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Entry Level Environmental Planner Jobs in Tennessee

Early Career Environmental Scientist

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

You'll be part of our interdisciplinary team and collaborate with planners, scientists, and ... entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues. * Generate complete, accurate ...

... Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding ... No experience required for an entry level position in the electric utility industry. More ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Environmental Planner information

See Tennessee salary details

$42.7K

$72.5K

$97.1K

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level environmental planner in Tennessee is $72,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $81,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level environmental planner?

To thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with strong analytical and research skills. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and regulatory compliance systems is often expected. Effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are vital soft skills. These abilities enable you to produce thorough planning reports, support project teams, and ensure regulatory requirements are met.

What does an entry level environmental planner do?

An Entry Level Environmental Planner assists in evaluating the environmental impact of development projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and sustainability goals. They conduct research, collect data, prepare reports, and support senior planners in environmental assessments. Their role often includes reviewing permits, coordinating with government agencies, and engaging with stakeholders. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of environmental laws are essential for success in this position.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level environmental planners in their first year?

Entry level environmental planners often encounter challenges such as learning complex environmental regulations, adapting to the fast pace of project deadlines, and mastering technical tools like GIS mapping software. They may also need to quickly become familiar with local permitting processes and integrate feedback from multiple stakeholders, including engineers and community members. However, most organizations provide structured onboarding, mentorship, and opportunities for skill-building to help new team members succeed. Overcoming these obstacles not only builds confidence but also lays a strong foundation for long-term career growth in environmental planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Planner jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Environmental Planner jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Environmental Planner jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Environmental Planner job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Planner job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,459 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Environmental Engineer - Treatability Testing Lab (Entry Level)

Brown and Caldwell

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Brown and Caldwell rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Job Summary

The Treatability Lab - Engineering role supports the laboratory team and performs routine technical laboratory analytical testing, method development, environmental sample analysis and water and wastewater treatability studies.   This role assists with the development of client tailored solutions to mitigate risks through laboratory and field treatability services.  This role supports engineering design projects and collaborates with engineers and project teams.  Work is performed under close supervision.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct routine laboratory analytical and treatability testing following test plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Assist in the development and preparation of technical documents, including proposals, test plans, feasibility studies, technical memorandums, health and safety assessment forms, O&M manuals, and basis of design reports.
  • Conduct basic environmental sample analysis using sophisticated instrumentation.
  • Maintain strict compliance with quality assurance standards.
  • Assist the laboratory manager and laboratory team in standard laboratory tasks, including health and safety audits, and tracking of chemicals, waste and equipment inventory.
  • Collaborate with project managers, project oversight staff, client service managers, staffing managers and other project staff across disciplines.
  • Supports relevant technical practices including Drinking Water, Reuse, Industrial Water, Wastewater, Solids & Energy, and Site Investigation and Remediation/Solid Waste.
  • Collaborate with vendors of various technologies to develop treatment technologies to evaluate technical feasibility and develop cost estimates for application.
  • Participate in treatability calls and meetings with clients. Help translate client problems into treatability studies, present and interpret basic data, address questions, and assist in tuning the study based on the technical feedback.
  • Support the design, fabrication, implementation, and troubleshooting of pilot studies.
  • Assist in performing analysis, calculations, research, selection, and layout for small projects, including conceptual planning studies, pilot or demonstration scale facilities, preliminary design documents, and detailed design plans.
  • Act as project engineer to support coordination and collaboration of engineers and technical staff on small projects.
  • Assist in conducting technical feasibility studies.
  • Provides basic engineering technical support to Research and Innovation (R&I) studies.
  • Flexibility to adapt and execute various additional assignments based on evolving needs.
  • Willingness to work weekends on an asneeded basis to support treatability study requirements.
Skills and Competencies
  • Familiarity with laboratory analytical testing and environmental sample analysis.
  • Foundational knowledge of analytical methodologies.
  • Foundational knowledge of water and wastewater treatment principles and treatability studies.
  • Ability to adhere to Health and Safety and QA/QC standards.
  • Fundamental understanding of technical treatability testing.
  • Core technical skills with the ability to articulate ideas and concepts both visually and contextually.
  • Sound communication skills, with solid organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks with competing priorities.
Experience
  • Requires a minimum of 0-2 years of professional or related experience.
Education
  • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering in civil, environmental, chemical or a closely related engineering field is required.

Salary Range: The anticipated starting pay range for this position is based on the employee’s primary work location and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.  These ranges may be modified in the future.  

Location A: $59,000 - $79,000

You can view which BC location applies to you here. If you have any questions, please speak with your Recruiter. 

Benefits and Other Compensation:  We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee health, performance, and success which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off and parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, performance-based bonus eligibility, employee referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and long-term care insurance. Click here to see our full list of benefits. 

About Brown and Caldwell  

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction services firm with 50 offices and over 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For more than 75 years, we have created leading-edge environmental solutions for municipalities, private industry, and government agencies. We strive to be the company of choice—to our clients, who benefit from our passion for delivering exceptional quality, and to our employees, present and future, who share our commitment to client service, collaboration, and innovation. Join us, and you will find a home where you can do your best work, reach new levels of expertise, and enjoy exceptional development opportunities. For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com 

This position is subject to a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.  

Notice to Third Party Agencies: Brown and Caldwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Brown and Caldwell, Brown and Caldwell reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.   

Brown and Caldwell is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Brown and Caldwell encourages protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Brown and Caldwell ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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