Managing Wet Weather with 

Green Infrastructure 

Green Jobs 

Training 

A Catalog of Training Opportunities for 

Green Infrastructure Technologies 

www.epa.gov/greeninfrastructure 
February 2009 
 

The implementation of green infrastructure in wet weather management programs across 

the country is creating the potential for a new wave of jobs. The potential is notable, not 

just for initial design and installation of practices such as bioretention and permeable pavements, 

but also for long-term operation and maintenance. 

The Green Infrastructure Wet Weather initiative has identified a small handful of certification 

and training programs for these newer technologies (e.g., permeable concrete; green roofs), but 

the demand for skilled designers and installers currently seems to outweigh the supply in many 

regions of the country. In addition, inspecting, operating and maintaining this wide variety of 

practices on private and public properties will create new job opportunities in both the public and 

private sector. 

New training and certification standards and programs are necessary to meet the increasing and 

projected demand. University curricula in fields such as engineering and landscape architecture 

will need to adapt to meet design needs. Training and certification programs developed by many 

commercial, public and private sectors will be needed to ensure effective installation of a variety 

of practices. Training in operation and maintenance will also be a significant need for municipal 

public works departments, private property owners, and others with O&M responsibilities. 

U.S. EPA and other Green Infrastructure partners are working to identify needs; develop 

capacity for particular technological skills; and encourage and facilitate new training and 

certification programs related to the management of wet weather using green infrastructure. 

This catalog is intended to provide a central link to a wide variety of training opportunities, 

including those of colleges and universities, non-profits, trade organizations, state certification 

programs, training grants and more. One page fact sheets on each program provide an overview 

and a link to where additional information can be found. As we become aware of additional 

relevant training opportunities we shall include them in this catalog. Inclusion in this catalog 

does not convey EPA endorsement of the quality or content of the program. 

i 
 

Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure 

Green Jobs Training Opportunities Catalog 

Contents 

National Training & Certification Programs.......................................... 1
 

Rainwater Harvesting Certification ................................................. 2
 

Watershed and Stormwater Training: Center for Watershed Protection ..... 3
 

LEED Certification: Green Building Certification Institute ...................... 4
 

Green Plumbing: GreenPlumbers® USA ............................................ 5
 

Green Roofs: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities ...................................... 6
 

Pervious Concrete: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association ............... 7
 

Wetland Training: Wetland Training Institute..................................... 8
 

Ecoscaper Certification Program: Wild Ones ...................................... 9
 

Apprenticeship Programs .............................................................. 10
 

District of Columbia: Green Roofs..................................................11
 

District of Columbia: Urban Forestry ..............................................12
 

College & University Programs ....................................................... 13
 

University of Washington: Green Futures Research & Design Lab.............14
 

Training Grants .......................................................................... 15
 

U.S. EPA Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance .........16
 

State Programs and Resources ....................................................... 17
 

California: Green Building Professional Training.................................18
 

District of Columbia: River Restoration ...........................................19
 

District of Columbia: Green Building Training....................................20
 

Illinois: Chicagoland Green Collar Jobs Initiative................................21
 

Illinois: GreenCorps Chicago ........................................................22
 

Iowa: Conservation Corps............................................................23
 

Iowa: Rainscaping Iowa ..............................................................24
 

Maryland: Green Infrastructure Training..........................................25
 

Maryland: Native Landscaping and Conservation Skills .........................26
 

New York: Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training .........................27
 

North Carolina: Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance 

Certification .......................................................................28
 

ii 
 

National Training & Certification Programs 

1 
 

 

Rainwater Harvesting Certification 

Provided By: American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) provides a training 

process to members to set a minimum level of demonstrated knowledge of rainwater 

catchment systems, called the ARCSA Accredited Professional (ARCSA AP) course. The 

purpose of accreditation is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a 

competency of general knowledge and experience to provide advice and/or assistance 

in the use of rainwater capture. 

To become accredited, you must: 

• Be a member of ARCSA; 

• Submit an application detailing experience and background in the subject; 

• Pass a written exam; 

• Participate in an ARCSA-approved workshop; and 

• Pay an accreditation fee. 

