The UpLift program at Howard EcoWorks provides training in domain skills such as construction techniques for environmental restoration projects, identifying native and non-native plants, and proper tool usage and care. As a workforce development program, the UpLift program includes a structured professional development curriculum to prepare participants best for their careers’ next steps providing industry exposure events in the environmental industry, career coaching and mentoring, and certificates in the environmental installation sector (CBLP-A, Red Cross First Aid, OSHA-10). The goal of this program is to guide participants in the discovery of their personalized career paths and provide participants with the tools to be able to successfully navigate the professional environment.

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Uplift Crew Members will be an essential part of the Howard Ecoworks field team providing environmental services including tree planting and maintenance, invasive species removal, performing maintenance of stream restoration sites, installation and maintenance of landscaping projects, removing debris from waterways, and more. With direction from the Landscape Foreman and their Crew Leader, Uplift Crew Members will learn how to work as a team to successfully install and maintain stormwater practices in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Responsibilities & Duties:

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Field Responsibilities & Duties

  • Working on a team to accomplish projects and assignments

  • Tree planting and maintenance

  • Manual removal of invasive species and maintenance of woodland sites

  • Debris removal from local streams

  • Construction and maintenance of environmental landscaping practices

  • Properly use, store, and care for all equipment, tools, materials

Program Responsibilities & Duties

  • Participation in scheduled professional development and industry exposure events

  • Commitment towards working to finding employment following the completion of the program

  • Dedicating off work hours, as needed, to job searching and career development for next steps

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years of age

  • Able to work in a variety of outdoor settings including forests and streams

  • Able to work in all types of weather including but not limited to wind, rain, cold and heat

  • Able to follow verbal and/or written instructions

  • Able to work with a team as well as independently, as directed

  • Able to physically stand, bend, squat, and lift up to 50 pounds

  • Must have daily reliable transportation to meeting location, 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia MD

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Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong preference for those seeking full-time employment in the green industry following completion of the program

  • Commitment to entire program duration

  • Passion for the environment and restoration work

  • Passion and/or interest in working outdoors

  • Adaptable, and flexible with changes in day-to-day tasks

  • Self-motivated

Wage: $15.25/hr 

Benefits:

  • Paid sick leave – 1 hour of Sick and Safe Leave accumulated for every 30 hours worked, accumulating up to 40 hours per year.  Accrual starts on the first day of employment and can be used after 30 days of continuous employment

  • Seasonal full-time employees are given one personal day eligible after 30 days of continuous employment

  • Seasonal full-time employees are granted the following paid holidays, to the extent a listed holiday falls within the timeframe of the seasonal contract:

    • New Year’s Day​​

    • Independence Day

    • Labor Day

    • Thanksgiving Day

    • Christmas Day

    • Memorial Day

  • Option to enroll in the EcoWorks 401(k) plan

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Job Timeline:

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  • Fall Season Start Date: September 9th, 2024

  • Season End Date: February 7, 2024

  • Standard work hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with a half-hour unpaid lunch break and 2 paid 15-minute breaks per day.

  • Weekend work opportunities may be available but are not mandatory.

  • Work days may be adjusted, shortened or canceled for inclement weather events.

  • Indoor training and professional development opportunities may be offered on inclement weather days, when possible.

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Interview Process:

  • In order to schedule an interview you MUST fill out an application and submit your resume. Optional to submit a cover letter and professional references.

  • If your application meets our qualifications; you will receive a confirmation for scheduling an interview.

  • An interview will be conducted by two of our staff members.