The Sustainability InstituteThe Sustainability Institute

Join AmeriCorps


Join AmeriCorps &
Environmental Conservation Corps


Creating the next generation of conservation leaders through civic engagement.

Environmental Conservation Corps members engage in a variety of essential conservation activities in communities and protected areas across the Lowcountry region, while learning new skills, building confidence and leadership, developing life-long relationships, and serving their community. Our graduates will tell you that it is a life-changing experience that you won’t forget!

Restoration Crew Members will restore wildlife habitat and ecosystems; construct rain gardens; build urban gardens to increase food access; plant native species plants; perform erosion control and water quality monitoring; construct and repair trails, bridges, and boardwalks; and perform oyster reef restoration and salt marsh restoration.

Community Restoration Members will be placed with the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC). Members will engage in local habitat restoration activities such as restoring wetland buffers, planting native plants and trees, constructing and maintaining rain gardens, and supporting community trainings.

Sustainable Housing Crew Members will support homeowners in improving energy efficiency, lowering utility costs, and enhancing home comfort and safety. They will perform home energy audits and install energy and water conservation measures; and they will also lead community energy conservation workshops.

All members receive in-demand training and certifications, classroom and field experiences, a bi-weekly stipend, access to potential jobs, and an education award upon graduation.

Position Descriptions

Currently recruiting the following positions for the 2024-2025 program year!

ECC Crew Member Timeline

Restoration Crew Member PositionsCommunity Restoration Member PositionsSustainable Housing Specialist Positions
DatesSpring:
March 10 - July 25, 2025
Summer:
May 27 - July 25, 2025
Fall:
September 8, 2025 - January 23, 2026
May 27, 2025 - May 26, 2026May 27, 2025 - May 26, 2026
PrioritiesOyster Recycling, Marsh Restoration, & Living Shoreline InstallationOyster Recycling, Marsh Restoration, & Living Shoreline InstallationRain Garden Design and Installation & Recreational Trail Maintenance and BuildingLocal habitat restoration activities and community outreach with the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC)>Performing Energy Audits, Installing Weatherization Measures, & Leading Community Energy Conservation Workshops
AudienceYoung adults aged 17-24 who are neither in school nor working full-timeYoung adults aged 18-25 who are enrolled in schoolYoung adults aged 17-24 who are neither in school nor working full-timeAdults aged 17+ with high school diploma or equivalentAdults aged 17+ with high school diploma or equivalent
Application DatesNo longer accepting applicationsAccepting applications through April 25, 2025May 1 - August 31, 2025Accepting applications through April 25, 2025Accepting applications through April 25, 2025

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program that engages adults in public service work with a goal of “helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.”

AmeriCorps members serve directly with nonprofit organizations to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges. Through a term of service that could last from a few months to a year, AmeriCorps members gain work experience and develop in-demand skills. AmeriCorps members are compensated with a stipend or living allowance and often receive an education award or scholarship upon completing their service. Additionally, Corps programs provide participants educational programming, mentoring, and access to career and personal counseling. AmeriCorps members represent the best of America: tirelessly serving people and communities across the country.

We offer several different types of program opportunities and experiences, including our “Opportunity Youth Service Initiative” (OYSI) program, which serves at-risk and economically disadvantaged persons aged 17-24 experiencing barriers, and our AmeriCorps SC program, which serves adults ages 17+.

Eligibility

No prior experience is necessary.

Ages 17+

All race and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

High school diploma or on track to earn GED.

Reliable transportation to and from The Sustainability Institute is required for participation.

Persons with criminal backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please note: Persons convicted of murder or sexual offenses are not eligible as per AmeriCorps guidelines.

Expectations of Corps Members

A commitment to either 5 months, 6 months, or 12 months of service.

Outstanding representation of The Sustainability Institute, the Corps Network, and AmeriCorps - AmeriCorps members should uphold and represent our core values including: Professionalism, Community Service, Responsibility, Safety, and Respect.

Excellent communication: swift responses to calls, texts and emails.

Adherence to COVID-19 safety policies, procedures, and protocols.

How to Apply

Restoration Crews:

Complete This Online Application

 

Sustainable Housing Crew:

Complete This Online Application

 

Contact Us

Darby Reed
Recruitment & Member Development Specialist
Darby@SustainabilityInstituteSC.org

Marni Friedman
Director of Conservation
Marni@SustainabilityInstituteSC.org