Accredited Professionals will receive a certificate and be recognized on the ARCSA 

website. ARCSA's accreditation course is not required by any state or municipality for 

designers or installers of rainwater catchment systems. 

Recertification 

Accredited Professionals must maintain their ARCSA membership, complete annual 

CEU requirements, and renew their accreditation status with a nominal processing fee 

every 2 years. 

More Info: http://www.arcsa.org/cert.html 

2 
 

Watershed and Stormwater Training: Center for Watershed Protection 

Provided By: Center for Watershed Protection 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

This program has institutes, training workshops and presentations, and distance 

learning aimed at improving the technical expertise and results of local staff, 

consultants, watershed groups, and other watershed managers. 

The Watershed Institute and Stormwater Institute are 3-5 day intensive training 

sessions aimed at giving a limited number of participants the skills and tools to assess, 

design, and implement effective restoration programs in their home watersheds. 

Institutes consist of classroom time, design exercises, and field visits. 12 Institutes 

have been organized between 2002 and 2007 in eight states. 

Workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of a wide range of audiences and 

typically include: presentations on four or five topics, an interactive exercise 

developed for the audience, a discussion, a field trip, and local guest speakers. 

The Introduction to Urban Watersheds distance class includes an overview of 

watershed hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and biology, the impact of the 

land development process on these systems, and an introduction to watershed 

management methods. 

Discounts are available for nonprofit organizations. 

More Information: http://www.cwp.org/Our_Work/Training/index.htm 

3 
 

 

LEED Certification: Green Building Certification Institute 

Provided By: Green Building Certification Institute 

Training: No Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential is awarded to building industry 

professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building, 

LEED® Green Building Rating SystemTM, and the knowledge and skills to facilitate the 

LEED certification process. LEED certification provides independent, third-party 

verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance 

measures. All certified projects receive a LEED plaque, which is the nationally 

recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, 

profitable and a healthy place to live and work. 

LEED Professional Accreditation is a voluntary designation and achieved by passing the 

LEED Professional Accreditation exam. The LEED AP Candidate Handbook (PDF) is a 

complete resource for exam policies, guidelines, and tips. The Green Building 

Certification Institute recommends that LEED AP candidates have building industry 

knowledge, as well as experience working with green building professionals from 

multiple disciplines. The US Green Building Council also offers courses to help you 

increase your knowledge and prepare for the exam. 

More Information: http://www.gbci.org/Default.aspx 

4 
 

 

Green Plumbing: GreenPlumbers® USA 

Provided By: GreenPlumbers® USA 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

GreenPlumbers® national training and accreditation program seeks to provide 

environmental training for existing journey-level plumbers, contractors, and 

professionals in the industry. The program is supported in part by government, utility 

and manufacturer partnerships. The organization’s goal is to train plumbers to 

promote the benefits of water conservation and the reduction of green house gas 

emissions. The focus is on changing consumer and plumbing behavior through the use 

of energy efficiency and water saving technologies. As a grassroots effort, the plan is 

a voluntary one that can be implemented quickly without legislation or regulation. 

GreenPlumbers® training consists of a five-course, 32 hour, accreditation in 

environmental and technical issues including Climate Care (8 hrs), Caring For Our 

Water (8 hrs), Solar Hot Water (4 hrs), Water Efficient Technology (8 hrs), and an 

Inspection Report Service(4 hrs). 

Recertification 

Recertification not required, though courses are expanded and updated to meet 

industry and policy needs 

More Information: http://www.greenplumbersusa.com/ 

5 
 

 

Green Roofs: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities 

Provided By: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) offers four key courses titled Green Roof 

Design, Green Roof Design and Implementation, Green Roof Waterproofing and 

Drainage, and Green Roof Plants and Media. These courses were developed by 

multidisciplinary committees with experts in fields of civil and structural engineering, 

architecture, horticulture, roofing and waterproofing, and landscape architecture. 

Courses are offered in over 30 cities nationwide. 

Based on developed Occupational Standards, GRHC also offers an accredited exam to 

become a certified Green Roof Professional (GRP). The exam is based on the 

knowledge attained in the four courses. Passing the exam will demonstrate a level of 

knowledge and skill deemed important by the green roof industry. The exam will be 

offered at the 7th Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, 

June 5th, in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be offered in the fall of 2009 in the following 

cities: Toronto, Seattle, New York, and Chicago. The registration cost is $395 US. 

Recertification 

Standing in the program will be maintained by obtaining a minimum of 16 continuing 

education credits every two years. Eight of these credits will be for GRHC related 

activities including conference and courses. Guidelines for the other 8 credits will be 

available by the end of 2008. An annual fee (yet to be determined) will also be 

required. This fee will be at a reduced rate for GRHC members. 

More Information: http://www.greenroofs.org/ 

index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170&Itemid=86 

6 
 

 

Pervious Concrete: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association 

Provided by: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The goal of this certification program is to ensure that knowledgeable contractors are 

selected to place the product and thereby minimize the chance for failure. The 

program is designed to be administered locally by local sponsoring groups in 

conjunction with planned training sessions or demonstrations of pervious concrete 

placement. NRMCA provides certification exams and performance evaluations to 

approved local sponsoring groups for administering the certification. 

Three levels of certification are available: 

1. A Pervious Concrete Technician is a person who demonstrated knowledge about 

proper procedures to place, compact, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect 

pervious concrete pavements, but who lacks the requisite field experience to 

qualify as a pervious concrete Installer or Craftsman. 

2. A Pervious Concrete Installer is a person who has demonstrated the ability to 

place, compact, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect pervious concrete 

pavements and has documented a limited project-based field experience in 

placing pervious concrete. 

3. A Pervious Concrete Craftsman is a person who has demonstrated the ability to 

place, compact, finish, edge, joint, cure and protect pervious concrete 

pavements and has documented a higher level of field time-based experience 

in placing pervious concrete. 

The program requires knowledge in the following areas of concrete construction: 

1. Basic concrete technology 

2. Pervious concrete materials and mix proportioning 

3. Proper use of tools and equipment 

4. General design principles of pervious concrete pavements 

5. Pervious concrete construction 

6. Maintenance and troubleshooting 

Recertification 

Recertification is required every five years and requires successful completion of a 

written examination. 

More Information: http://www.nrmca.org/certifications/pervious/ 

7 
 

Wetland Training: Wetland Training Institute 

Provided By: Wetland Training Institute (WTI) 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The Wetland Training Institute (WTI) offers several courses for 2009 in the following 

categories: Wetland Delineation, Policy, Functional Assessment, Advanced Technical 

Courses, Wetland Construction and Restoration, and Plants. The courses range in 

length from 1 to 6 days and cost anywhere from $260 to $1400. Many of these courses 

satisfy requirements of certification programs in many states. 

WTI also offers the following courses in conjunction with Portland State University: 

Basic Wetland Delineation, Regional Supplement Training, and Hydric Soil Indicators 

for Regional Supplements. 

You may also inquire about having WTI teach a specific course that is not found in the 

course listing. 

More Information: http://www.wetlandtraining.com/coursedescriptions.html 

8 
 

 

Ecoscaper Certification Program: Wild Ones 

Provided By: Wild Ones 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The Wild Ones Ecoscaper Certification Program consists of three educational levels 

plus continuing education criteria. These levels have been structured to lay the 

groundwork for basic knowledge about native landscaping through basic test 

questions. Once completed correctly, participants apply their knowledge in specific 

fieldwork aimed at enhancing ecoscaping abilities. The levels contain a written test 

along with fieldwork and a project to complete the certification requirements. The 

intent is to provide a process for self-education about native landscaping, with a goal 

toward applying knowledge as an advocate for native plants and natural landscaping 

in local neighborhoods and communities. 

Certification is awarded when all three parts of the level are submitted for review 

and accepted. 

