in Worcester, MA the 2nd largest city after Boston in New England. Home to Polar Park and the Worcester Red Sox (the Triple A Affiliate of Boston Red Sox) and steeped in history, Worcester and the surrounding communities have many attractions including museums, live music venues, theaters, sporting events, parks, award winning cuisine and more. Additionally, a variety of options for the outdoor enthusiast including hiking, skiing, swimming, etc. can be found nearby. Worcester is centrally located with access to a variety of beaches (1.5hrs), as well as Boston MA (1hr), Providence RI (1hr), Hartford CT (1hr), NYC (3.5hrs), the Berkshires in Western MA (1.5hrs), and the White Mountains of NH (3hrs).
• Unique projects: The Worcester affiliate will have a variety of work this year. Currently, two houses that are starting the phase of installing interior finishes, e.g., painting, doors/trim, flooring, cabinets, and appliances. In the late spring/early summer, these houses will be ready for installing landscaping. A third house is completing the exterior finishes and will be framing the porches, then moving to interior finishes. Additionally, there are 3-4 more new single-family houses to be started this year. For anyone who wants to learn how to frame a house, this will be a great opportunity. With the shift away from using fossil fuels, the new projects are all-electric homes. For the first time, we are installing mini-split HVAC systems ourselves. This is another great learning experience and exposure to newer technology and ways to provide a comfortable environment for the future homeowners. Another requirement for energy efficiency is greater attention to air sealing techniques and continuous envelope of exterior insulation. Another opportunity for learning is contributing to home repair projects. These projects are focused to help existing homeowners improve the home's safety, health, and code requirements. There are a variety of requests, and we have a strategic goal to perform 12 in the coming year.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $18,700 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 ($300 per month)
• Gas gift card ($50 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.