Opportunities From: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

We will need help with check-in, teaching kids how to fish, getting fish off of hooks, and making sure they get the help they need! 

We will need help with check-in, teaching kids how to fish, getting fish off of hooks, and making sure they get the help they need! 

Thank you for your interest in becoming an ACE Basin Reserve Volunteer! The main volunteer opportunities are based at Botany Bay WMA located in Edisto Island; however, volunteer opportunities can occur throughout the ACE Basin region (Charleston, Colleton, and Beaufort County) and at the Edisto Environmental Learning Center and McKenzie Field Station. There are various volunteer opportunities within this program. A volunteer is allowed to participate in all the opportunities or one type.

Beach Education Kiosk: Located in the beach parking lot at Botany Bay Plantation HP/WMA, the beach education kiosk serves as the information outlet for those who visit Botany Bay Beach. Volunteer educators help to teach visitors on the natural wonders of Botany Bay as well as inform them of important regulations and tides. With an average of 70,000 visitors coming to Botany Bay annually, the beach education kiosk is vital for sharing knowledge of the ACE Basin and the many things that can be found at Botany Bay. Beach Kiosk shifts take place once a week for a 3-hour shift. These shifts vary by season, March-August include 9AM-12PM, 12PM-3PM, and 3PM-6PM. September-February include 10AM-1:30PM and 1:30PM-5PM. Kiosk volunteering also includes a mandatory yearly kiosk training day held in January.

Grunt Tuesday: This is exactly what it sounds like! Botany Bay Plantation HP/WMA is closed every Tuesday for routine property maintenance, which is primarily completed through the help of volunteers! Ideal interests include, but are not limited to mowing, bush hogging, trail maintenance, carpentry, post-storm clean up, wood duck box maintenance, and beach sweeps. Grunt Tuesday shifts take place every Tuesday from 9AM-12PM. Shifts are subject to change September-December depending on Botany Bay’s hunt schedule.

Hawk Watch: From September to November, migrating raptors pass through coastal South Carolina along the Atlantic Flyway on their journey south for the winter. Species include Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harrier, and more. Volunteers who participate in the Hawk Watch program collect migrating raptor numbers throughout these three months at Botany Bay Plantation HP/WMA and the Edisto Beach State Park in collaboration with the Hawk Migration Association. This data is submitted to Hawk Count to better understand raptor migration! Hawk Watch shifts are from 10AM-1PM and 1PM-2PM on regular volunteer days, then 10AM-2PM on archery hunting days. Volunteer opportunities take place at Botany Bay (BB) and the Edisto Beach State Park (SP). 

General Outreach/Tabling Events: Similar to the Beach Education Kiosk, volunteers will help in conducting general outreach through events hosted around the ACE Basin. This primarily consists of tabling events at the Edisto Learning Center or at Botany Bay.

Property Tour/Nature Tour Assistant: Volunteers are needed to help assist with free public property/nature tours led by SCDNR staff. Volunteers can either assist SCDNR staff by driving truck and passenger trailer (volunteer will have to attend a mandatory driver training course and pass a driving background check) or help lead tours. Property tours include a 1-hour guided beach walk and a 2-hour interpretive trailer tour. Other tours include guided beach walks that are held twice a month at the beach parking lot. These tours are 30 minutes to 1 hour and consist of an interpretive walk down the causeway to the beach.

Volunteer requirements include: 

-Sign the SCDNR Regular Service Volunteer Agreement form annually

-Participate in yearly volunteer training  

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

1) Fill out the ACE Basin Reserve Track (Volunteer Application) here

2) Wait until the Volunteer Coordinator approves qualifications. The volunteer coordinator will email letting you know if you have been accepted or denied. 

3) Once your application gets approved. You will be able to view the different volunteer opportunities available through this site. 

Why am I not able to see any other ACE Basin Reserve volunteer opportunities?

If your application hasn't been approve then you won't be able to view or respond to any other volunteer opportunities for this program. The volunteer coordinator will email letting you know if you have been accepted into the program. Hold on tight!

