2

Entry Level Exercise Science Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Early Career Environmental Scientist

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

... earth science projects across the region. You'll be part of our interdisciplinary team and ... Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct ...

Entry Level Exercise Science information

See Tennessee salary details

$22.7K

$43.4K

$62.2K

How much do entry level exercise science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level exercise science in Tennessee is $43,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $47,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of teams or professionals do entry level exercise science roles typically collaborate with?

Entry level exercise science professionals often work closely with personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic coaches, and healthcare providers. Collaboration is key, as you may assist in designing exercise programs, monitoring client progress, or supporting rehabilitation plans. Teamwork helps ensure clients receive holistic and safe guidance, and it also provides a great opportunity for learning from experienced colleagues. Regular communication and coordinated efforts are essential for delivering effective fitness or wellness outcomes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Exercise Science vs Personal Trainer?

AspectEntry Level Exercise SciencePersonal Trainer
CredentialsBachelor's in Exercise Science or related field; certifications like ACSM or NSCACertifications such as NASM, ACE, or ACSM; CPR/AED required
Work EnvironmentClinics, research labs, fitness centers, hospitalsGyms, fitness centers, private clients
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, sports organizations, fitness facilitiesFitness industry, personal training studios, gyms
Job FocusExercise testing, program development, health promotionPersonalized fitness training, client motivation, workout planning

While both roles involve promoting physical activity, Entry Level Exercise Science focuses on health assessment, research, and program development, often in clinical or research settings. Personal Trainers primarily work directly with clients to improve fitness through personalized workouts. The certifications and work environments overlap but differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for entry level exercise science?

To thrive as an Entry Level Exercise Science professional, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, exercise physiology, and foundational fitness assessment techniques, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with fitness testing equipment, exercise planning software, and certifications such as CPR/AED are often required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and the ability to communicate effectively help build rapport with clients and support behavior change. These skills are crucial for ensuring client safety, designing effective exercise programs, and fostering positive health outcomes.

What careers can I do with an entry level exercise science degree?

An entry-level exercise science degree can lead to careers such as fitness trainer, personal trainer, physical therapy aide, or health and wellness coach. These roles often require knowledge of human anatomy, exercise techniques, and sometimes certification or additional training, and they typically involve working in gyms, clinics, or community health settings.

What can I do with a bachelor of exercise science?

With a bachelor of exercise science, you can pursue roles such as fitness trainer, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or rehabilitation assistant. These positions often require knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise programming, and may benefit from certifications like CPR or personal training credentials.

What is an entry level exercise science job?

Entry level exercise science jobs are positions suitable for recent graduates or individuals new to the field of exercise science. Common roles include fitness trainers, personal trainers, physical therapy aides, wellness coordinators, and group exercise instructors. These positions typically involve helping clients improve their physical fitness, demonstrating exercises, monitoring progress, and sometimes assisting healthcare professionals. Entry level roles may be found in gyms, rehabilitation centers, community centers, or corporate wellness programs. They serve as a starting point for gaining experience and advancing into more specialized or supervisory positions.

Is entry level exercise science a useful degree?

An entry-level exercise science degree provides foundational knowledge in human physiology, biomechanics, and health promotion, which can lead to careers in fitness training, rehabilitation, or health education. It often serves as a stepping stone for certifications like personal trainer or strength and conditioning coach, increasing job opportunities in health and fitness industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Tennessee? For Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Exercise Science job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,412 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Early Career Environmental Scientist

WSP

Brentwood, TN • On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking an Early Career Environmental Scientist for our Brentwood, TN office where you will be involved in projects within our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that solves our clients' challenges.

We're looking for a motivated team member with an interest in environmental projects and regulatory agency requirements. To support our expanding portfolio, this role will be focused on Natural Resources and Permitting within a variety of markets. The candidate will provide technical assistance for the collection, identification, and compiling of data for a variety of biological, physical, and earth science projects across the region.  You'll be part of our interdisciplinary team and collaborate with planners, scientists, and engineers across WSP to deliver impactful results for our clients.

Your Impact
  • Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys.
  • Under general supervision, perform wetland delineations, T&E surveys, and natural resource inventories (NRIs).
  • Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
  • Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues. 
  • Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook. 
  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
  • Utilize the latest technologies, instrumentation, and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
  • 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
  • Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
  • Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements. 
  • Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
  • Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from office and project locations.
  • Periodic week-long travel for field surveys may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
  • Ability to work outside under a variety of site and weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Wetlands Professional in Training (WPIT) status with the Society of Wetland Scientists.
  • Herbaceous and woody plant identification skills.
About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


What WSP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom