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.
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.
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
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
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 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
SailFuture is a specialized child welfare agency that provides Residential Group Care, Foster Parent recruitment, training, and support, Mental Health services, Job Training, and an Accredited Private High School, all specifically for teens in foster care.
Combining these services gives us influence over the key social determinants that determine successful life outcomes for teenagers in foster care.
SailFuture currently operates two off-site Residential Treatment Programs, an accredited high school, and leads multi-month sailing journeys on a 65-foot sailboat throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
