The applicant will be working to assist staff of the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve with diverse projects related to estuarine and upland stewardship and conservation on and around Sapelo Island. Main projects include habitat restoration and management focused on salt marsh and maritime forest locations, assisting in the small restoration greenhouse, collecting visitor usage and impact data, and maintaining a native demonstration garden and two interpretive trails. Occasional projects will include environmental monitoring conducted around the island, both in the upland and on a small boat in the estuary. This position’s responsibilities will primarily be in outside and field environments, with occasional in-office work.
Hosting Organization
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve
Location
Sapelo Island, GA
Schedule
July 6, 2026 - December 18, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include assisting Reserve staff with:
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining vegetation restoration sites in salt marsh and maritime forest locations;
• Maintenance on two interpretive trails and in a maritime forest restoration site and a native plant demonstration garden Assist with monitoring fish habitat through monthly boat trawls and water quality stations;
• Assisting with plant propagation and care in the Reserve’s restoration greenhouse;
• Collecting Visitor Usage Data around the island
Marginal Duties
The role will have the opportunity to assist Reserve staff with any special, short-term stewardship and conservation projects, and on occasion, with outreach and education programs of the Reserve related to stewardship and conservation initiatives.
Required Qualifications
• Associates degree or equivalent coursework in environmental science, wildlife, forestry, oceanography, natural resources management, or a related field from an accredited college or university;
• Ability to work outside in coastal Georgia climatic conditions in all seasons;
• Ability to lift 50 lbs without assistance;
• Ability to operate vehicles (licensed);
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams;
• Ability to take a passenger ferry to and from work every day
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife or marine biology, environmental science, forestry, oceanography, or a related natural resources field;
• Experience performing scientific field work in forested upland or estuarine environments similar to those found in the coastal Southeastern U.S;
• Experience on small boats;
• Experience with handheld GPS units and GIS software
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
This position will be provided state-owned field housing. Housing will have a shared bedroom (gender-assigned) and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom. The role may be moved to either on-island or off-island housing depending on the season and housing availability.
Compensation
$480 per week Living Allowance; Health Insurance; $1,100 Round Trip Travel Allowance
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Health Insurance
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
