AmeriCorps Construction Apprentice

About SailFuture

SailFuture is a nonprofit organization in St. Petersburg, Florida, dedicated to helping youth who have experienced significant life challenges build meaningful, independent futures.

Through residential foster care, a private high school, workforce development, international sailing expeditions, and social enterprises, we provide young people with the relationships, education, and opportunities they need to achieve economic freedom.

Our Construction Team plays a critical role in that mission. Every renovation and new construction project helps expand safe housing for disadvantaged youth while generating revenue that directly supports scholarships and tuition assistance for students at SailFuture Academy.

AmeriCorps Construction Apprentice

The AmeriCorps Construction Apprentice is a hands-on service position for individuals who want to learn the skilled trades while making a tangible impact in their community.

Working alongside experienced construction professionals, apprentices participate in residential renovations, new construction, property improvements, and maintenance projects that directly support SailFuture's mission. Every project contributes to creating safe, high-quality housing for vulnerable youth or helps generate revenue that is reinvested into educational opportunities for students.

This position is ideal for someone eager to develop practical construction skills, work hard outdoors and indoors, and gain experience across multiple trades while serving a purpose greater than themselves.

What You'll Learn

Throughout your AmeriCorps service, you'll gain practical experience in:

• Residential framing and carpentry

• Drywall installation and finishing

• Painting and exterior finishes

• Flooring installation

• Trim and finish carpentry

• Basic plumbing and electrical assistance

• Demolition and site preparation

• Roofing and weatherproofing

• Tool operation and maintenance

• Construction safety and OSHA best practices

• Blueprint reading and project planning

• Professional jobsite communication

• Time management and teamwork

• Problem solving and quality craftsmanship

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with residential renovation and new construction projects.

• Perform demolition, framing, carpentry, painting, flooring, drywall, and finish work under supervision.

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe job sites.

• Operate and maintain construction tools and equipment safely.

• Load, unload, and transport materials and supplies.

• Follow project plans, schedules, and quality standards.

• Learn multiple construction trades through hands-on experience.

• Work collaboratively with staff, contractors, volunteers, and fellow AmeriCorps members.

• Represent SailFuture professionally while working in homes and community projects.

• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements

• Be a United States citizen, United States national, or lawful permanent resident

• Be at least 17 years of age at the start of service

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent

• Not have exceeded the maximum allowable AmeriCorps service terms

• Not be listed on any state or national sex offender registry

• Not have been convicted of murder, as defined in 18 U.S.C. §1111

Additional Program Qualifications

• Interest in construction, skilled trades, or property renovation.

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

• Ability to work as part of a team.

• Positive attitude and commitment to service.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work.

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Valid driver's license.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Compensation valued at $52,805 annually

• Living Allowance: $2,080

• $1,500 Max 401k Contribution per year

• $6910 annual health insurance plan

• $12,000 value: On-site room & board including a furnished room, utilities & food

• $7,395 Education award eligibility on completion of year

• Access to sailboats and kayaks during time off

• Clearwater Community Sailing Center Membership; includes the use of facility and equipment

• YMCA Gym Membership
  

TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

Members receive comprehensive training throughout the service term, including:

a) Initial Orientation

Orientation introduces SailFuture Fellowship culture, policies, prohibited activities, service expectations, and reporting requirements.

b) Program-Specific Training

Members receive training related to youth development, trauma-informed care, safety procedures, and service-site expectations.

c) Ongoing Training

Ongoing professional development and skill-building opportunities are provided to support effective service delivery.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE

Service Assignment

AmeriCorps members will serve at approved SailFuture service sites in Saint Petersburg, FL. Members may serve in residential foster care programs, education settings, and workforce development initiatives supporting youth and families.

Supervision

Members are supervised by designated SailFuture staff and AmeriCorps Program Managers. Regular supervision meetings are held to review service progress, address challenges, and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Member to successfully perform the essential functions of service assignments.

• Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance;stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear

• Occasionally required to sit

• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

• Must be able to wear protective equipment in compliance with general safety and food safety protocol

Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the term of service and be eligible for a Segal Education Award, the member must:

i) Complete the required number of service hours
ii) Participate in all required trainings and meetings
iii) Receive a satisfactory performance evaluation
iv) Comply with all program standards and policies

Employability

Members may not serve at a site with family members and may not be employed by the service site outside of AmeriCorps.

RESTRICTIONS AND COMPLIANCE

• All primary service activities must occur within the United States

• International travel or service is not part of the AmeriCorps service term

• International activities, if offered, are not federally funded and do not count toward service hours

• Members may not engage in prohibited political, religious, or lobbying activities while serving

• Members may not be employed by the service site outside of AmeriCorps during their term

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Members are evaluated regularly on service quality, compliance, professionalism, and contribution to program outcomes. Accurate documentation of service hours and activities is required and must be verified by the designated supervisor.

DISCLAIMER

This position description reflects the general nature of service expected of AmeriCorps members in this role. Service activities may be modified to meet program needs while remaining compliant with AmeriCorps regulations.