Having issues creating an account? See our FAQs here.

Please join SCDNR Staff at the Edisto Environmental Learning Center for our 2026 Hawk Watch training! This will include an overview of the Hawk Watch program, an intro into Galaxy Digital (the new SCDNR Volunteer software), Hawk ID, and, of course, birding!

Not required but encouraged: please bring your cellphone or a laptop/iPad to go over the new volunteer software. 

We will do a little birding before and after the training, feel free to bring your binoculars! 

Information about Hawk Watch Program:

From September to November, migrating raptors pass through coastal South Carolina along the Atlantic Flyway on their journey south for the winter. Species include Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harrier, and more. Volunteers who participate in the Hawk Watch program collect migrating raptor numbers throughout these three months at Botany Bay Plantation HP/WMA and the Edisto Beach State Park in collaboration with the Hawk Migration Association. This data is submitted to Hawk Count to better understand raptor migration!

Hawk Watch shifts are daily starting September 1-November 30 from 10AM-1PM and 1PM-2PM on regular volunteer days, then 10AM-2PM on archery hunting days. Volunteer opportunities take place at Botany Bay (BB) and the Edisto Beach State Park (SP).

Volunteer requirements include:

-Sign the SCDNR Regular Service Volunteer Agreement form annually

-Participate in Hawk Watch volunteer training

-Participate in at least one Hawk Watch shift

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

If you can't attend this training, but still interested in participating in Hawk Watch, email Brianna Goodwin at GoodwinB@dnr.sc.gov

Having trouble signing up? Visit our FAQ page here

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Certified Freshwater Fishing Instructors! This volunteer program takes place statewide. There are various volunteer opportunities within this program. A volunteer is allowed to participate in all the opportunities or one type.

View the current volunteer opportunities below:

Fishing Clinics: These clinics are typically 3 hours long and include a sit-down instructional component then a fishing component. These clinics can be taught more actively making them shorter. Target audiences include beginners, those who need refreshers, families, kids, bilingual participants, mobility-impaired, women, and veterans. Locations include piers, beaches, docks or impoundments.  

Kids Fishing Tournaments/Rodeos: Assisting with SCDNR kids fishing tournaments, fishing rodeos, Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic fishing pond, and other SCDNR fishing events. 

Fishing Outreach/Tabling Events: Assisting with expos, tabling events, and bigger outreach events such as the Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic and fishing expos.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

-Leading and participating in SCDNR fishing clinics and other saltwater outreach programs.

-Teaching children and adults the basic saltwater fishing skills, setting up and breaking down fishing clinics, and maintaining gear.

-Maintaining communication with volunteer coordinator about clinics, maintaining fishing equipment, and/or recording volunteer hours.

Volunteer Requirements:

-Sign the SCDNR Regular Service Volunteer Agreement form annually

-Pass a state background check

-Participate in a mandatory Freshwater Fishing Education volunteer training. This typically takes place between January-March. 

-Host or volunteer for at least two fishing events a year 

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

1) Fill out the Freshwater Fishing Education Track (Volunteer Application) here

2) Wait until the Volunteer Coordinator approves qualifications. It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks to get the background check processed. The volunteer coordinator will email letting you know if you have been accepted or denied. 

3) Once your application gets approved. You will be able to view the different volunteer opportunities available through this site.

What if I'm interested in volunteering right now but the Freshwater Fishing Education volunteer training isn't offered until a later date?

Unfortunately, we're only able to offer this training once a year. It typically takes place sometime between January-March. We encourage you to still fill out the volunteer application, but do know that you won't be able to actively start volunteering once you take the training. We will let you know as soon as the training date gets posted. We encourage interested volunteers to participate in one of our fishing programs to see firsthand what it will be like to volunteer. View that event calendar here. 

Why am I not able to respond to this opportunity or see any other Freshwater Fishing Education volunteer opportunities?

