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Assistant Biologist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Biology Faculty

Blountville, TN ยท On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

Biology Faculty Apply now Job no: 504473 Work type: Faculty - 9/10 Month Location: Blountville ... Generate a minimum of 300 student credit hours per semester. * Assist the dean in the development ...

Biology Student Worker

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

Student workers will be asked to assist with one or more of the following duties: * Administrative ... Work with the Biology Chair and Associate Chair to develop a Biology recruiting plan, create ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Biologist information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$81.1K

$125.3K

How much do assistant biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant biologist in Tennessee is $81,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Assistant Biologists face when working in field research settings?

Assistant Biologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to variable weather conditions, working in remote or rugged locations, and managing the physical demands of outdoor data collection. Additionally, coordinating with senior researchers and ensuring accurate data recording under time constraints can be demanding. However, these experiences also foster strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience, which are highly valued in biological research careers.

What is the difference between Assistant Biologist vs Research Biologist?

AspectAssistant BiologistResearch Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree; often a PhD for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, environmental agenciesResearch labs, academic institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, environmental firmsResearch institutions, biotech companies, universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Assistant Biologist and a Research Biologist lies in experience level and responsibilities. Assistant Biologists typically support research activities, perform basic experiments, and assist senior staff, often with a bachelor's degree. Research Biologists usually lead projects, design experiments, and may hold advanced degrees like a master's or PhD. Both roles work in similar environments, but Research Biologists have more independent responsibilities and higher qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Biologist, you need a background in biology or a related field, strong analytical skills, and experience with laboratory techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications in lab safety or animal handling are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and successful collaboration on research projects.

What are Assistant Biologists?

Assistant Biologists are entry-level professionals who support senior biologists and research teams in conducting scientific studies related to living organisms. Their duties typically include collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, recording data, and assisting with experiments both in the field and in the lab. They play a crucial role in helping research projects run smoothly by performing essential tasks that allow lead scientists to focus on complex analyses and reporting. Assistant Biologists often work for research institutions, environmental agencies, or private companies, and their work can contribute to advancements in biology, conservation, and environmental protection.
What are the most commonly searched types of Biologist jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Biologist jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Biologist job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,144 per year, or $39 per hour.

Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (Assistant District Supervisor)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Madison, TN โ€ข On-site

$61K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

You will serve as an Assistant District Supervisor within Wildlife Services (WS). Primary duties involve assisting in the planning, recommending, organizing, and administering of operational and technical assistance programs designed to efficiently, effectively, and safely reduce wildlife damage that adversely impacts agricultural interests, human health and safety, property, and natural resources.
Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Degree: Biological Science that included:
  • At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and
  • At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and
  • At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences.
OR
Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement you will also need to meet the following:
FOR THE GS-9 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-7 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Leading a team, including developing and providing training in wildlife damage mitigation.
  • Selecting the appropriate method, such as pesticides, firearms, explosives, repellents, traps, to develop and deliver safe and effective damage management strategies.
  • Interpreting and applying policies, regulations, laws, and ordinances that affect wildlife damage management operations and working within those guidelines.

OR
2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management or closely related field.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level..
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-9 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education:
Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER