AmeriCorps National: Construction Crew Leader
Position Description
Background:
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is an independently chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International
(HFHI), a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to
make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Locally, Habitat Philadelphia is on a mission to transform
lives and our city by building quality homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all Philadelphians
around the cause of affordable housing.
Description:
Our Construction Crew Leaders are integral to our goals of building more homes and building better
neighborhoods and communities throughout the City. During their term of service, Construction Crew Leaders will
work with volunteers and partner families to build homes and engage the community in Habitat Philadelphia's
mission. Members will lead small groups of volunteers in a wide variety of construction tasks on both rehabbed
and new-construction homes. Members will be oriented and educated on the affordable housing crisis in
Philadelphia so that they are able to engage in meaningful conversations with volunteers. Thus they will not only
help to build homes in partnership with our partner families; they will also help to foster the community's
understanding of the housing crisis that faces Philadelphia.
Service Week:
Generally Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30am-4:00pm
Member Duties & Responsibilities:
 Assist with hands-on construction tasks in rehab and new-construction homebuilding projects.
 Lead small groups of volunteers, ensuring that they are well-employed while on the construction site.
 Maintain site safety and help with materials management on site and at the affiliate warehouse..
 Use volunteer management techniques to facilitate positive experiences for volunteers and partner families
working on site; collaborate with construction staff to identify skilled/enthusiastic volunteers and cultivate
their involvement in Habitat’s work.
 Attend regular safety trainings with our construction staff; model safety guidelines and practices when leading
volunteers.
 Arrive on time and ready to serve, and promote the mission, goals and values of the AmeriCorps program.
 Depending on construction schedules, interest, and previous experience, members may have the opportunity
to assist in planning for projects with the direction of their supervisor.
 Complete all AmeriCorps paperwork and reporting requirements in a timely manner.
Position Requirements:
 Understand the Habitat philosophy, and possess the desire to promote it
 High school diploma, GED or technical school degree
 Good communication skills
 Ability to work with a variety of people
 An understanding of the difference between doing something “for” someone and “with” someone.
 We prefer that the candidate have previous experience as a volunteer
 A valid driver’s license, with no serious driving-related convictions or at-fault accidents is preferred

Construction experience is helpful but not required
Attendance at meetings, trainings and events required by Habitat for Humanity International and by Habitat
for Humanity Philadelphia
Physical requirements for this position:
 Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. on a regular basis
 Ability to work in varying weather conditions – sites are often not heated during winter and not airconditioned during summer
 Ability to work on ladders and heights of up to two-stories
 Ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time
Compensation and Benefits:
Although listed as a job, an AmeriCorps position is not technically employment; it is a year spent serving the
community. Members must have the desire to work with an underserved community, and receive the following
benefits:
 A living allowance of $12,100 for the 10 ½ -month service term;
 A monthly grocery gift card or SEPTA transit pass;
 For AmeriCorps members who have served with Habitat in the same/a similar role before, a small additional
monthly living stipend;
 An education award of $5,550 upon successful completion of the term of service;
 Health benefits through AmeriCorps’ health insurance carrier;
 Educational loan forbearance with interest accrual payments.
How To Apply:
Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2013, and will be taken on a rolling basis. The application process has
two separate components. If you are interested in pursuing this position, please do both of the following:
1. Apply on the AmeriCorps website (here). This portion is submitted to Habitat for Humanity International and
takes 1 – 2 weeks before we can begin reviewing it.
2. Send your resume, cover letter, and three references directly to Henry Randolph, the affiliate’s AmeriCorps
Host Site Manager (contact information below). This will allow us to begin reviewing your candidacy
immediately. It's fine if your resume and references are the same as in the AmeriCorps application, but make
sure that your cover letter explains your interest in the specific position you're applying for.
For questions, please contact Henry Randolph at henryr@habitatphiladelphia.org or 215 765 6000 x17.
Other:
This position is 10.5 months (46.5 weeks or 1700 hours), and lasts from September 2013 to July 2014. Before
applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the AmeriCorps program (its goals, requirements, benefits, etc.).
You can learn more on the AmeriCorps website.
Job Details (listed on right-hand side bar):
Application deadline
June 15, 2013
Education requirements
High school diploma, GED or technical school degree
Employment type
Full time
Benefits
For full description, visit the AmeriCorps benefits page.