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UPLIFT Crew Member

Seasonal, Full-Time or Part-Time
 

Reports to: Landscape Foreman

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Job Overview: 

The UpLift program is a 10-month opportunity to gain experience with environmental restoration work with the goal of starting a career in the environmental field upon graduation. Howard EcoWorks provides all participants with training and mentoring on professional development topics, technical environmental skills, and industry exposure and networking opportunities. In addition, all UpLift participants will be enrolled in the Maryland Corps / Service Year Option Program and will complete all of the program’s requirements, including attending and actively participating in monthly trainings and communicating with Maryland Corps / Service Year Option staff.

 

An UpLift Crew Member will be an essential part of the team in providing environmental and resiliency-focused services such as the installation and maintenance of nature-based solutions- including conservation landscapes and rain gardens, performing maintenance of stream restoration sites, removing debris from waterways, engaging in disaster preparedness and response, and supporting community education and outreach. UpLift Crew Members work in teams under the direction of their Crew Leader, Programs Foreman, and Operations Staff.

Howard EcoWorks provides training in identifying native and invasive plant identification, construction techniques for environmental restoration projects, proper tool usage and care, and more. EcoWorks also provides soft-skills training and exposure to a variety of opportunities in the environmental industry.

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Responsibilities & Duties

  • Environmental Stewardship (~85% of service)

    • Installation and maintenance of trees plantings, native pollinator gardens, conservation landscapes, and rain gardens.

    • Perform woodland management, including the removal of invasive species.

    • Support the native plant nursery and land management at Holly Hills, EcoWorks headquarters.

    • Conduct maintenance of stream restoration projects.

    • Collect and propagate seeds of native species.

  • Disaster Relief & Recovery Support (10-15% of service)

    • Provide post-disaster support by assisting with cleanup efforts, debris removal, repairs, and distribution of necessary supplies to affected communities.

    • Support disaster preparedness through education, tabling, and community outreach.

  • Note: These activities represent a sample of the activities that members will perform.​


 

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Must be 18+ by September 3, 2026.

  • Intention to enter the workforce in the green industry (as opposed to educational pursuits) following completion of the program.

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

  • Knowledge or interest in nature-based solutions such as green infrastructure, rain gardens, and sustainable gardening practices.

  • Ability to work with a team as well as independently.

  • Can physically stand, bend, squat, and lift up to 40 pounds repetitively throughout the day.

  • Must be dependable.

  • Must have reliable transportation to the meeting location each day. Most days will start at Holly Hills, 14270 Burntwoods Rd, Glenwood, MD 21738. Some days will require meeting at the Ecoworks office at 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, 21046.

  • May be asked to use a personal vehicle if applicable. Approved mileage is reimbursed at the federal rate.

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Preferred Qualifications:

  • Passion and/or interest in the outdoors.

  • Previous experience working outdoors or in landscaping.

  • Flexible with changes in day-to-day tasks.

 

Wage: $16/hr 

  • Upon successful completion of your year of service, participants may earn a $6,000 completion award from the Maryland Corps / Service Year Option program.

 

Benefits:

  • Access to the Howard EcoWorks health benefits plan.

  • UpLift participants are given 10 days paid leave to be used for sick days, work absences, and scheduled vacations. Time off will be accrued by working in the program. Advance notice and supervisor approval is required for scheduled absences.

  • UpLift participants are granted the following paid holidays, to the extent a listed holiday falls within the timeframe of the seasonal contract: Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, American Indian Heritage Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and Memorial Day. 

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

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Job Timeline:

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  • Spring Season Start Date: September 3, 2026.

  • Season End Date: June 11, 2027.

  • Full-time, hourly position, expected 40 hours / week.

  • Monday - Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm, including a half-hour unpaid lunch break and 2 paid 15-minute breaks per day.

  • Weekend work opportunities may become available, but are not mandatory.

  • Work in the field is weather-dependent, which may result in shortened work weeks in the event of extreme weather.  Indoor training and professional development opportunities will be offered on inclement-weather days.

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How to Apply:

Priority Deadline: May 1, 2026

Secondary Deadline: June 1, 2026

  • Apply HERE to MD Corps Service Year Option. When the host site matching process begins, select Howard Ecoworks as your host site partner, and follow the instructions provided.

  • Email the Program Coordinator, Matt, at mhemler@howardecoworks.org and let him know that you applied.

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Check the Service Year website for deadline information after May 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Additional information about the program can be found here.

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Contact: If you have any questions about the job positions or hiring, please contact Matt Hemler at mhemler@howardecoworks.org.

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