•	 Level 1 covers the basics of native landscaping including Wild Ones philosophy, 

and should be completed within a two-year period of time. 

•	 Level 2 reaches beyond the basics and into some more challenging experiences 

outside of your backyard, and should be completed within a two-year period of 

time. 

•	 Level 3 gets you thinking more on your own and out into the community, and 

should be completed within a two-year period of time. 

Recertification 

The continuing education level requires more formal educational efforts along with 

fieldwork and a project to accomplish completion of certification requirements. This 

is an annual requirement to keep Ecoscaper certification current. 

More Information: http://www.wildcertification.org/ecoscaper/ 

9 
 

Apprenticeship Programs 

10 
 

 

District of Columbia: Green Roofs 

Provided By: D.C. Greenworks 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: Possible 

Program Summary 

D.C Greenworks recognizes the importance of ecology and economy as well as the 

strong need for clean and green communities. By providing education, job training, 

and employment opportunities, together with various partners, D.C. Greenworks helps 

to build a workforce of individuals trained in urban landscape management. 

Participants learn all components of green roof design, installation, operation and 

maintenance. D.C. Greenworks provides on-the-job greenroof and horticulture 

apprenticeship programs and hands-on landscaping and low impact development 

installation projects in an easy and fun atmosphere. 

Upon completion of the training/apprenticeship programs D.C Greenworks provides 

job placement in areas such as landscaping, park maintenance, and nursery work. To 

date, twenty-seven people have received green roof training. 

More Information: http://www.dcgreenworks.org (search under Outreach & 

Advocacy) 

11 
 

 

 

 

 

District of Columbia: Urban Forestry 

Provided By: Casey Trees Washington D.C. 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

Casey Trees hires D.C. high school students every summer as paid Urban Forestry 

Interns to help “regreen” D.C. neighborhoods. The student interns learn about trees 

and how to care for them. The interns then apply what they learn outdoors in the 

local communities, at the same time teaching local residents how to do the same. A 

healthy urban tree community can play a significant role in managing stormwater. 

Casey Trees has three main goals of the interns: 

•	 Gain job experience 

•	 Learn about a wide range of forestry and environmental careers 

•	 Become stewards for trees planted by Casey Trees 

The focus of Casey Trees is to help the youth of today learn and develop a future for 

their tomorrow. 

Applicants must meet the following qualifications: 

•	 A District of Columbia resident currently enrolled in a DC high school. 

•	 16 years or older. 

•	 Motivation to learn. 

•	 Demonstrated interest in DC’s environment. 

•	 Show a willingness to represent Casey Trees as a professional in conduct and 

appearance. 

•	 Have a strong work ethic and the physical ability to work hard outdoors in all 

weather conditions, including rain and heat. 

•	 Show a willingness to work with a variety of landscaping tools and equipment. 

•	 Complete an application with two references supporting qualifications for the 

job 

More Information: http://www.caseytrees.org/education/high-schoolinternship/index.php 

12 
 

College & University Programs 

13 
 

University of Washington: Green Futures Research & Design Lab 

Provided By: University of Washington 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The Green Futures Lab (GFL) is housed under University of Washington’s College of 

Architecture and Urbana Planning, Department of Landscape Architecture. Most GFL 

projects are in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest Area; however, their Global Green 

Lecture Series features prominent international speakers from the field of green 

infrastructure. 

The mission of the Green Futures Lab is to: 

•	 Support interdisciplinary research and design that advances our understanding 

of, visions for, and design of an ecologically sustainable public realm. 

•	 Apply Green Futures research and designs to policy development and potential 

solutions for urban green infrastructure within Seattle and the Pacific 

Northwest region. 

•	 Work with the University of Washington, local communities and international 

partners to provide education and collaboration around urban green 

infrastructure and a sustainable public realm. 

The GFL is developing a Green Infrastructure Resource Center to provide 

professionals, students, and community members with resources about key green 

infrastructure systems: water, habitat, low-impact mobility, community spaces, and 

low carbon energy for a healthy climate. 