If your background check hasn't been approved or you haven't taken the Freshwater Fishing Education volunteer training then you won't be able to view or respond to any other volunteer opportunities for this program. All Certified Fishing Instructors must pass the qualifications in order to participate in program. The volunteer coordinator will reach out through email letting you know if you have been accepted into the program. Hold on tight!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Saltwater Certified Fishing Instructor! This volunteer program takes place along South Carolina's coast. There are various volunteer opportunities within this program. A volunteer is allowed to participate in all the opportunities or one type.

View the current volunteer opportunities below:

Fishing Clinics: These clinics are typically 3 hours long and include a sit-down instructional component then a fishing component. These clinics can be taught more actively making them shorter. Target audiences include beginners, those who need refreshers, families, kids, bilingual participants, mobility-impaired, women, and veterans. Locations include piers, beaches, docks or impoundments.  

Fishing 101 Classes: These classes are instructional classes only and serves as an introductory class to saltwater fishing. Locations occur at businesses who help host the event. Businesses include West Marine and Bass Pro Shops.  Kids Fishing Tournaments/Rodeos: Assisting with SCDNR kids fishing tournaments and rodeos along the coast. 

Kids Fishing Tournaments/Rodeos: Assisting with SCDNR kids fishing tournaments and rodeos along the coast.

Fishing Outreach/Tabling Events: Assisting with expos, tabling events, and bigger outreach events such as the Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic and fishing expos 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

-Leading and participating in SCDNR fishing clinics and other saltwater outreach programs.

-Teaching children and adults the basic saltwater fishing skills, setting up and breaking down fishing clinics, and maintaining gear.

-Maintaining communication with volunteer coordinator about clinics, maintaining fishing equipment, and/or recording volunteer hours.

Volunteer requirements include: 

-Sign the SCDNR Regular Service Volunteer Agreement form annually

-Pass a state background check

-Participate in a mandatory Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer training. This typically takes place between January-March. 

-Host or volunteer for at least two fishing events a year 

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

1) Fill out the Saltwater Fishing Education Track (Volunteer Application) here

2) Wait until the Volunteer Coordinator approves qualifications. It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks to get the background check processed. The volunteer coordinator will email letting you know if you have been accepted or denied. 

3) Once your application gets approved. You will be able to view the different volunteer opportunities available through this site.

What if I'm interested in volunteering right now but the Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer training isn't offered until a later date?

Unfortunately, we're only able to offer this training once a year. It typically takes place sometime between January-March. We encourage you to still fill out the volunteer application, but do know that you won't be able to actively start volunteering once you take the training. We will let you know as soon as the training date gets posted. We encourage interested volunteers to participate in one of our fishing programs to see firsthand what it will be like to volunteer. View that event calendar here. 

Why am I not able to respond to this opportunity or see any other Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer opportunities?

If your background check hasn't been approved or you haven't taken the Saltwater Fishing Education volunteer training then you won't be able to view or respond to any other volunteer opportunities for this program. All Certified Fishing Instructors must pass the qualifications in order to participate in program. The volunteer coordinator will reach out through email letting you know if you have been accepted into the program. Hold on tight!

SCORE is excited to construct Manufactured Wire Reefs (MWR) with the local business, Casual Crabbing with Tia. These MWRs will be an substrate for oyster larvae to land and grow on. Volunteers will help to cut, bend, and fasten galvanized wire to form a reef structure using pneumatic air tools. Recycled oyster shells are then shoveled into buckets and inserted into shaped wire. These reefs will be used to attract oyster larvae to their new forever home; this process is called recruitment. Shoveling and carrying shell can be fairly physical, but this can be rotated with other volunteers. Safety gear, bug spray, water, and other needed materials will be provided.

Volunteer requirements include:

-Must sign volunteer waiver form before volunteering

-Must be at least 14 years old to participate (with parental consent)

-Comfortable lifting heavy objects (20-40lbs)

-Comfortable with strenuous tasks in summer conditions

-Must wear closed-toe shoes when volunteering (NO CROCS, NO WATERSHOES OR EXPOSED SKIN ON FEET; boots or old sneakers work well!)

