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 Closing Date Application Link
Tennessee State Parks Golf Course Manager 65100 Fall Creek Falls State Park 02/17/2025 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
TSP Front Desk Supervisor 64833 Paris Landing State Park Buchanan Henry 02/17/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Consultant 2 64715 West TN River Basin Authority Humboldt GIbson 02/17/2025 Apply Now
TSP Lead Server 65278 Pickwick Landing State Park Counce Hardin 02/24/2025 Apply Now
Job Title Job ID# Division Location County Closing Date Application Link
TDEC-Environmental Scientist 1* 64632 Air Pollution Control - Nashville Environmental Field Office Nashville Davidson 02/17/2025 Apply Now
Park Ranger 2* 65055 Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Eva Benton 02/17/2025 Apply Now
TSP Building Maintenance Supervisor 65109 Montgomery Bell State Park Burns Dickson 02/17/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Consultant 1 65006 Air Pollution Control - Nashville Environmental Field Office Nashville Davidson 02/24/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Manager 2 65209 Division of Water Resources Nashvillle Davidson 02/24/2025 Apply Now
TSP Sales & Event Coordinator 65276 Fall Creek Falls State Park Spencer Van Buren 02/24/2025 Apply Now
TSP Maintenance Supervisor 65289 Dunbar Cave State Park Clarksville Montgomery 03/03/2025 Apply Now
Job Title Job ID# Division Location County Closing Date Application Link
Clerk 3 65303 Roan Mountain State Park Roan Mountain Carter 02/17/2025 Apply Now
Park Ranger 1** 65301 Warriors' Path State Park Kingsport Sullivan 02/17/2025 Apply Now
TDEC-Environmental Scientist 3 65437 Division of Water Resources - Knoxville Environmental Field office Knoxville Knoxville 02/24/2025 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
BOE - Bureau of Environment        
BOE Student Intern Division of Water Resources Knoxville 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOE Student Intern Division of Water Resources - State Revolving Fund Nashville 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOE Student Intern Division of Water Resources - Fleming Training Center Murfreesboro 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOE Student Intern Division of Water Resources - Water Based Nashville 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOE Student Intern Division of Water Resources Johnson City 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOE Student Intern Division of Water Resources Chattanooga 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOE Student Intern Division of Remediation Oak Ridge 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOSE - Bureau of Strategy, Opertions, and Engagement        
BOSE Student Intern Office of Policy & Planning Nashville 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOSE Student Intern Office of Sustainable Practices Nashville 04/11/2025 Apply Now
BOC - Bureau of Conservation        
Digital Marketing Student Intern Tennessee State Parks Digital Marketing Nashville 04/11/2025 Apply Now
Event Management Student Intern Tennessee State Parks Events Nashville 04/11/2025 Apply Now
OGC - Office of General Counsel        
Legal Intern Office of General Counsel Nashville or Knoxville 04/11/2025
Apply Now

TDEC Fall Internship Program
Applications Open: Info Coming Soon
Fall Internship Dates: Info Coming Soon
Orientation: Info Coming Soon

Seasonal Opportunities

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

Position Title Division Paid / Unpaid Location Closing Date Application Link
Seasonal Interpretive Ranger (SIR) Tennessee State Parks Paid State Wide 02/18/2025 Apply Now

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

This Page Last Updated: February 12, 2025 at 9:43 AM