Job Description

Environmental Scientists

Location Options : Cookeville, Nashville, Johnson City, Columbia, and Knoxville, TN

Client: Large State Client

Duration : 6 mo contract (very likely to extend, long term contract)

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Days, 401k

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37.5-hour workweek (flexible based on fieldwork demands)

About the Opportunity:

The Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is growing its team across five Environmental Field Offices. We’re seeking 8 passionate Environmental Scientists to help protect Tennessee's natural resources through field-based environmental inspections, reporting, and compliance support.

This is an excellent opportunity for recent science graduates or early-career professionals who enjoy working outdoors and solving problems in the field often thrive in this role.

What You'll Do:

• Perform on-site environmental inspections—up to 80% of the role will be in the field
• Investigate illegal sewage discharges, water quality violations, water wells, and fish kills
• Conduct field sampling (e.g., water testing for E. coli and other contaminants)
• Apply and interpret environmental regulations including SSDS, SOPs, and NPDES permits
• Prepare accurate reports, inspection documentation, and digital records
• Engage with residents, local contractors, and agencies—communication is key
• Be on-call on occasion and travel locally to sites (mileage reimbursed)

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Hydrology, or related field
• Hands-on exposure (coursework, internship, or job) to topics like wastewater, biodiversity, soil mechanics, water sampling, or environmental regulation
• Working knowledge or willingness to learn:
• SSDS (Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems)
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)
• Strong interpersonal skills – this is a highly collaborative and public-facing role
• Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions and terrain
• Reliable transportation for local site visits (mileage reimbursed)

Who Will Succeed:

• Someone who loves the outdoors and doesn’t want to be behind a desk all day
• A candidate with a lab or scientific background looking to pivot to the field
• A personable, self-motivated individual who’s not afraid to get their hands dirty
• Someone fresh out of college with relevant coursework or an internship and a strong drive to learn
• Individuals with backgrounds in agriculture, service industry, or environmental fieldwork

Why Work With Us?

• Contribute to protecting Tennessee’s water quality and natural environment
• Join a friendly, diverse, and collaborative state team
• Real-world experience with potential career growth or full-time hire
• Mileage reimbursement and flexibility for remote work over time
• Make a difference in your community every single day

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