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: HFH of East Polk County
• Nearest metropolitan area: Lakeland-Winter Haven Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area
• Full-time staff: 6
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 2
• Number of homes to be built: 5
• Activities and attractions: Winter Haven is a rapidly growing city that offers a Central Florida lifestyle at an affordable price point, offering a host of attractions including LEGOLAND Resort, and plenty of options for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. Downtown Winter Haven is a beautiful up-and-coming area with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Within just an hour’s drive, you can explore vibrant Tampa with its cultural attractions and beautiful beaches or immerse yourself in the magic of Orlando with its world-renowned theme parks and entertainment like Disney, Universal, and Sea World. Founded in 1987, Habitat East Polk has built 175 homes to date. Our goal is to build 7 homes this year and onboard 2 new AmeriCorps members. We are focused on increasing our capacity to support our community while updating and upgrading systems to advocate for systemic change. We have embraced the slogan “Through shelter, we empower” as the guiding principle for our path.
• Unique projects: Construction crew leaders will be involved in the entire process of the construction of several energy-efficient homes from start to finish, using cutting-edge techniques. They will also contribute to project planning, scheduling, and site management while engaging with community volunteers and corporate partners. Our affiliate is currently working on several rehabilitations as well. This offers AmeriCorps members the experience of working on unique projects that sometimes require creative solutions using sustainable practices to help a house meet the needs of the family that will call it home.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $18,700 for approximately 10 ½ 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

• Attire/boot allowance
• Tool allowance for personal tool collection
• Work cell phone
• Mileage reimbursement
• Gym membership
• Annual pass to Universal Orlando

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.