-Highly encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle and wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. We'll have a water refill station on site.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a SCORE Oyster Recycling volunteer in the Horry County area. There are various volunteer opportunities within this program. A volunteer is allowed to participate in all the opportunities or one type.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Restaurant Recycling: Year around in designated areas. Volunteers will assist with picking up filled shell bins from restaurants, delivering empty bins to restaurants, and transporting shell bins to SCDNR recycling locations. 

Roast Recycling: Occurs from October-May. Volunteers will assist with delivering empty bins to roasts, picking up shell bins from roast, and transporting them to SCDNR recycling locations.   

Roast Responsibly Program: Volunteers are needed during oyster roast season (October-May) to help manage oyster recycling bins at large oyster roasts. This includes helping keep trash out of the oyster recycling bins, educate the public about the importance of oyster shell recycling, and assist with the transfer of shell into SCDNR receptacles (roast dependent). Shifts will typically take place on the weekends and volunteers will be able to attend roasts for free.   

Volunteer Responsibilities:

-Volunteers will safely assist with picking up filled shell bins from restaurants, delivering empty bins to restaurants, and transporting shell bins to SCDNR recycling locations

-Volunteers will sign up for volunteer shifts one month in advance and regularly communicate with SCDNR SCORE-Oyster Recycling team regarding program needs

-Volunteers will represent SCDNR SCORE-Oyster Recycling with professionalism and provide excellent customer service with participating partners  

Volunteer requirements include: 

Recycling Program: 

-Passes SCDMV or Non-SC Driving Record Check

-Participate in mandatory SC Driving Training

-Participate in a mandatory volunteer training

-Has trailering experience and a vehicle that can pull a landscape trailer or has a vehicle that can transport 5-gallon buckets of oyster shells (i.e. SUV or in truck bed) for recycling program  

-Comfortable lifting heavy objects (20-40lbs)   

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering   

Roasts Recycling:  

-Passes SCDMV or Non-SC Driving Record Check

-Participant in mandatory SC Driving Training

-Participate in a mandatory volunteer training

-Has trailering experience and a vehicle that can pull a landscape trailer or has a vehicle that can transport 5-gallon buckets of oyster shells (i.e. SUV or in truck bed) for recycling program  

-Comfortable lifting heavy objects (20-40lbs)  

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering   

Roast Responsibly Team: 

-Participant in mandatory volunteer training 

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

Next Steps:

1) Respond to this volunteer opportunity pushing the  button on the top of page. 

2) You will be directed to fill out the SCDNR volunteer application form.

3) Once your application and qualifications gets approved, you will receive an email and will be able to view the different volunteer opportunities available through this site.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a SCORE Oyster Recycling volunteer in the Beaufort County area. There are various volunteer opportunities within this program. A volunteer is allowed to participate in all the opportunities or one type.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Restaurant Recycling: Year around in designated areas. Volunteers will assist with picking up filled shell bins from restaurants, delivering empty bins to restaurants, and transporting shell bins to SCDNR recycling locations. 

Roast Recycling: Occurs from October-May. Volunteers will assist with delivering empty bins to roasts, picking up shell bins from roast, and transporting them to SCDNR recycling locations.   

Roast Responsibly Program: Volunteers are needed during oyster roast season (October-May) to help manage oyster recycling bins at large oyster roasts. This includes helping keep trash out of the oyster recycling bins, educate the public about the importance of oyster shell recycling, and assist with the transfer of shell into SCDNR receptacles (roast dependent). Shifts will typically take place on the weekends and volunteers will be able to attend roasts for free.   

