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.

Fall Cohort

Focus: Maintaining trails and constructing rain gardens.

18 Weeks

Application Opens: 7/1/2026

Application Deadline: 8/10/2026

Position Start Date: 9/28/2026

Position End Date: 1/29/2027

Spring Cohort

Focus: Restoring oyster reefs and planting native species.

18 Weeks

Application Opens: 12/1/2026

Application Deadline: 1/1/2027

Position Start Date: 3/22/2027

Position End Date: 7/23/2027

Summer Cohort

Focus: Building oyster reefs and restoring salt marshes.

9 Weeks

Application Opens: 1/15/2027

Application Deadline: 3/1/2027

Position Start Date: 5/24/2027

Position End Date: 7/23/2027

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 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, U.S. Forest Service, Amphibian & Reptile Conservancy, Open Space Institute.

🌱 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 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, The Nature Conservancy South Carolina, Conservancy of the Sea Islands, and SCDNR’s ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve.

North Charleston, SC

Service-term Length:
9/28/2026 – 1/29/2027
18 Weeks
Must be available during this time frame to qualify.

Apply Today