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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN State Parks Hospitality General Manager | 25979 | Tennessee State Parks | 01/20/2022 |
| TN State Parks Room Operations Manager | 25976 | Tennessee State Parks | 01/20/2022 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant 1 | 25870 | Tennessee State Parks | Buchanan | Henry | 01/20/2022 |
| Conservation Worker 2 | 25934 | Tennessee State Parks | Counce | Hardin | 01/20/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist 1 | 25739 | Water Resources | Jackson | Madison | 01/27/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 2 | 25764 | Water Resources | Memphis | Shelby | 01/27/2022 |
| TSP Building Maintenance Supervisor | 25864 | Tennessee State Parks | Buchanan | Henry | 01/20/2022 |
| TSP Lead Cook | 25848 | Tennessee State Parks | Buchanan | Henry | 01/20/2022 |
| TSP Lead Front Desk Associate | 25857 | Tennessee State Parks | Buchanan | Henry | 01/20/2022 |
| TSP Lead Room Attendant | 25860 | Tennessee State Parks | Buchanan | Henry | 01/20/2022 |
| TSP Room Operations Supervisor | 25874 | Tennessee State Parks | Buchanan | Henry | 01/20/2022 |
| TSP Sales and Events Coordinator | 25882 | Tennessee State Parks | Buchanan | Henry | 01/20/2022 |
| Job Title | Job ID# | Division | Location | County | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services Assistant 2 | 25639 | Solid Waste Management | Nashville | Davidson | 01/20/2022 |
| Administrative Services Assistant 3 | 26323 | Water Resources | Nashville | Davidson | 01/26/2022 |
| Custodial Worker 2 | 26338 | Tennessee State Parks | Hilham | Overton | 01/26/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist 1 | 26315 | Water Resources | Nashville | Davidson | 02/02/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist 2 | 26319 | Water Resources | Nashville | Davidson | 02/02/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist 2 | 26283 | Solid Waste Management | Columbia | Maury | 02/02/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 2 | 25750 | Water Resources | Nashville | Davidson | 01/27/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 2 | 26293 | Solid Waste Management | Columbia | Maury | 02/02/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 2 | 26328 | Solid Waste Management | Nashville | Davidson | 01/26/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 2 | 26322 | Air Pollution Control | Nashville | Davidson | 01/26/2022 |
| Job Title | Job ID# | Division | Location | County | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDEC Environmental Manager 3 | 25662 | Remediation | Oak Ridge | Anderson | 01/20/2022 |
| TDEC Environmental Scientist 2 | 25944 | Water Resources | Knoxville | Knox | 01/27/2022 |
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 | 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, 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 |
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: January 13, 2022 at 9:53 AM