Employment & Internships

Diversity and Inclusion

TDEC understands that our people are our most valuable resource. TDEC employees ensure the mission of the department is accomplished, bringing the highest quality of service to the citizens of Tennessee. TDEC fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion by creating and maintaining a work environment that welcomes individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, cultures, abilities and experiences. Review the Commissioner's Statement on Diversity below.

As the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), I understand that our people are our most valuable resource.  TDEC employees are the vital link that ensures the mission of this agency is accomplished in a manner that brings the highest quality of service to the citizens of Tennessee.

As your Commissioner, I am committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion by creating and maintaining a work environment that not only welcomes individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, cultures, abilities and experiences but values those differences and incorporates them into TDEC’s fabric.  Therefore, I support and encourage recruiting the best and the brightest employees from every background.

Achieving a diverse workforce requires the commitment of everyone in TDEC.  Individually, you have a critical role to play in supporting a culture that fosters diversity where individual difference, unique perspectives and talents are valued.

To further promote our commitment to becoming a more diverse organization, the Department has developed and implemented a variety of strategies within this Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.  These include activities that increase the community’s awareness of opportunities within TDEC and allows for a broader interaction with all of our constituents for the development of a greater understanding and appreciation for one another.

Creating such a climate of harmony and inclusivity can only work to improve the productivity of us all, while providing under-represented groups the knowledge needed about opportunities of employment and training offered by TDEC. It also provides TDEC with endless possibilities of moving forward in a global environment while it leaves the imprint of its legacy of contributing to the well-being and quality of life to all of Tennessee’s citizens, by a diverse representation of all of its citizens.

David Salyers Signature

_________________________________

David W. Salyers, P.E, Commissioner

Employment Opportunities

TDEC is one of the most diverse, dynamic departments in state government. We are seeking employees with the skills, abilities, character and experience to make a positive difference in the quality of life for citizens and communities across Tennessee. We offer health and dental insurance, a comprehensive non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (five-year vesting), 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and other benefits are provided. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience.

Rapid Hire Event - Division of Water Resources- Friday, June 2

The Division of Water Resources is currently hiring for several open positions.  Applications will be reviewed and candidates interviewed on-site at the Nashville Field Office from 9:00AM - 6:00PM on Friday, June 2, 2023.  We look forward to seeing you there!   

When: Friday, June 2, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Where: In-person at the Nashville Environmental Field Office, 711 R.S Gass Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243

Application Link: Open Positions Can be Found Here

About the Division of Water Resources:  The Division of Water Resources is the administrative agent for key Tennessee Statutes, Rules and Regulations.

Regulatory updates, new technology, and financial resources are creating new career opportunities forprofessionals interested in protecting our environment, public health, and safe drinking water. Open full-time positions include environmental technician,environmental scientist, environmental protection specialist, environmental consultant, accountant, and administrative services assistant.

Leadership (Executive Services)

The current Executive Service job postings for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation are list in order by closing date. Review the leadership opportunities and job descriptions below.  If interested, please go to TN.gov/careers to apply.  Step by step guidance to apply for a job with Tennessee State Government.

Job Title Job ID# Division Closing Date Application Link
Attorney - Senior Associate Counsel 34219 Office of General Counsel Until Filled Apply Now

Preferred Services

The current Preferred Services job postings for Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation are listed in order by closing date. Review the opportunities in West, Middle, and East Tennessee below. If interested, please go to TN.gov/careers to apply for the position.  Step by step guidance to apply for a job with Tennessee State Government.

