TDEC-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST 1* - 09182026-81126

Location: Knoxville, TN – Department of Environment and Conservation (Division of Environmental Science). Full‑time position with a salary of $4,057.00 – $5,078.00 per month ($48,684.00 – $60,936.00 annually). Opening: 09/18/2026. Closing: 10/01/2026.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, physical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology), ecology, sustainability, applied science in sustainability, life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology, agricultural science, agronomy, health physics, biophysics), environmental health, pre‑medicine, engineering, or another acceptable science or natural‑resource‑related field. An acceptable environmental, physical, or life‑science degree will be considered based on assignment.
• Necessary Special Qualifications:
  • Valid motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment (required for positions that involve vehicle operation); a boater’s license is required if the position involves operating a boat.
  • For TDEC Environmental Scientist 1* in the Division of Radiological Health: successful completion of training courses offered by the Division of Radiological Health, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or other federal agencies.
  • For Geologic duties (major portion of time): completion of required college coursework and eligibility to take the licensing examination offered by Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance Board of Professional Geologists, or possession of a current geologic license (Tennessee or reciprocal state license).
  • For Biologist assignments: a bachelor’s degree with at least 36 quarter hours (or 24 semester hours) in biology or a related biological science (e.g., botanical sciences, environmental or conservation sciences, zoological sciences, aquatic/terrestrial/wetland biology or ecology).

Overview

Under immediate supervision, the incumbent will learn professional environmental, natural‑resources, sustainability, environmental assistance, radiological health, and related science program work of routine difficulty. This entry‑level class in the TDEC Environmental Scientist subseries may be assigned to environmental compliance inspection, monitoring, problem identification, corrective‑action, and enforcement duties in a regulatory or assistance division, or to natural‑resource management and inventory in conservation or other non‑regulatory programs. After a successful one‑year probationary period, the employee will be reclassified to TDEC Environmental Scientist 2*; inadequate performance during probation will result in termination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and investigations of equipment, structures, materials, and sites/facilities for various TDEC program areas (air pollution, water resources, mineral and geologic resources, remediation, underground storage tanks, solid waste management, radiological health, natural areas, etc.) to ensure proper installation, maintenance, operation, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
• Perform laboratory or field tests, analyze and interpret environmental data (monitoring records, sampling data, etc.), evaluate data trends, quality, and usability, and determine if further action is required.
• Enforce federal and state environmental standards, laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies through complaint investigations, oversight of environmental sampling, and review of applications, plans, inspection documents, reports, and other records; initiate corrective action or legal action as warranted.
• Review, analyze, and maintain documents or data submitted by applicants or gathered during inspections to determine compliance with environmental standards.
• Prepare publications, reports, and technical documents (permits, designs, layout blueprints, soil evaluations, maps, plans, etc.) that are concise and legally defensible.
• Interpret records, data, operational plans, enforcement requests, QA/QC parameters, and other information to ensure acceptable methodologies and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Conduct environmental or health investigations, remediation, natural‑resource management, and collect environmental samples (soil, rock, air, water, sediment, sludge, biological, etc.) under physically demanding conditions (ditches, uneven terrain, wading, climbing, lifting/carrying up to 50 lb).
• Maintain, repair, and calibrate electronic and scientific equipment (radiation detection meters, photo‑ionization detectors, pH meters, GPS, X‑ray fluorescence units, ozone monitors, air monitors, laser levels, watercraft, etc.) and inventory chemicals and supplies, disposing of expired materials per safety regulations.
• Provide technical expertise to emergency responders, stakeholders, and other personnel during emergency events, industrial incidents, or natural catastrophes involving environmental impacts (radiation releases, air or water contaminants, etc.).
• Offer consultative, technical, or educational services to industry, municipalities, counties, the public, and staff regarding regulatory information and proper environmental work procedures to promote stewardship, health, and safety.

Competencies and Skills

• Decision Quality
• Effective Communication
• Customer Focus
• Technology Savvy
• Business Insight
• Knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Law & Government
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning and Listening
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Time Management
• Writing Abilities (written comprehension, inductive and deductive reasoning)
• Limb and/or Full‑Body Flexibility, Prolonged Stamina

Tools & Equipment

• Computer, tablet, printer, scanner, copier, fax
• Telephone, cell phone, pager, two‑way radios
• Watercraft, motor vehicle, ATV
• Sampling and monitoring equipment, GPS, PPE, power and hand tools