Do You Love the Ocean?

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and our partner organizations have a huge demand for trained professionals in coastal science and supporting fields.

College students walk down a university hall.

All degree fields can find a meaningful environmental career at Sea Grant

What does the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium do?

We generate and provide science-based information about coastal and marine issues.

Our staff are involved in research, communication, education, office management, and community engagement. Our goal is to improve the social and economic well-being of people who live on the coast, and ensure the best use and conservation of natural resources.

We get important scientific information to the people who need it to make good decisions.

Our Consortium members include the top universities in South Carolina.

Clemson University
Coastal Carolina
College of Charleston
MUSC
SCDNR
Francis Marion University
SC State University
The Citadel
University of South Carolina

What kinds of areas do we work in?

Fisheries

We work with the commercial fishing industry to make it resilient and sustainable.

Aquaculture

We develop new ways to sustainably farm seafood.

Not a scientist? Not a problem!

Sea Grant also has careers in administration, human resources, accounting, and more. Find where you belong >

Coastal Hazards

We prepare coastal cities for weather events such as hurricanes and flooding.

Environmental Quality

We provide resources to residents, governments, and industries about best practices for protecting the environment.

Nature-Based Tourism

We provide resources to residents, governments, and industries about best practices for protecting the environment.

Resilience to Climate Change Impacts

We work with local residents and governments to prepare for climate change and sea-level rise.

Science Communication

We develop tools such as websites and magazines to teach the general public about new research in marine and coastal science.

Community Engagement

We provide resources to residents, governments, and industries about best practices for protecting the environment.

Sustainable Economic Development

We help balance job creation with natural conservation.

Marine Education

We develop materials and programs for K-12 teachers and run programs for students directly.

Economics

We study the economic impacts of things like coastal development, climate change, and environmental quality.

Jumpstart your environmental career.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is part of a nationwide organization with 34 programs in coastal and Great Lakes states. We are also affiliated with NOAA, and work with big-name partners, universities, organizations, and government agencies. We can provide a lifetime of opportunities.

A female college student works at her computer.

How do I get started with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium?

Careers with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium start as an undergrad or grad student! We have many grant and fellowship opportunities to get your foot in the door.

A female college student holding a notebook.

Meet Our Alumni

The graduate assistants and fellows supported by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium go on to bright careers in marine science and government organizations.

Liz.

Liz, Community Science Federal Liaison
Louisiana Sea Grant

My role at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

I was the Extension Graduate Assistant, helping each program specialists with project coordination, workshop planning, as well as managed with South Carolina Information Network (SCCIN) meetings and website. I also served as the program coordinator for the creation of 4 real estate continuing education courses.

Chelsea.
Chelsea, Rare and Listed Species Grant Coordinator
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
My role at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

As the graduate assistant for extension, I provided educational assistance to, developed and presented materials for, and planned and facilitated workshops, conferences, and meetings between diverse groups of constituents. I also helped coordinated the South Carolina Coastal Information Network (SCCIN), a network of educational professionals, by organizing meetings, managing the web portal, including supervising all web content and managing communication within the group, and developed the South Carolina Coastal Information Network Flood Resources Guide in collaboration with professionals from the network.

Lee
Lee, Senior Ecological Health and Conservation Coordinator
Kiawah Conservancy
My role at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

I worked as a graduate research assistant at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium to host a deliberative discussion forum to bridge the sometimes opposing opinions on environmental issues facing coastal South Carolina. The forum was designed to include residents, natural resource managers, scientists and government officials to discuss these issues in a supportive setting.

Emily
Emily, Federal Physical Scientist
NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory
My role at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

I was supported by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium in 2017 during my Knauss Fellowship year. For my fellowship I worked with NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and am now employed as a federal research scientist at the agency.

A group of students.
Andrea, NOAA Education Council Coordinator
ERT, Inc.
My role at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

I started as a graduate intern at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, and I got to work on a range of coastal environmental science and policy issues, like stormwater ponds and shellfish restoration. I got to work across administrative/management and education/extension staff, gaining experience that led me to my current role.

Christopher.

Christopher, Grants Specialist
Lynker at the NOAA Office for Coastal Management

My role at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
I was a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow in 2017. During my fellowship, I supported the planning and implementation of internal and external science communication activities for the NOAA National Sea Grant Office.
Megan.
Megan, Statewide School & Community Garden Program Assistant
Clemson Extension – School & Community Gardening
My role at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

I worked as an administrative intern while I completed my MES/MPA at College of Charleston. I helped with administrative work, including an annual tax audit and annual reviews.

What kinds of jobs do people have at the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium?

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Extension Agents

Agents work in the field. Each agent has a specialty area, and finds out what kinds of information or help their communities need and ways to provide it.

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Grant and Fellowship Management

Our management staff help students get funding and learning opportunities.

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Marine Science Educators

Our educators train teachers in marine science topics for their classrooms and develop curricula and other teaching materials based on current science standards.

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Science Communicators

Our communicators do everything from writing, to graphic design, to web development, to photography and videography.

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Administration

Sea Grant has admin staff, IT staff, and HR staff just like any organization! Administration lends valuable support to our mission.

Can you see yourself at Sea Grant?

Send your contact info and we will get you in touch with a S.C. Sea Grant Consortium mentor in your area of interest.

Your mentor can answer your questions and help you find resources like fellowships and grants.