About the role#
The E.E. Just Conservation Fellowship is a stipend-based program designed to increase the participation of people of color in conservation and animal science. This initiative honors African American biologist and Charleston native E.E. Just. Fellows work with the conservation team to connect people with water, wildlife, and wild places. You will engage with community members and partners to address plastic pollution, sustainable seafood, and community resilience regarding climate change and sea level rise.
What you'll do#
- Assist with conservation program events and activities.
- Build relationships with the university community to learn about concerns regarding flooding and sea level rise, and adapt a citizen science project to address those issues.
- Conduct solo litter sweeps and collect data.
- Organize a Good Catch educational event and dinner featuring local, sustainable seafood.
- Engage with food and beverage partners to promote sustainable seafood.
- Contribute to the Aquarium's Citizen Science app, including the SeaRise, Good Catch Seafood Survey, and Litter Journal projects.
- Create projects to raise awareness about sea level rise and communicate findings to a general audience.
- Analyze citizen science data and promote conservation activities within your social network.
- Assist with other departmental duties as needed.
What you'll need#
- You are a college junior or senior pursuing a degree in Biology, Environmental Engineering, or a related natural science field.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency in computer skills, specifically Microsoft Excel.
- Comfort speaking to groups and audiences of all ages.
- Ability to work well as part of a team, as well as independently and remotely.
- A willingness to learn and try new things.
- Ability to work weekends and evenings when required.
Location & details#
- This is a hybrid role based in Charleston, South Carolina.
- The program runs for 13 weeks during the Winter 2027 term (January 18 to April 18).
- This is a part-time position requiring 10 hours per week.
- Compensation is $14.50 per hour.
- Work-related travel expenses are reimbursed.
- Fellows may earn a reciprocity pass to local attractions and aquarium tickets.
- Students may be able to earn college credit for this fellowship.
About South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is a nonprofit organization based in Charleston. It opened in 2000. The facility focuses on conservation and education through animal care and public exhibits. It employs over 200 people.
How to get in at South Carolina Aquarium
Securing an internship at the South Carolina Aquarium often comes down to timing your application correctly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first before the candidate pool grows too large. Applying early ensures your materials are seen before the pile becomes unmanageable for the recruiting team. You can also improve your chances by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. This direct approach often leads to better response rates than submitting an application into a general queue.
