Conservation Career Toolkit

So, you like the environment. Want to make a career out of it? Here you will discover a range of careers making strides in conservation and resources to help you find your own unique path to success.

Careers at SCDNR

A biologist handles a shark during a survey of sharks in South Carolina Waters

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’s mission is to serve as the advocate for and steward of the state’s natural resources. View our current openings and complete a state application at careers.sc.gov. To find careers at SCDNR only, click on Search Openings, then filter by Agency.

Just Starting Your Career? Check out SCDNR College Internships. Additionally, SCDNR host scholars as part of the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program and the NERR Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship Program.

Want to stay in the know? Check out SC SeaGrant’s Ocean Odyssey Coastliner Program. Sign up for these email lists to learn more about opportunities to get involved.

Marine Education Career Email List Coastal Events and Volunteer Newsletter

Career Examples in Conservation

Biologist

Working as a biologist in a conservation field requires a balance of time spent in the field and the lab. Field days often require manual labor to collect data in challenging conditions. Lab work requires meticulous procedural work and data-analysis to expand our existing knowlege of marine species and ecosystem health. Biologist jobs often require advanced degrees.

Helpful Skills:

Local Ecosystems Knowledge
Data Analysis
Attention to Detail
Fieldwork

Land Manager

Land managers are responsible for preserving and maintaining conserved lands. They use a range of methods including prescribed burning, invasive species removal, trail management and more to restore habitats and foster healthy wildlife. They may be responsible for advocating for land preservation, writing grant applications and managing a team.

Helpful Skills:

Risk and Stress Management
Fieldwork
Procedures
Project Planning and Management

Environmental Educator

Environmental educators run programs to engage a range of audiences in conservation topics. They often work with K-12 students face-to-face to inspire a passion for the environment. Environmental education jobs can include creating lesson plans, developing new outreach programs and managing partnerships.

Helpful Skills:

Verbal Communication
Problem Solving
Interpersonal Skills
Local Ecosystems Knowledge

Science Communicator

The job of a science communicator is to translate scientific topics for a range of audiences, often communicating best-practices for conserving imperiled species and ecosystems. Science communicators engage audiences through a range of mediums including press releases, videos, websites, print publications, social media and more.

Helpful Skills:

Project Planning
Creativity
Graphic Design
Writing
Photography

Information Technology Specialist

People with jobs in information technology (IT) use hardware and software to create and maintain a foundation of information storage and digital support for an organization. Everyone working in the conservation field relies on IT professionals. To excel in IT, you will need to keep up to date with continually advancing technologies. Advanced degrees or certifications can help you succeed in this field.

Helpful Skills:

Problem Solving
Communication
Attention to Detail
Understanding of Networks and Operating Systems

Vessel Captain and Crew

Vessel Captains and crew maintain and operate research and education vessels, sometimes remaining at sea for extended periods. In these roles, it is important to coordinate with scientists and educators to help them perform their work in a safe and efficient manner. At SCDNR, these jobs include Captain, mechanic, deckhand and cook on vessels ranging from 45’ to 115’.

Helpful Skills: