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Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Actalent

Entry-Level Recruiter/Sales Trainee

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

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

Actalent

Entry-Level Recruiter/Sales Trainee

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

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

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... will be earned in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering. Master of Science ...

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All JobsEntry Level Environmental Science JobsEntry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Entry Level Environmental Science information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do entry level environmental science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level environmental science in Oak Ridge, TN is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Scientist, a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field, along with strong analytical and research skills, is essential. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as GIS), laboratory techniques, and environmental regulations is commonly required. Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for accurately collecting data, interpreting findings, and collaborating on projects that address environmental challenges.

What Are Entry-Level Environmental Science Jobs?

Entry-level environmental science jobs include working in biology, geology, chemistry, education, public relations, public policy, or consulting. Your specific duties differ depending on whether you have a research job or a position in analysis or public relations, which typically requires more extensive writing and a broader knowledge of public policy, ecological law, and environmental regulations. In a research position, your responsibilities include handling sample and data collection, performing land surveys, conducting assessments of wildlife habitat and wetlands, testing and analyzing samples, and helping with studies that recommend further research or policy changes. Environmental science researchers may work at an academic or research institution, while other environmental science professionals may work for a non-profit or in private industry or government.

What is the difference between Entry Level Environmental Science vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some roles may require a bachelor's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, government agencies, consulting firmsFieldwork, sampling, data collection, laboratory analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, environmental consulting firmsEnvironmental consulting, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Environmental Science roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve research, analysis, and project planning in various environmental settings. Environmental Technicians often focus on field sampling and data collection, sometimes with an associate's degree or certification. Both roles are essential in environmental work, but they differ mainly in educational requirements and daily tasks.

What are entry level environmental science jobs?

Entry level environmental science jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the environmental science field, typically recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related discipline. These roles may include titles such as environmental technician, field assistant, laboratory analyst, or environmental consultant. Responsibilities often involve collecting and analyzing environmental data, assisting with fieldwork, preparing reports, and supporting environmental monitoring or remediation projects. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and are a stepping stone to more advanced roles in environmental science.

What types of projects do entry-level environmental scientists typically work on, and how much fieldwork is involved?

Entry-level environmental scientists often assist with site assessments, environmental monitoring, data collection, and report preparation for projects such as pollution investigations, habitat restoration, or regulatory compliance. The amount of fieldwork varies by employer and project, but you can expect a mix of office-based analysis and on-site sampling or observation, sometimes requiring travel or outdoor work in various weather conditions. These projects offer valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with engineers, senior scientists, and regulatory agencies, helping you build both technical and teamwork skills early in your career.
More about Entry Level Environmental Science jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? The most popular types of Environmental Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Entry Level Environmental Science jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Entry Level Environmental Science job openings:
Entry Level Environmental Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Science job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,701 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
TDEC-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST1* - 06022026-78146

TDEC-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST1* - 06022026-78146

Tennessee State Government

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time
06/02/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time
06/15/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly)
$4,057.00
Salary (Annually)
$48,684.00
Job Type
Full-Time
City, State Location
Knoxville, TN
Department
Environment and Conservation
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, KNOX COUNTY
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/00045274_env_sci_1_dwr_kefo_tdec-job-opp_ps_ua.pdf
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, physical sciences (e.g. physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology), ecology, sustainability or applied science in sustainability, life sciences (e.g. biology, microbiology, health physics or biophysics), environmental health, pre-medicine, engineering or other acceptable science or natural resource related field.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
  • Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions;
  • Applicants for the TDEC Environmental Scientist 1* or Health Physicist 1* in the Division of Radiological Health must successfully complete the training courses offered by the Division of Radiological Health. Failure to do so may result in termination;
  • TDEC Environmental Scientist's 1* performing geologic duties the major portion of their time must: have completed the required college course work at the time of appointment to be eligible to take the licensing examination offered by Tennessee's Department of Commerce and Insurance's Board of Professional Geologists, or b.) hold and maintain a current Geologic license from the State of Tennessee during employment or hold a current Geologic license from another State that Tennessee has evaluated and granted reciprocal licensing rights;
  • Some TDEC Environmental Scientist 1* positions assigned to function as Biologists must meet the specific educational requirements for Biologists, as follows: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, including at least 36 quarter hours (or 24 semester hours) in biology, in one of the following areas: (1) biology or biological sciences, (2) botanical sciences, (3) environmental or conservation sciences, (4) zoological sciences, or (5) aquatic, terrestrial, or wetland biology or ecology or other acceptable biological science related field.

    • Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.
    Overview
    Summary: Under immediate supervision, is responsible for learning professional environmental, natural resources, sustainability, environmental assistance program, radiological health and/or similar science related program work of routine difficulty; and learns to perform related work as required.
    Distinguishing Features: *This is the entry level class in the TDEC Environmental Scientist subseries. An employee in this class may be assigned to learn a variety of environmental compliance inspection, monitoring, problem identification, corrective action and enforcement duties in an environmental regulatory or assistance division. An employee in this class may be assigned to learn natural resource management and/or inventory in conservation or other, non-regulatory programs. This class differs from TDEC Environmental Scientist 3 in that an incumbent of the latter performs environmental program duties at the advanced working or lead level under general supervision.
    *An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to TDEC Environmental Scientist 2* after successful completion of a mandatory one year probationary period; inadequate or marginal performance during the probationary period will result in automatic termination.
    Responsibilities
    Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others:
  • Investigates complaints; develops corrective recommendations for identified problems, and if necessary, initiates legal action to effect compliance of established standards, laws, rules, regulations, or policies.

    • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment:
  • Prepares documentation (such as permits, designs, layout, blueprints, soil evaluations, etc.), in a concise and defensible manner, to ensure Agency's missions are met.

    • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material:
  • Conduct inspections of equipment, structures and/or material, to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and/or operation.

    • Making Decisions and Solving Problems:
  • Learn to determine the validity and severity of an incident and appropriate response.
  • Analyzes available information and makes recommendations to ensure the best solution is chosen to meet regulatory, project, and/or stakeholders' needs.
  • Determines validity and severity of violation(s) and if an enforcement action is warranted.
  • Review plans and reports to determine future regulatory actions.

    • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others:
  • Interprets findings, results, (i.e. site inspections, permits, lab results, etc.) and communicates interpretation of regulations, policy, guidance to stakeholders.
  • Prepare various publications, reports, technical documents, maps and plans.

    • Interacting With Computers:
  • Possesses general knowledge and utilizes computer software including but not limited to: statistical programs, scientific instruments, modeling, Geographic Information System (GIS), databases, word processing, spreadsheets, email, etc.
  • Generate reports and documents utilizing contemporary computer software.

    • Processing Information:
  • Compile legally defensible environmental documents.
  • Compiles, processes, and reviews records, data, operational plans, enforcement action requests, reports, etc.
  • Reviews Quality Assurance/Quality Control parameters, specific to and required by acceptable methodologies are performed with each data set.
  • Prepare statistical/metric reports for aquatic, terrestrial, and wetland evaluations.

    • Analyzing Data or Information:
  • Analyze environmental and/or other information, such as monitoring records, site inspections, sampling data to determine if further action is necessary and to evaluate trends.
  • Prepare plans, maps or reports of findings relating to health and environmental data.
  • Analyze environmental data using mathematical and statistical methods.
  • Assist in developing standards.
  • Performs laboratory or field tests based specific sample requirements.
  • Review plans to ensure protection of human health and the environment.
  • Interpret analytical results to determine data quality and usability.
  • Assist in conducting studies of environmental pollution or ionizing radiation and any socioeconomic effects.

    • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:
  • Perform inspections and/or investigations when required by a specific TDEC program area such as air pollution, water resources, remediation, underground storage tanks, solid waste management, radiological health, natural areas, etc. to determine compliance with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Enforce environmental or other standards, laws, rules, regulations, and/or administrative policies and procedures, taking corrective action as warranted.
  • Determines if documents (i.e., permits, applications, National Environmental Policy Act, licenses, accreditations and certifications, etc.) may be approved by reviewing and evaluating information submitted by applicant or acquired by site inspections and/or other informative sources used for determining minimum environmental or other compliance with established standards.
  • Adheres to requirements specified in Standard Operating Procedures and any applicable federal and/or state standards.
  • Ensures statutory obligations are fulfilled.
  • Oversee environmental sampling and/or investigations to assure that acceptable procedures are followed.
  • Compares environmental and/or health related data to applicable criteria.
  • Reviews and evaluates applications, forms, plans, inspection documents, general correspondence, reports or other records to ensure technical adequacy.
  • Audits third party inspections of facilities to determine compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Assesses fees based on the regulatory standards.

