AmeriCorps Community Landscaping Trainee

Member Position / Title: AmeriCorps Community Landscaping Trainee

Number of individual members serving in this Position: Up to 15 per Cohort

Position Start Date: EXPECTED March 2026 

Days / Hours of Service:  Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm  (40 hours/week Occasional Weekends)  

Host Site Agency Name & Complete Address of Host Site Location(s): Civic Works Community Landscaping Program , 1749 Gorsuch Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218

Position Summary:  AmeriCorps Community Landscaping Trainees will transform vacant lots in neighborhoods throughout Baltimore City into communal green spaces and public gardens. Team members will learn how to properly use hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment involved in landscaping. They will serve with community members and help lead volunteer groups to conceptualize, create, and maintain green spaces. Team members will also participate in environmental education lessons, job skills training, and workforce development activities.  

Organization and Program Description:  Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service. The Community Landscaping Program transforms vacant lots in Baltimore City into usable green spaces. AmeriCorps members, community residents, local artists, and volunteer groups serve together to create and maintain thriving community spaces.  

Member Service Activities & Benefits

During the Service Term, members will serve primarily outdoors performing the following tasks and will receive the following benefits:  

• Members will receive a living allowance in the form of a fixed bi-weekly stipend.  
• Members will transform vacant lots across Baltimore City into usable green spaces.
• Hands-on training in how to properly use power tools and heavy equipment responsibly and safely, along with self-paced online and classroom instruction on the basic and complex techniques involved in urban landscaping. 
• Practical application opportunities leading community members and volunteer groups to conceptualize, create, and maintain green spaces.  
• Soft skills development related to personal and professional growth, from resume building to mock interviews, to equity, inclusion, and project management/leadership. Upon completion of the Service Term, members will receive the following benefits
• Members will receive continued support from Civic Works with the following soft skills:
  • Mentoring & Career Planning Support
  • Resume Building & Review
  • Job Coaching & Referrals.  
• Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (based on the following service term structure):
  • 1700 hours - $7395.00  
  • 900 Hours - $3697.50  
  • 675 Hours - $2817.14  
  • 450 Hours - $1956.35  
  • 300 Hours - $1565.08  

Required Qualifications:  

• Ability to serve 40 hours/week (Monday – Friday, and some weekends).
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.  
• Willingness to serve in difficult weather conditions, (including extreme heat & cold).
• Submit to a criminal history check and a National Sex Offender Registry search.  
• Commitment to a drug free workplace.  
• Team Player and a willingness to try and learn new things.  

DESIRED (but not needed):  

• A driver’s license.  
• Knowledge of basic landscaping and design techniques.  
• Experience serving in low-income communities.

Salary : $1,200