Join the Environmental Conservation Corps (ECC) in South Carolina

Build Your Career. Protect the Coast.

Turn your passion for the environment into a profession with a service-learning program that restores our local ecosystems and builds your future. As an ECC member, you won't just be earning an AmeriCorps living allowance; you’ll be gaining hands-on experience in the front-line fight for coastal resilience. Our graduates consistently describe this as a life-changing journey where you will build confidence, develop lifelong professional relationships, and emerge as a part of the next generation of conservation leaders.

All members receive:

Hands-On Field Experience

A Living Stipend and AmeriCorps Education Award

In-Demand Training and Certifications

View Open Positions

Hear From AmeriCorps Alumni

Click the play button to hear a former member share how their time with the Environmental Conservation Corps fueled their passion for sustainability. Gain a first-hand perspective on the hands-on projects and professional certifications that define the program. Discover how your service with The Sustainability Institute can create a lasting impact on the environment and your career.

AmeriCorps South Carolina: Environmental Conservation Positions

Restoration Crew Members focus on large-scale habitat restoration and nature-based solutions across the Lowcountry. Specific projects and activities vary by season.

Key Activities:

Ecosystem Restoration: Restoring wildlife habitats, salt marshes, and oyster reefs.

Community & Green Infrastructure: Constructing rain gardens, building urban gardens, and planting native species.

Environmental Monitoring: Performing erosion control and water quality testing.

Trail Maintenance: Constructing and repairing trails, bridges, and boardwalks.

Join AmeriCorps

Fall Cohort

18 Weeks

Application Opens: 7/1/2026

Position Start Date: 9/28/2026

Spring Cohort

18 Weeks

Application Opens: 12/1/2026

Position Start Date: 3/22/2027

Summer Cohort

9 Weeks

Application Opens: 1/15/2027

Position Start Date: 5/24/2027

Scroll down to view open positions and apply.

Open Positions

Restoration Crew Member (Fall Cohort)

Total Living Allowance: $8100 (pre tax)
Education Award: $3,130.16 (pre tax)

Restoration Crew Members engage in habitat restoration activities in public parks, forests, and waterways, including, but not limited to, activities such as restoring salt marshes and building oyster reefs; constructing rain gardens; planting native plants and trees; performing water quality testing and monitoring; and constructing and repairing trails, bridges, and boardwalks. Crew members also play a critical role in leading SI hosted community volunteer events and connecting local community members to meaningful, conservation service work in their own backyard.

Seasonality of Restoration Work

🌲 Trail & Infrastructure Maintenance | 80%

  • Activities: Constructing and repairing trails, boardwalks, and bridges.

  • Key Partners: Charleston County Parks, South Carolina State Parks, SC Forestry Commission, and Francis Marion National Forest.

🌱 Green Infrastructure & Native Planting | 10%

  • Activities: Designing, installing, and maintaining native rain gardens; planting native species.

  • Key Partners: Clemson Cooperative Extension, Charleston Parks Conservancy, Fields to Families, and Charleston County Parks.

🧪 Environmental & Water Quality Monitoring | 5%

  • Activities: Monthly monitoring of four designated freshwater and tidal saltwater sites. Includes water sampling, testing, microplastic monitoring, data collection, and reporting (full training provided).

  • Key Partners: SC Department of Environmental Services, Clemson University’s Adopt-A-Stream program, and Charleston Waterkeeper.

🦪 Coastal & Salt Marsh Restoration | 5%

  • Activities: * Recycling oyster shells and sorting debris.

    • Fabricating oyster reef substrates (Manufactured Wire Reefs).

    • Building oyster castles along the shoreline.

    • Collecting, planting, and cultivating marsh grass seeds.

  • Key Partners: SC Department of Natural Resources SCORE program, Coastal Conservation League, The Nature Conservancy South Carolina, and SCDNR’s ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve.

North Charleston, SC

9/28/2026 – 1/29/2027
18 Weeks

Apply Today