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Entry Level Environmental Engineering Jobs in Tennessee

Building trusted relationships with our network of engineering and sciences consultants under our ... Experience collaborating in a team-oriented environment * Interpersonal and verbal communication ...

Building trusted relationships with our network of engineering and sciences consultants under our ... Experience collaborating in a team-oriented environment * Interpersonal and verbal communication ...

Building trusted relationships with our network of engineering and sciences consultants under our ... Experience collaborating in a team-oriented environment * Interpersonal and verbal communication ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Environmental Engineering information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.1K

$54.3K

$92.6K

How much do entry level environmental engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level environmental engineering in Tennessee is $54,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $64,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level environmental engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering and a solid foundation in environmental regulations, data analysis, and problem-solving. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS applications, and environmental modeling tools, as well as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification, is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability skills help you collaborate effectively and respond to project challenges. These competencies ensure accurate project execution, regulatory compliance, and effective contributions to multidisciplinary teams working on environmental solutions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Environmental Engineering vs Entry Level Civil Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Environmental EngineeringEntry Level Civil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental or Civil Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam
Work EnvironmentEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sitesConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental protection, sustainability, regulatory agenciesTransportation, infrastructure, urban development

Entry Level Environmental Engineering and Entry Level Civil Engineering share similar educational requirements and work environments. However, environmental engineers focus on sustainability, pollution control, and environmental regulations, while civil engineers concentrate on infrastructure, construction, and transportation projects. Both roles are essential in shaping sustainable and functional communities, often overlapping in consulting and government sectors.

What does an entry level environmental engineer do?

Entry level environmental engineers assist in designing, developing, and implementing solutions to environmental problems. They may work on projects related to water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and sustainable design. Their responsibilities often include collecting and analyzing environmental data, preparing reports, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting senior engineers in project management. Entry level roles provide hands-on experience and help new engineers build technical and communication skills necessary for career advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Engineering jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Environmental Engineering jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Environmental Engineering jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Environmental Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Engineering job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,259 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Geotechnical Staff Engineer

Universal Engineering Sciences

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Universal Engineering Sciences rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Staff Engineer to join our geotechnical engineering team. In this entry-level role, you will support a variety of field and office activities, including site investigations, soil and rock data collection, laboratory coordination, and technical reporting. Working alongside experienced engineers and project managers, you'll contribute to evaluating subsurface conditions and assisting with the preparation of engineering documentation that supports infrastructure, environmental, and construction-related projects.
The ideal candidate will have a strong academic foundation in geotechnical or civil engineering, a collaborative attitude, and a desire to learn through hands-on fieldwork and mentorship. This is a great opportunity for an early-career professional to grow technical skills, gain field experience, and build a solid foundation in applied geotechnical engineering within a dynamic and supportive environment.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with geotechnical site investigations, including soil and rock sampling, borehole logging, field testing, and data collection to support project design and analysis.
  • Support the evaluation of subsurface conditions by analyzing field and laboratory data under the supervision of senior engineers.
  • Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and documentation by summarizing findings, preparing figures, and assisting in drafting recommendations.
  • Work collaboratively with project engineers and multidisciplinary teams to support design development and engineering assessments.
  • Assist with reviewing plans, specifications, and background data to help inform geotechnical evaluations.
  • Participate in field and laboratory testing programs to ensure data quality and integrity.
  • Support communication with internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors to facilitate coordination of field work and material procurement.
  • Help ensure project work is performed in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards.
  • Learn to use geotechnical engineering software and tools for analysis and reporting.
  • Support cost estimating and proposal development efforts by compiling data and assisting with documentation.
  • Maintain organized project records, logs, and data files in accordance with company standards.
  • Participate in quality assurance/quality control processes to support consistent and accurate deliverables.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, field investigations, or construction materials testing (internship or co-op experience welcomed).
  • Engineering-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Familiarity with geotechnical concepts, laboratory and field testing methods, and soil/rock behavior.
  • Exposure to engineering software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or geotechnical tools (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, LPILE) is a plus.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and working with project teams.
  • Basic understanding of construction methods, site safety, and environmental regulations is helpful.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Willingness to work in both field and office environments and travel to project sites as needed.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Travel Requirements
Relocation Notice: UES is unable to provide or facilitate relocation for this position at this time. Candidates must currently reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the job location. Applicants who require relocation in order to accept this position will not be considered.
• This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
  • Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
    • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
    • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
    • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
  • Physical requirements include:
    • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
    • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
    • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
    • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
    • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement
UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here

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About Universal Engineering Sciences

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Engineering Sciences, based in Orlando, FL, US, is a reputable name in the field of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and inspection services. With an impressive industry presence of over six decades since its establishment in 1964, Universal Engineering Sciences specializes in providing engineering consulting services that effectively address multiple civil, structural, and geotechnical challenges. Their extensive service portfolio includes environmental assessments, field testing services, laboratory testing services, and quality control consulting, among others. As a stalwart advocate of integrity, excellence, service, and people, Universal Engineering Sciences takes pride in delivering exceptional services that realize their mission of setting industry standards through technical superiority and efficient communication.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Orlando, FL, US

Year founded

1964

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