Employment & Internships

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.

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 Location County Closing Date Application Link
Park Manager 3 68893 Cumberland Mountaim State Park Crossville Cumberland 07/21/2025 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
Administrative Services Assistant 3 69086 Operational Administrative Services Nashville Davidson 07/13/2025 Apply Now
TSP Custodial Lead 69197 Cumberland Mountain State Park Crossville Cumberland 07/14/2025 Apply Now
TSP Lead Bartender 68913 Fall Creek Falls State Park Spencer Van Buren 07/14/2025 Apply Now
TSP Font Desk Associate 69125 Fall Creek Falls State Park Spencer Van Buren 07/14/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Scientist 2* 69097 Division of Water Resources Nashville Davidson 07/14/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Consultant 3 68935 Division of Natural Areas Nashville Davidson 07/21/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Scientist 1* 68968 Air Pollution Control - Nashville Environmental Field Office Nashville Davidson 07/21/2025 Apply Now
Park Ranger 1** 69178 Natchez Trace State Park Wildersville Henderson 07/21/2025 Apply Now
TSP Line Cook 69081 Montgomery Bell State Park Burns Dickson 07/21/2025 Apply Now
TSP Maintenance Lead 69325 Head of the Crow State Park Sewanee Franklin 07/21/2025 Apply Now
TSP Operation Lead 69239 Tims Ford State Park Winchester Franklin 07/21/2025 Apply Now
Job Title Job ID# Division Location County Closing Date Application Link
Park Ranger 1** 68899 Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Jamestown Pickett 07/14/2025 Apply Now
Account Clerk 69127 Harrison Bay State Park Harrison Hamilton 07/21/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Protection Specialist 1* 69268 Air Pollution Control - Knoxville Environmental Field Office Knoxville Knox 07/27/2025 Apply Now
Job Title Division Location Application Link
Tennessee State Parks Part-Time Positions Tennessee State Parks State Wide Apply Now
TDEC Internship Program Flyer

TDEC Internship Program and Seasonal Employment

Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) introduced a brand new internship program that launched in Summer 2024. 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 if needed*. 

Below is the information for TDEC's Internship Program:

Highlights:
• Pays $19 - $20 an hour
• College credit not required*
• Hands-on experience with real-world projects
• Internship Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Must be a rising Junior, rising Senior, or Graduate student actively enrolled in a college academic program
• Must be authorized to work in the United States

For more information about the Internship Program, please contact Jill.Pratt@TN.gov.

TDEC Spring Internship Program
Applications Open: Monday, January 13th, 2025 - Friday, January 31, 2025
Spring Internship Dates: Monday, February 24 - Friday, May 2, 2025
Orientation: Week of Monday, February 24, 2025

Position Title Division Location Closing Date Application
Applications for Spring 2025 have closed.        

TDEC Summer Internship Program
Applications Open: Monday, February 10 - Friday, April 11, 2025
Summer Internship Dates: Monday, May 27 - Friday, August 8, 2025
Orientation: Week of Monday, May 27

Position Title Division Location Closing Date Application
Applications for Summer 2025 have closed.        

TDEC Fall Internship Program
Applications Open: Monday, June 23 - Friday, July 25, 2025
Fall Internship Dates: Monday, September 8 - Friday, December 5, 2025
Orientation: Week of Monday, September 8

Position Title Division Location Closing Date Application
BOE        
BOE Student Intern Remediation Oak Ridge Friday, July 24 Apply Now
         
Position Title Division Location Closing Date Application
No other opportunties at this time        

Seasonal Opportunities

TDEC also offers seasonal employment opportunities in preparation for peak seasons at Tennessee State Parks. Please visit TNStateParks.com.

Additional Internship Information

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, or in the Oak Ridge office.

Students must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school program and be a rising junior, rising senior, or graduate student. 

To be considered for TDEC’s internship, students must complete the application and upload a resume and cover letter during the application window. All applications open at 12:01 am CST on the opening date and close at 11:59 pm CST on the closing date. Applications WILL NOT be accepted after the closing date or via email and must be submitted through the official portal during the designated application window.

While receiving college credit is not required to participate in the internship program, TDEC will honor those academic programs where college credit is offered. Students must provide the following information with their application:

• Guidelines established by the college/university for the school’s internship program.

• Contact information for college/university administrator for your school’s/program’s internship program. Include contact’s full name, title, phone number, and email address.

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. For those wishing to receive college credit, 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 internship period to coincide with the majority of school’s academic calendar.

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

Q:  Can I still intern if I do not receive college credit?
A:  Yes! All of TDEC’s internship opportunities are paid internships. Students whose programs offer college credit for interning should provide the guidelines established by the college/university at the time of their application. 

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: Jill.Pratt@TN.gov or call 865-337-4434.

This Page Last Updated: July 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM