School of Environmental Studies

PSM Current Openings

Internships

 

Jobs

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.

CEC Air Quality Project Manager in Knoxville, TN

Description: In this position, you will evaluate and present information regarding emissions from proposed processes and equipment in support of state and federal permit applications and regulatory compliance reports.  Assisting clients with sustainability reporting and achieving Environmental, Social, Governance is also an important priority for this role.  Job duties will include performing engineering calculations, compiling permit application documents, preparing compliance reports, meeting and coordinating with clients to obtain and understand project information, communicating with regulatory personnel, and evaluating control technologies and emission reduction options for client facilities. Position posted January 2024 and position is open until filled. 

 

Scholarships

Engendering the Spirit of Gadugi at the FEW-Nexus

Description: The Engendering the Spirit of Gadugi at the Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus program is a graduate-level program designed to promote a collaborative approach to the training of a socially and culturally responsible holistic-style professional, interested in applying technical engineering and science principles to complex FEW Nexus challenges. Partnering with key community leaders, including the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Appalachian communities, and local rural areas, the program offers students an inclusive and immersive learning experience that strengthens students’ ability to solve complex FEW problems.

Overview: The program is a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship program that provides a comprehensive and culturally appropriate mentoring approach for students interested in investigating FEW Nexus challenges as part of their M.S. and Ph.D. programs at Tennessee Technological University. The mentorship team will work with the NRT-NSF fellows to reach their academic and research goals with their leading advisor as well as facilitate the completion of the FEW Nexus focused program of study. Immersive experiences in partnering communities and innovative Renaissance Foundry Model guided classes that integrate cultural, sociopolitical, and historical knowledge influences FEW challenges that will form the foundation for the fellowship experience. 

Students Who Can Apply: Applicants can be prospective students who would first apply to a graduate degree program for admission before applying for a fellowship. Current students at Tennessee Tech who are interested in the program can also apply but will need to confirm their eligibility with the program coordinator. Students must be U.S. Citizens.

What Does an NSF-NRT Fellowship Include? Fellowship stipends of $34,000 per year as available with possible renewal dependent on funding availability. Full tuition + fees (6-9 credits/academic semester). Opportunities for immersion, mentoring and holistic educational experiences.

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 have shared 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. 

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.

The Louisville Water Company and the Kentucky | Tennessee (KY|TN) American Water Works Association (AWWA) are partnering to honor Louisville Water retiree Dr. Rengao Song with a $10,000 scholarship for graduate students who embody his spirit of innovation and excellence in water quality. 
Eligibility requirements include:
- Students must be a resident of Kentucky or Tennessee or enrolled in a graduate degree program in Kentucky or Tennessee.
- Students must be enrolled full-time in a graduate degree program in biological or physical sciences, engineering, or other field related to drinking water science and technology.
- Students should have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 out of 4.

The $10,000 scholarship will be awarded based on the value of the research and how it supports the improvement of the water quality and treatment in Kentucky and Tennessee. You can apply to the scholarship here. If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Joseph Brockwell - Joseph.brockwell@usda.gov 
Civil Engineer at the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(423) 894-1687 ext. 3

The deadline to apply for the 2025 year's award will be is May 30, 2025.
It will be awarded at the KY/TN Water Professionals Conference in Knoxville, TN on July 29, 2025.