Entry Level Environmental Consulting Jobs in Tennessee

As an Entry Level Ecologist for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) in our Knoxville, Tennessee office, you will support stream and wetland assessment, restoration, and permitting projects for a variety of public and private sector clients. 

As an Ecologist, you will have the opportunity to participate in tasks ranging from field data collection and stream and wetland assessments to stream restoration projects for a variety of public and private sector clients. This role offers a balance of field and office responsibilities while providing training in technical expertise, data interpretation, financial management, and client development. You will work closely with senior team members who will mentor you throughout all phases of projects—from proposal development through final deliverables—while helping you grow into a well-rounded environmental consultant.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct stream and wetland delineations and ecological field assessments
• Perform stream restoration assessments and support restoration projects
• Collect, analyze, and document environmental field data
• Prepare technical reports, permit applications, and regulatory documentation
• Support TDEC ARAP and Section 401/404 permitting efforts
• Utilize GIS and ESRI ArcGIS software to prepare maps and analyze project data
• Assist with stream and wetland mitigation projects and compliance monitoring
• Coordinate with project teams, regulatory agencies, and clients
• Support proposal preparation and project deliverables
• Participate in field work across a variety of environmental and ecological project sites

Our Knoxville office, located in the heart of East Tennessee, is home to a dynamic and collaborative team of professionals. Nestled near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. The city boasts excellent schools and a thriving downtown with restaurants, entertainment, and outdoor spaces. Whether you're exploring the nearby national park, enjoying a University of Tennessee game, or connecting with a supportive professional network, Knoxville is a great place to live, work, and grow.

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, or a related natural sciences field
• 0–2 years of experience performing stream and wetland delineations
• Experience using GIS mapping tools and ESRI ArcGIS software
• Experience with technical writing, data analysis, and report preparation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience managing and prioritizing multiple project tasks
• Physical capability to lift 25–50 pounds and perform field work in varying site conditions

Preferred Capabilities

• Experience supporting stream and wetland mitigation projects
• Familiarity with TDEC ARAP permitting and Section 401/404 Clean Water Act regulations
• Experience performing Tennessee Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) assessments or other geomorphic assessments
• Experience supporting stream restoration or ecological restoration projects
• Experience working on multidisciplinary environmental consulting projects

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community – focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite – focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA – focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women – focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!

We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you – that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS

If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited.  Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.