Physically housed in Gould Hall room 102 on the University campus, the Green 

Infrastructure Resource Center exhibits valuable reference and demonstration 

materials. The GFL website has additional online resources available. 

More Information: http://www.greenfutures.washington.edu/about-mission.php 

14 
 

Training Grants 

15 
 

U.S. EPA Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance 

Provided By: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Training: Possible Certification: No Grant: Yes 

Program Summary 

EPA’s Brownfields Program empowers states, tribes, communities, and other 

stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably 

reuse brownfields. EPA funds eligible applicants through assistance agreements to 

provide training, research, and technical assistance to facilitate brownfields 

revitalization. 

EPA’s Brownfield program has designated two grantee organizations to lead projects 

and training that may have green infrastructure components: 

•	 Sustainable Community Development Group, Inc. and the National Conference 

of Black Mayors have partnered to develop and implement the Greening of 

Brownfields Program, which will demonstrate how mayors can reuse idle 

properties in ways that address equity and community issues. This program 

covers green designs, buildings, and technologies; energy conservation; 

recycling; relevant certification programs; and employment options in green 

collar jobs. 

o	 More information: http://www.sustainablecommunitydevelopment.org 

•	 Hazardous Materials Training and Research Institute established the 

Brownfields to Greenfields Program to provide assistance to communities across 

the country in establishing equitable and sustainable brownfields job 

development and training programs. This project provides community 

residents with education and information regarding sustainable, renewable, 

and green practices. 

o More information: http://www.hmtri.org/hmtri/index_hmtri.htm 

16 
 

State Programs and Resources 

17 
 

 

California: Green Building Professional Training 

Provided By: Build It Green 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP) training is open to all California 

building professionals involved in the design and construction of residential buildings, 

as well as to professionals that support and develop the market for green building. 

Attendance at each session of the CGBP training and a passing grade on the final exam 

(80%) are required to earn certification. Participants who miss a session must attend 

that session at a future CGBP training within 12 months before they can take the final 

exam and become certified. 

All graduates of the CGBP training may choose to become affiliates of the Green 

Building Professionals Guild. Various chapters of the Guild meet every month and 

provide continuing education and networking opportunities. 

Build It Green promotes CGBPs via the CGBP Directory. California homeowners turn to 

this online directory to locate professionals qualified to design and construct their 

new home or renovation projects. 

Recertification 

Certification is valid for two years, and recertification is required to keep 

certification current. 

More Information: http://www.builditgreen.org/cgbp 

18 
 

 

 

 

District of Columbia: River Restoration 

Provided By: Earth Conservation Corps 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The Earth Conservation Corps is a nonprofit organization whose main focus is on 

Anacostia’s youth and engaging them to become corps members by showing them how 

they can improve the quality of their own lives. Earth Conservation Corps is a nonprofit organization that partners with various organizations in an effort to restore the 

Anacostia River. By involving the youth in the restoration process, they will become 

socially active in the environmental and economic health of their community. 

ECC members dedicate 1700 hours to cleaning up the environment, including river 

clean ups, protecting endangered wildlife, and providing community service. Corps 

members receive a stipend, health insurance, child care benefits, and roughly $5000 

scholarship. 

More Information: http://www.ecc1.org/ 

19 
 

 

 

 

District of Columbia: Green Building Training 

Provided By: GreenHOME 

Training: Yes Certification: Possible Grant: Yes 

Program Summary 

Based in Washington D.C, GreenHOME focuses on providing training in green 

affordable housing and to create a workforce of building professionals, lenders, 

investors, developers, etc. that will have the knowhow to build better functioning 

buildings and communities by “thinking green”. The programs are structured on the 

interests of each audience as well as providing multiple workshops and technical 

assistance. The trainees will have the opportunity to learn from others who have 

already built successful affordable housing projects and in turn apply their new skills 

to their own projects. 

Training programs consist of learning about: 

• Efficient components and systems 

• Green practices for advanced design and construction methods 

• Affordable construction practices and its benefits 

These key aspects and practices are just a few of the various components that 

comprise the training programs and workshops. 

