Construction Crew Leader 2026-27
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.
Where will you serve?
Organization name: Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana
Nearest metropolitan area: Chicago
Full-time staff: 4
Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 4
Number of homes to be built: 6
Activities and attractions: Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Gary, Indiana area offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful Indiana Dunes National and State Parks, known for their sandy beaches and spectacular lake views. The region is also rich in history and local culture, with museums, historic sites, and community events throughout Northwest Indiana. For even more entertainment and attractions, downtown Chicago is just 30 minutes from our local office, providing easy access to world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and iconic landmarks.
Unique projects: The Construction Crew Leader will support Habitat Northwest Indiana’s growing portfolio of affordable housing initiatives, including new home construction, rehabilitation projects, critical home repairs, accessibility modifications, weatherization efforts, and neighborhood revitalization activities throughout Lake County. The member will help lead volunteer build days involving corporate partners, faith communities, colleges, youth organizations, and community groups while working alongside Habitat homeowners completing their sweat equity requirements. In addition to hands-on construction, the member will assist with job site safety, volunteer orientation, construction documentation, material organization, and project reporting while serving as a visible ambassador for Habitat’s mission. These experiences provide meaningful leadership opportunities while supporting strategic initiatives that expand affordable housing, improve existing homes, and strengthen neighborhoods through volunteerism and community engagement.
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 September 2026.
Benefits of AmeriCorps service
• Annual living allowance of $20,400 for approximately 10 1/2 months of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Ten personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve
Supplemental Benefits
Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord - $400 per month
Grocery gift card - $100 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 developing sustainable solutions for a nonprofit organization.
• 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.
• A personal vehicle is required for service.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian-based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Habitat seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.
At Habitat for Humanity International, we are compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love for all into action and pursue housing equity and opportunity by bringing all people together to build community and drive impact. We strive to build a culture rooted in learning, accountability and trust, attracting and retaining mission-driven talent reflective of the global communities we serve.
As an equal opportunity employer, we realize our success depends on courageously committing to being a workplace where all staff feel safe, welcome, visible, respected, supported and valued, and building a workforce that reflects a variety of lived experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, in which every person experiences dignity and respect.
We also require that all staff take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities (especially children) and all those with whom we work. In line with the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, all staff must pass a thorough background screening and will be held accountable to upholding our policies around ethical behavior, including safeguarding and whistleblowing.