Job Title Job ID# Division Location County Closing Date Application Link
No job postings at this time            
Job Title Job ID# Division Location County Closing Date Application Link
TDEC-Environmental Scientist 3 46089 Remediation - Nashville Environmental Field Office Nashville Davidson 06/07/2023 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Manager 3 46176 Air Pollution Control Nashville Davidson 06/07/2023 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Consultant 2 46107 Division of Natural Areas Nashville Davidson 06/14/2023 Apply Now
TDEC-Cultural Resources Consultant 2 46770 Tennessee Histsorical Commission Nashville Davidson 06/14//2023 Apply Now
Job Title Job ID# Division Location County Closing Date Application Link
No job postings at this time            
Job Title Division Location Application Link
Tennessee State Parks Part-Time Positions Tennessee State Parks State Wide Apply Now

Internships and Seasonal Employment

TDEC’s Internship program is an excellent opportunity for college students to develop professionally, acquire real-world experiences, establish valuable references, enhance their resume, and earn college credit. TDEC also offers seasonal employment opportunities in preparation for peak seasons at Tennessee State Parks.

If students are interested in interning with TDEC, please submit your information to Deanna.Jones@tn.gov.

Position Title Division Location Closing Date
Archivist Internship Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park Byrdstown Until Filled
Office of External Affairs Intern Administration Knoxville  Year-Round Opportunities
GIS Intern  Office of Strategic Initiatives Nashville Year-Round Opportunities
Graphic Design Internship The Tennessee Conservationist Nashville Year-Round Opportunities
Marketing Intern The Tennessee Conservationist Nashville Year-Round Opportunities
Event Management Intern Tennessee State Parks Nashville Year-Round Opportunities
Marketing Intern Tennessee State Parks Nashville Year-Round Opportunities
Division of Water Resources  Intern, Chattanooga EFO Water Resources Chattanooga Year-Round Opportunities
Division of Water Resources Intern, Cookeville EFO Water Resources Cookeville Year-Round Opportunities
Division of Water Resources Intern, Jackson EFO Water Resources Jackson Year-Round Opportunities
Division of Water Resources Intern Johnson City EFO Water Resources Johnson City Year-Round Opportunities
Division of Water Resources Intern, Knoxville EFO Mining Unit Knoxville Year-Round Opportunities
Division of Water Resources Intern, Knoxville EFO Water Resources Knoxville Year-Round Opportunities

Interns can participate in opportunities at TDEC’s Central Office in downtown Nashville or in one of the eight Environmental Field Offices located in Chattanooga, Columbia, Cookeville, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis or Nashville. In general, interns are not compensated financially. However, there may be opportunities in some divisions to receive some compensation. This is determined by the specific division.

Students must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school program and have a B average or above.  Students must receive college credit for the internship.

Students need to submit a resume, cover letter, and guidelines established by the college/university for the school’s internship program via email to Deanna.Jones@tn.gov.

Please include the following information in your cover letter:

  • Field of Study/Area of Interest
  • City or location
  • Desired Semester:  Summer, Spring, or Fall
  • Guidelines established by the college/university for the school’s internship program.
  •  Contact information for college/university administrator for your school’s internship program.  Include contact’s full name, title, phone number, and email address.

It is recommended you provide two email addresses and a telephone number for your contact information.

Upon receipt of the requested information, applications will be reviewed and referred to the appropriate TDEC division/office for consideration by the supervising manager.  Students will be notified by email regarding interviews for intern positions.  Contact with your intern administrator may be part of the application review process and interview.

Q. What is the length of an internship?
A. We coordinate the requirements of each school’s internship program to provide the necessary hours required for college credit.

Q. What semesters are internships available?
A.  TDEC hosts internship opportunities year-round during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

Q:  Can I still intern if I do not receive college credit?
A: Students who do not receive college credit, can “volunteer”.  Volunteers can work up to 20 hours per week. 

Q. Is there an age limit for interns?
A. There is not an age requirement. However, interns must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program that gives college credit for interning. Junior and Senior level students will be given preference for internships.

Q. Are interns eligible for state benefits? 
A. No, interns are not eligible for employee state benefits.

>> For additional questions please email: Deanna.Jones@tn.gov or call 615-917-0605.

This Page Last Updated: June 1, 2023 at 7:59 AM