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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TN State Parks Maintenance Supervisor | 82303 | T.O. Fuller State Park | Memphis | Shelby | 11/10/2026 | Apply Now |
| Job ID# | Division | Location | County | Closing Date | Application Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 1* | 82124 | Division of Water Resources - Cookeville Environmental Field Office | Cookeville | Putnam | 11/05/2026 | Apply Now |
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 2* | 82163 | Division of Water Resources | Nashville | Davidson | 11/08/2026 | Apply Now |
| Data Producer | 82318 | Division of Stakeholder Engagement - Office of Recovered Materials, Grants Administration | Nashville | Davidson | 11/09/2026 | Apply Now |
| TN State Parks Building Maintenance Technician | 82235 | Fall Creek Falls State Park | Spencer | Van Buren | 11/11/2026 | Apply Now |
| Park Ranger 1** | 82327 | Cumberland Mountain State Park | Crossville | Cumberland | 11/16/2026 | Apply Now |
| TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist 1* | 82351 | Division of Water Resources | Nashville | Davidson | 11/19/2026 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Interpreter Ranger (SIR) | Tennessee State Parks | State Wide | Applications have now closed. |
| Tennessee State Parks Part-Time Positions | Tennessee State Parks | State Wide | Apply Now |
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, see below under FAQs.
TDEC Spring Internship Program
Applications Open: Monday, November 9, 2026 - Thursday, December 17, 2026
Spring Internship Dates: Monday, February 8, 2027 - Friday, April 30, 2027
Orientation: Week of Monday, February 8, 2027
| Position Title | Division | Location | Closing Date | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications for Spring 2027 will open Monday, November 9, 2026. |
TDEC Summer Internship Program
Applications Open: Monday, February 8 - Thursday, March 11, 2027
Summer Internship Dates: Monday, May 24 - Friday, August 6, 2027
Orientation: Week of Monday, May 24, 2027
| Position Title | Division | Location | Closing Date | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOC | ||||
| Applications for Summer 2027 will open Monday, February 8, 2027. |
TDEC Fall Internship Program
Applications Open: Monday, June 22 - Thursday, July 23, 2026
Fall Internship Dates: Tuesday, September 8 - Friday, December 4, 2026
Orientation: Week of Monday, September 7
| Position Title | Division | Location | Closing Date | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications for Fall 2026 have closed. |
| Position Title | Division | Location | Closing Date | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No additional opportunities available 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: November 5, 2026 at 8:29 AM