School of Environmental Studies

Volunteer Opportunities

 

Internships

Conservation

Tennessee State Parks and Conservation Seasonal Interpreter Recreator (SIR)

Description: We have amazing opportunities each summer for college students seeking degrees in general life sciences, forestry, wildlife, history, environmental science and other related degrees to work in our state parks handling a variety of responsibilities to support the needs of the park and their guests.

Leadership, Communication, and Policy

Outdoor Recreation Student Intern

Description: The Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation is seeking a student intern to work alongside their programs and lead their social media. This position is located in TDEC's Nashville Central Office in the Davy Crockett Tower. Some highlighted responsibilities are: maintain a content calendar, help support the annual Outdoors Day-on-the-Hill event to engage state legislators with the outdoor recreation economy and industry, as well as help with administrative and clerical needs in the Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Compensation: $19 per hour 

 

The Ayin Project's Summer High School Internships in Research Experience's (SHIRE) Program- Undergraduate Research Assistant

Description: The Ayin Project's Summer High School Internships in Research Experiences (SHIRE) Program provides paid, hands-on research internships for Nashville-area high school students ages 16-19. Over seven weeks, interns gain hands-on experience in research, media, and administration while developing professional skills and building mentorship connections. The program aims to cultivate a global perspective in interns by presenting them with real-world water quality issues that face Ugandan communities where TAP works. The interns are challenged to develop innovative solutions, by applying their knowledge in actionable and impactful ways. Some tasks related to the Undergraduate Research Assistant position are- participate with high school research teams working on water quality/accessibility issues presented by TAP from their work in UG, help maintain lab safety while gaining lab experiences, assist in development strategies related TAP, and assist in deepening the research in relation to the water projects being worked on. TAP is currently looking to fill two (2) positions

Dates: June 1 - July 17, 2026

 

Environmental Technology

 

Environmental Biology, Chemistry, and Science

Teacher Naturalist Intern

Description: We are seeking passionate people who want to learn how to use nature to make a difference in children’s lives. Teacher Naturalist interns help create an atmosphere of welcome, warmth, and belonging. They will meet and work with a wide variety of program participants, facilitating experiences for young children, school-aged summer campers, and adults. Location is in Townsend, Tennessee and currently hiring for Summer 2026. 

Compensation: Starting salary $350/week, plus meals and lodging. 

 

2026 UCOR Summer Internship Program: Environmental Scientist/Engineer Intern

Description: This is a 12-week program held from late May to early August. You must be able to be onsite for the entire internship program. Applicant must be pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or other applicable degree programs.  Duties will include NPDES stormwater permit renewal support for East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP), including sample planning and tracking, analytical results review, stormwater pollution prevention site inspections, and more. This internship requires both office work and field work. Location is in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Posting will close in March.

 

 

ESS Current Job Openings

Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and GIS

TDEC Environmental Scientists, Foresters, and Consultants - View open TDEC positions here!

Description: The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation frequently hires for various environmental positions at their West, Middle, and East Tennessee offices. Visit the TN.gov website and search for positions at TDEC. 

Salary Range: $48,204 – $72,468 annually. 

 

Bradford Woods Summer Camp Employment Position - Nature Program Instructor

Description: The Nature Program Instructor is responsible for designing and implementing nature-based programming that meets the needs, interests, and abilities of each camp session’s population. A key part of this role is creating written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care, activities of daily living, and medical procedures. When not planning, setting up, or leading activities, the Nature Program Instructor will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience. Location is in Martinsville, Indiana and employment will be from May 11th to July 31st, 2026.