Independent Placement Program - Sapelo Island NEER Placement

Program Dates: 03/24/2025 – 09/12/2025

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.

Program Description:

The selective candidate 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. The role will be split between the Stewardship Program and the Research Program. Stewardship program projects include habitat restoration and management focused on salt marsh and maritime forest locations, as well as assisting in the small restoration greenhouse. The Research program projects will include environmental monitoring conducted around the island, both in the upland and on a small boat in the estuary. The role will also assist with maintaining two short public interpretive trails and a native plant demonstration garden. This position's responsibilities will primarily be in outside and field environments, with occasional in-office work.

Duties include assisting Reserve staff with:

. Monitoring vegetation restoration sites in salt marsh and maritime forest locations

. Monitoring fish habitat through monthly boat trawls and water quality stations

. Vegetation maintenance on two interpretive trails and in a maritime forest restoration site and a native plant demonstration garden

. Assisting with plant propagation and care in the Reserve's restoration greenhouse

Member Benefits:

. Weekly Living Allowance $450.00

. One Time Travel Allowance $1,100

. AmeriCorps Eligible

Living Accommodations

This position will be provided state-owned field housing. Housing will have a private bedroom 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.

Member 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 like those found in the coastal Southeastern U.S

. Experience on small boats.

. Experience with ArcGIS

. Familiarity with the coastal Georgia barrier island habitats, flora, and fauna.