Volunteer Responsibilities:

-Volunteers will safely assist with picking up filled shell bins from restaurants, delivering empty bins to restaurants, and transporting shell bins to SCDNR recycling locations

-Volunteers will sign up for volunteer shifts one month in advance and regularly communicate with SCDNR SCORE-Oyster Recycling team regarding program needs

-Volunteers will represent SCDNR SCORE-Oyster Recycling with professionalism and provide excellent customer service with participating partners  

Volunteer requirements include: 

Recycling Program: 

-Passes SCDMV or Non-SC Driving Record Check

-Participate in mandatory SC Driving Training

-Participate in a mandatory volunteer training

-Has trailering experience and a vehicle that can pull a landscape trailer or has a vehicle that can transport 5-gallon buckets of oyster shells (i.e. SUV or in truck bed) for recycling program  

-Comfortable lifting heavy objects (20-40lbs)   

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering   

Roasts Recycling:

-Passes SCDMV or Non-SC Driving Record Check

-Participant in mandatory SC Driving Training

-Participate in a mandatory volunteer training

-Has trailering experience and a vehicle that can pull a landscape trailer or has a vehicle that can transport 5-gallon buckets of oyster shells (i.e. SUV or in truck bed) for recycling program  

-Comfortable lifting heavy objects (20-40lbs)  

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering   

Roast Responsibly Team: 

-Participant in mandatory volunteer training 

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

Next Steps:

1) Respond to this volunteer opportunity pushing the  button on the top of page. 

2) You will be directed to fill out the SCDNR volunteer application form.

3) Once your application and qualifications gets approved, you will receive an email and will be able to view the different volunteer opportunities available through this site.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a SCORE Oyster Recycling volunteer in the Charleston County area. There are various volunteer opportunities within this program. A volunteer is allowed to participate in all the opportunities or one type.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Restaurant Recycling: Year around in designated areas. Volunteers will assist with picking up filled shell bins from restaurants, delivering empty bins to restaurants, and transporting shell bins to SCDNR recycling locations. 

Roast Recycling: Occurs from October-May. Volunteers will assist with delivering empty bins to roasts, picking up shell bins from roast, and transporting them to SCDNR recycling locations.   

Roast Responsibly Program: Volunteers are needed during oyster roast season (October-May) to help manage oyster recycling bins at large oyster roasts. This includes helping keep trash out of the oyster recycling bins, educate the public about the importance of oyster shell recycling, and assist with the transfer of shell into SCDNR receptacles (roast dependent). Shifts will typically take place on the weekends and volunteers will be able to attend roasts for free.   

Volunteer Responsibilities:

-Volunteers will safely assist with picking up filled shell bins from restaurants, delivering empty bins to restaurants, and transporting shell bins to SCDNR recycling locations

-Volunteers will sign up for volunteer shifts one month in advance and regularly communicate with SCDNR SCORE-Oyster Recycling team regarding program needs

-Volunteers will represent SCDNR SCORE-Oyster Recycling with professionalism and provide excellent customer service with participating partners  

Volunteer requirements include: 

Recycling Program: 

-Passes SCDMV or Non-SC Driving Record Check

-Participate in mandatory SC Driving Training

-Participate in a mandatory volunteer training

-Has trailering experience and a vehicle that can pull a landscape trailer or has a vehicle that can transport 5-gallon buckets of oyster shells (i.e. SUV or in truck bed) for recycling program  

-Comfortable lifting heavy objects (20-40lbs)   

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering   

Roasts Recycling:

-Passes SCDMV or Non-SC Driving Record Check

-Participant in mandatory SC Driving Training

-Participate in a mandatory volunteer training

-Has trailering experience and a vehicle that can pull a landscape trailer or has a vehicle that can transport 5-gallon buckets of oyster shells (i.e. SUV or in truck bed) for recycling program  

-Comfortable lifting heavy objects (20-40lbs)  

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering   

Roast Responsibly Team: 

-Participant in mandatory volunteer training 

-Submit a volunteer timesheet within one week of volunteering

Next Steps:

1) Respond to this volunteer opportunity pushing the  button on the top of page. 

2) You will be directed to fill out the SCDNR volunteer application form.

3) Once your application and qualifications gets approved, you will receive an email and will be able to view the different volunteer opportunities available through this site.