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.
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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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook 2 | 10526 | Tennessee State Parks | Montgomery Bell | Dickson | 08/18/2020 |
| Facilities Supervisor | 10585 | Tennessee State Parks | Paris Landing | Henry | 08/18/2020 |
| Job Title | Job ID# | Division | Location | County | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Administrative Assistant 1 | 10565 | People & Organizational Development | Central Office | Davidson | 08/18/2020 |
| Job Title | Job ID# | Division | Location | County | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Worker 3 | 10294 | Tennessee State Parks | Cove Lake | Campbell | 08/11/2020 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office of External Affairs Intern | Administration | Knoxville EFO | Until Filled |
| Marketing Intern | Tennessee State Parks | Central Office | Until Filled |
| Event Management Intern | Tennessee State Parks | Central Office | Until Filed |
| Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern | Office of Strategic Initiatives | Central Office | Until Filled |
| Cookeville Environmental Field Office Intern | Water Resources | Cookeville EFO | Until Filled |
| Division of Water Resources Intern, Johnson City EFO | Water Resources | Johnson City EFO | Until Filled |
| Division of Water Resources Intern, Jackson EFO | Water Resources | Jackson EFO | Until Filled |
| Food Waste Program Intern | Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices | Central Office | Until Filled |
- Bureau of Environment Divisions: Air Pollution Control, Tennessee Geological Survey, Office of Energy Programs, Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices, Radiological Health, Remediation, Solid Waste Management, Underground Storage Tank, and Water Resources.
- Bureau of Administration Divisions: Office of External Affairs, Finance/Fiscal Services, Office of General Counsel, Office of Human Resources, Office of Policy and Planning, and Office of Talent Management.
- Bureau of Conservation Divisions: Archaeology, Natural Areas Program, and Recreation Educational Services.
- Tennessee State Parks: SIR program, Marketing Intern, and Event Management Intern.
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.
Candidates must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school program and have a B average or above. Candidates must receive college credit for the internship.
All candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and guidelines established by the college/university for the internship program via email to Deanna.Jones@tn.gov.
TDEC may request a transcript upon acceptance to the internship program.
Please include the following information in your cover letter:
- Field of Study
- City, county or location desired
- Desired dates, Summer, Spring, or Fall
- Contact information for college/university administrator for your school’s internship program. Include full name, title, phone number, and email address.
- Guidelines established by the college/university for the internship program. Applications will be reviewed and referred to appropriate. TDEC division/office for consideration by the supervising manager.
Applicants will be notified by email regarding interviews for intern positions. It is recommended you provide two email addresses and a telephone number for contact information. Contact with your intern administrator will be part of the resume review process and interview.
Applicants can also mail information to:
Deanna Jones, Deputy Director
Office of Talent Management
The Department of Environment and Conservation
William R. Snodgrass TN Tower
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 22nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
If selected for an interview, interns will be required to complete a State Application (position applied for should be “intern”), a Volunteer Registration Form, a Release of Liability Form, and a Letter of Agreement, which details the start and end date of the internship, as well as the expectations and responsibilities of the intern, and other required state of Tennessee paperwork. Provide proof of identity, i.e. valid drivers’ license, and eligibility to work in the US.
Q. What is the salary for interns?
A. The majority of internships at TDEC are unpaid. If the student is a part of the Seasonal Interpretive Recreator Program (SIR), salary is approximately $9.00/hr.
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. 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 internship. Junior and Senior level students will be given preference.
Q. Are interns allowed to drive state vehicles?
A. If the internship is part of the State Parks SIR program, and is a paid internship, they are considered a state employee and are eligible to drive a state car when required. The intern must have a valid driver’s license.
Q. Are interns eligible for state benefits?
A. No, interns are considered part-time employees and are not eligible for benefits.
>> For additional questions please email: Deanna.Jones@tn.gov or call 865-594-5561.
This Page Last Updated: August 6, 2020 at 8:59 AM