Not only does GreenHOME provide training to architects, developers, government 

staff, and other professionals, they also offer Project-based and Technical Assistance 

Grants to meet the requirements of the Green Building Act. 

GreenHOME is working in partnership with groups such as DC Greenworks, DC 

Appleseed, and Casey Trees to create incentives for low-impact development: from 

green roofs and construction best practices for buildings to porous pavement and tree 

and rain garden plantings that can transform whole neighborhoods. 

More Information: 

http://www.greenhome.org/about/work/providing_expertise.html 

20 
 

 

 

Illinois: Chicagoland Green Collar Jobs Initiative 

Provided By: Chicagoland Green Collar Jobs Initiative 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The mission of Chicagoland Green Collar Initiative is to facilitate the development of 

a skilled workforce that is ready to meet employer demands in the emerging “green” 

economy and to capture new employment opportunities for Chicagoland workers. 

The Initiative is exploring and identifying employment and job training opportunities 

to prepare workers for emerging green jobs related to sustainability, natural resource 

conservation and environmental related technology. The target audience for a new 

green collar jobs program includes: unskilled, unemployed or underemployed 

individuals, and incumbent workers requiring updated training for new technologies. 

Based on their initial research, some of the prevalent green collar jobs include: 

energy raters for homes and commercial buildings; green cleaning and building 

maintenance staff; alternative energy service providers (solar, wind, geo-thermal); 

installer/ maintenance of stormwater management systems (green roof, 

permeable pavement, rain water collection); urban agriculture (landscaping, 

farming, apiculture) and green-related services (recycling, retail, manufacturing). 

Future work will focus on selecting two promising job types and drafting a program 

development plan for these jobs that will serve as a program model for additional job 

and career selections. The model will identify program components to be developed 

including job readiness, participant support services, career counseling, training 

classes that link existing programs as well as new classes to be developed on a 

career path, curriculum development needs, employment, retention and 

advancement training. Strong emphasis will be on mapping a career path and gaining 

the training, credentials and work experience necessary to advance. 

Chicagoland Green Collar Jobs Summit will be held in March 2009. 

More Information: http://www.greencollarchicago.org/index.php 

21 
 

Illinois: GreenCorps Chicago 

Provided By: City of Chicago, Illinois 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

GreenCorps Chicago’s mission is to improve the quality of life throughout Chicago by 

providing horticultural instruction, materials and employment. Greencorps Chicago is 

a program of the City of Chicago Department of Environment (DOE) in partnership 

with WRD Environmental. 

Greencorps Chicago offers workshops, plant materials, technical assistance and 

educational programs. Organizations working in a public space, including schools, 

faith institutions, libraries, public housing communities and block clubs, may 

participate in program activities. Each spring, Greencorps Chicago hires 

approximately 50 people into its six-month landscaping training program. 

More Information: http://www.cityofchicago.org Search for: Greencorps 

22 
 

 

 

Iowa: Conservation Corps 

Provided By: Conservation Corps Minnesota 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

Conservation Corps Iowa is a program of the Minnesota Conservation Corps, a nonprofit organization, and corps members work as part of a 5 person crew. The crews 

work throughout Iowa and the Upper Midwest to complete natural resource-based 

projects on public land. Crew members are enrolled in AmeriCorps, and therefore 

receive a stipend and healthcare benefits. The crew’s work schedule is from midFebruary to mid-December; approximately 20% of this time is dedicated to learning 

positive workplace behaviors and technical work skills. Through on-the-job training, 

the Conservation Corps prepares members for natural resource and other technical 

fields. This years’ Conservation Corps will be focusing on stormwater control 

measures, such as rain garden installation. The crew also gains experience in erosion 

control, fire suppression and prescribed burning, tree and plant surveys, water quality 

sampling and monitoring, and general construction and carpentry skills. 

More Information: http://www.conservationcorps.org/ Iowa crew manager is Chris 

Severson: chris.severson@conservationcorp.org 

23 
 

 

 

Iowa: Rainscaping Iowa 

Provided By: Iowa Stormwater Partnership 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

More Information: Website in development 

24 
 

 

Maryland: Green Infrastructure Training 

Provided By: Green Building Institute 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The Green Building Institute’s mission is to foster sustainable building practices 

through education and example. Courses are taught by experienced professionals 

from the private and non-profit sectors, at the Green Building Institute or at 

partnering local colleges. The Institute offers green infrastructure courses on topics 

such as water harvesting, living roof and living walls, rain gardens and water 

stewardship. 

For example, topics covered in the rain garden course include: 

• Installing a Rain Barrel 

• Selecting the proper Rain Garden Location 

• Soils and Drainage on your Property 

• Sizing of Your Rain Garden 

• Rain Garden Construction 

• Selecting the Plants for your Rain Garden 

• Maintaining your Rain Garden 

Course costs range from $20 to $80. 

More Information: http://www.greenbuildinginstitute.org/ 

25 
 

 

 

 

Maryland: Native Landscaping and Conservation Skills 

Provided By: Maryland Civic Justice Corps 

Training: Yes Certification: No Grant: No 

Program Summary 

Maryland Civic Justice Corps has partnered with Baltimore City to provide hands-on 

conservation work to Baltimore youth at Maryland State Parks. The program provides 

the opportunity for youths to be outside during the summer learning new skills such 

as, building bridges and trails, and the knowhow to protect, conserve, and restore 

natural resources. Learning basic construction and landscaping skills will enable 

future growth in park service careers. 

The program divides the youth into 12 crews with each crew consisting of 8 

individuals while under the supervision of a Crew Chief. Each morning, bus 

transportation will depart Baltimore city at 7:00am and return back to the city at 

3:30pm. The individual will receive $6.55 for each hour of service provided, along 

with a work uniform, breakfast snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. 

More Information: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/cjc/program.html 

26 
 

 

 

New York: Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training 

Provided By: Sustainable South Bronx 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx), an environmental justice organization, addresses 

land-use, energy, transportation, water and waste policy, and education to advance 

the environmental and economic rebirth of the South Bronx. SSBx also directs the 

Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training (BEST) program, one of the nation's first 

and most successful green-collar job training & placement systems. Students graduate 

with several certifications, job readiness preparation, and a powerful environmental 

justice perspective on all of the important work they are qualified to do. Nearly all of 

the students were on some form of public assistance, and about half have prison 

records. This 14-16-week program is free to qualified applicants. BEST works with 

their graduates to help them find the right job as well as tracking their progress for 3 

years in case they need help finding their place in this growing and rewarding job 

market. Now in its 5th year of operation, over 80% are employed and 15% have gone 

on to higher education. 

BEST participants receive hands-on training in green roof installation and 

maintenance, brownfield remediation, wetland restoration, landscapint, and many 

other green skills. SmartRoofs, LLC is a subsidiary of SSBx, and solely employs 

graduates of this program to install and maintain the green roofs they design. 

More Information: http://www.ssbx.org/best.html 

27 
 

 

North Carolina: Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Certification 

Provided By: North Carolina State University 

Training: Yes Certification: Yes Grant: No 

Program Summary 

The goal of this training is to provide managers of stormwater facilities in North 

Carolina with appropriate training on inspection and maintenance of common 

technologies such as retention ponds, bioretention areas, stormwater wetlands, 

permeable pavement, and level spreaders. These devices must have annual 

maintenance to continue to function properly. Goals of the training include: 

•	 Understand stormwater and how it affects drinking water quality 

•	 Understand stormwater management devices used in North Carolina and how 

they function 

•	 Understand maintenance requirements of each stormwater practice 

•	 Be eligible to take a test at the conclusion of the training to be certified 

This workshop offers 7 PDHs (professional development hours) for professional 

engineers and surveyors, authorized by the NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and 

Surveyors. Other professionals may appeal to their respective boards to obtain 

professional education credits. 

More Information: 

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater/training/bmpworkshop.html 

28