    • Performing General Physical Activities:
  • Collect environmental samples and/or monitoring data (e.g., soil, rock, air, water, sediment, sludge, biological), under physically demanding conditions.
  • Perform physical activities, such as walking (i.e. ditches, uneven terrain, etc.), wading in water, climbing, lifting (such as coolers, generators, etc.), operating field equipment (backpack shockers, augers, core samplers, or probes), etc.
  • Operates, carries or handles equipment/machinery unassisted that may weigh up to 50 pounds.
  • Performs physically demanding, ecologically-based stewardship and natural resource management on state natural areas, (utilizing equipment, such as backpack sprayer, chainsaw, bush hog, lawnmower, tractor, etc. in the management of rare species habitat, controlled fire, trail maintenance, boundary maintenance, invasive species control, etc.)

    • Documenting/Recording Information:
  • Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records, reports, logs, databases, chain-of-custody and correspondence based on established guidelines and procedures.
  • Maintains records of observations made during field evaluations to document data collection, ambient site conditions, and the location of the evaluation.
  • Documents all relevant work activities, contacts, and meetings.

    • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:
  • Performs environmental or health investigations, remediation, and/or monitoring work, including sampling and evaluation of pollutants to determine compliance with environmental or other standards.
  • Serves as a technical advisor to emergency responders for incidents/accidents.
  • Reviews monitoring data to determine permit compliance, environmental standards and/or ecological conditions.
  • Comply with safe handling, storage and disposal procedures for samples, laboratory reagents and other chemicals.
  • Verify expiration dates of chemicals and supplies, disposing of expired materials as required by safety rules and regulations.

    • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment:
  • Maintains, repairs and calibrates electronic equipment, such as radiation detection meter, photo ionization detector, pH meter, GPS, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as needed.

    • Provide Consultation and Advice to Others:
  • Provide technical expertise in handling events involving radiation and radioactive material, including transportation, and industrial incidents as well as natural catastrophes.
  • Provide consultative, technical, or educational services to industry, municipalities, counties, individuals, or groups in the necessity and methodology of enhancing environmental stewardship, health or other standards, practices, and safety.
  • Update regulatory information to stakeholders.

    • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment:
  • Maintains, repairs, and/or calibrates mechanical equipment, such as ozone monitor, air monitoring, laser level and watercrafts as needed.

    • Monitoring and Controlling Resources:
  • Ensures contractors' proposed work activities comply with established rates and/or approved scope of work.

    • Getting Information:
  • Conducts, observes and/or oversees environmental or health surveys, sampling, inventories or monitoring, testing, including site evaluations.
  • Perform regulatory and other research in order to stay current with local, state, and federal standards and procedures.
  • Searches for and/or identifies entities or locations that should be regulated and inform those that need to be brought into compliance.
  • Obtains and receives records, data, operational plans, enforcement action requests, survey information, etc.

    • Scheduling Work and Activities:
  • Assist in managing state programs including certifying officials/professionals; coordination and training; records management; and federal reporting requirements (e.g. the ginseng program, asbestos, lead based paint, etc.).
  • Schedules assigned work to address compliance monitoring inspections, complaints and/or investigations, tasks, directives, correspondence, laboratory activities, biological surveys, etc.

    • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment:
  • Operates personal or assigned vehicles (such as, but not limited to watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, tractors, etc.), in accordance with agency policy and procedures, as well as all traffic laws.

    • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:
  • Develop work and study plans to identify specific goals and activities to ensure proper implementation of the assigned work.
  • Organizes, plans and prioritizes work to ensure completion by a given deadline or other time constraint.

    • Selling or Influencing Others:
  • Build consensus among internal and/or external stakeholders to further TDEC's missions and goals.

    • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:
  • Works harmoniously with and ensures healthy relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Relate observations, conclusions, and opinions to co-workers/internal customers in a respectful and professional manner.
  • Work with other agencies and organizations to ensure that operational and programmatic activities receive early concurrence and input from regional and statewide authorities.

    • Training and Teaching Others...

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