School of Environmental Studies

Scholarships 

Student Opportunities in Water: KY-TN AWWA and CWP

Description: The Kentucky-Tennessee Clean Water Professionals (CWP) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Student Committee to share two exciting opportunities for students interested in the water industry. 

The Annual Water Professionals Conference (WPC) provides a valuable platform for students to connect with industry leaders, participate in workshops, and stay up to date on the latest advancements in water management. The deadline for students to register for WPC is May 30, 2025 and this year's conference will be hosted in Knoxville, TN from July 27-30. There is an opportunity for students to present their research through our annual poster competition on Monday, July 28. All students are able to register for Monday July 28th without charge. Those who are able to volunteer (we have multiple options, including presenting a poster) can attend for the full program. 

Additionally, there are four scholarships available to students ($3,500 each), offering financial support and recognizing outstanding talent in the water field. Undergraduate and graduate students located in Kentucky and Tennessee who have accumulated over 65 credit hours are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is May 15, 2025.

 

Internships

Conservation

Tennessee State Parks and Conservation Seasonal Interpreter Recreator (SIR)

Description: We have amazing opportunities each summer for college students seeking degrees in general life sciences, forestry, wildlife, history, environmental science and other related degrees to work in our state parks handling a variety of responsibilities to support the needs of the park and their guests.

Leadership, Communication, and Policy

Rural Energy Intern

Description: Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. Appalachian Voices is seeking a Rural Energy Intern to support our Tennessee program from June to August 2025. The Rural Energy Intern will support outreach, advocacy and community engagement related to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and other USDA programs. The intern will also help educate rural communities about solar energy and energy efficiency opportunities by planning community workshops in coordination with the Tennessee team and community partners. The position will report to the Director of Government Affairs & Strategy. The pay for this internship is $15/hour and requires 20 hours per week over a 12-week term, beginning June 2 and ending August 22.  Position posted to this webpage on 5/1/25.

Environmental Technology

GIS Intern Tennessee State Parks and Conservation in Nashville, TN

Description: This internship will be working virtually with the Office of Strategic and Support/GIS based in our Central Office in downtown Nashville. The goal of this Office is to provide better data management and more accurate analyses for data-driven decision making in the divisions of State Parks and Conservation.

Environmental Biology, Chemistry, and Science

Summer Internship at TSU Nursery Research Center 

Description: The Tennessee State University Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, TN, will be offering summer internship programs this year, 2025. Those interested in agriculture, chemical ecology, and biology are encouraged to apply.  Please reach out to Dr. Kenneth Pierce, the Nursery & Greenhouse Manager of the TTU School of Agriculture at KWPierce@tntech.edu, if you are interested. 

 

ESS Current Job Openings

Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and GIS

BCA Environmental Consultants - Field Environmental Scientist/Geologist/Engineer

Description: BCA is a small environmental consultant company that is opening a new office in Columbia, TN. BCA is hiring a specialized employee who will lead a variety of environmental tasks as required by the remediation projects including federal, state, local, and commercial/industrial clients. This individual will be responsible for field sampling, site investigations, remediation oversight, and report writing. If you are interested, please reach out to Robert Huebner at rob.huebner@BCACONSULTANTS.COM. Position posted on 3/13/2025. 

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental science, engineering, or a related field is required, including but not limited to, chemistry or biology, and 0-3 years of environmental investigation and/or remediation experience.

TDEC Environmental Consultants & Scientists

Description: The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation frequently hired environmental consultants and scientists at their West, Middle, and East Tennessee offices. Visit the TN State Government website and search for positions at TDEC. 

Salary Range: $48,204 – $72,468 annually. 

Strata-G Waste Management Specialist in East, TN

Description: This position is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of client Waste Management (WM) programs are compliant with federal and state waste regulations. Specific attributes include waste characterization, packaging, storage, profiling, and disposition in accordance with RCRA, TSCA, NRC and DOT regulations. Position posted until filled. 

Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or related science, engineering, or technical field OR 8 years of equivalent experience acceptable in lieu of degree.