Community Landscaping Assistant

Civic Works•Baltimore, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Civic Works strengthens Baltimore's communities and promotes equity for people of all ages through education, skills development, and community service. The Community Landscaping Program transforms vacant lots in Baltimore City into usable green spaces. Members, community residents, local artists, and volunteer groups serve together to create and maintain thriving community spaces. Community Landscaping Trainees transform vacant lots in neighborhoods throughout Baltimore City into communal green spaces and public gardens. Members learn to properly use hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment involved in landscaping. They serve alongside community members and help lead volunteer groups to conceptualize, create, and maintain green spaces. Members also participate in educational workshops, job skills training, and workforce development activities.

Requirements

Willingness to learn and work hard
Show up on time
Take direction well
Work as part of a crew
Stay engaged in outdoor physical work through Baltimore summers and winters
Comfort talking with residents and volunteer groups
Represent Civic Works on neighborhood sites and help direct volunteer crews
Physical stamina and willingness to work outdoors in extreme heat and cold
Ability to lift 40 pounds
Reliability and punctuality
Team orientation and ability to take direction
Comfort giving instruction to volunteer groups and talking with neighborhood residents
Interest in landscaping, green space, or trades work
No prior landscaping experience required
Share a commitment to promoting equity for Baltimore residents of all ages
Communicate directly, support teammates, and take feedback well
Safety discipline

Nice To Haves

No prior landscaping experience required

Responsibilities

Transform vacant lots across Baltimore City into usable green spaces
Receive hands-on training in the safe and responsible use of power tools and heavy equipment, supported by self-paced online and classroom instruction covering basic and complex urban landscaping techniques
Lead community members and volunteer groups to conceptualize, create, and maintain green spaces
Participate in soft skills development covering personal and professional growth, including resume building, mock interviews, equity and inclusion, and project management and leadership
Site clearing and debris removal
Grading
Soil preparation
Planting trees, shrubs, and perennials
Installing hardscape features such as paths, beds, and seating
Maintaining completed sites through mowing, mulching, pruning, and watering
Explaining the day's work, demonstrating safe tool use, and keeping volunteer crews on task
Attend educational workshops, job skills training, and workforce development activities throughout the term
Occasional weekend service is required for community build days and volunteer events