ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Natural Resource Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Early Career Environmental Scientist

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys. * Under general supervision ... entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues. * Generate complete, accurate ...

WSP

Early Career Environmental Scientist

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys. * Under general supervision ... entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues. * Generate complete, accurate ...

Barge Design Solutions

Environmental Scientist IV

Cordova, TN · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

... join our Environmental & Natural Resources team in either the Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville ... Mentors and may review work of entry level staff for quality purposes * Provides direction to other ...

Vanderbilt Health

Plumber Journeyman

Nashville, TN · On-site

Clinical and Laboratory gas piping systems Natural gas distribution system • Follow instructions ... Provides guidance to entry level co-workers. Core Capabilities : Supporting Colleagues : Develops ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNatural Resource JobsEntry Level Natural Resource JobsEntry Level Natural Resource Jobs in Tennessee

Entry Level Natural Resource information

See Tennessee salary details

$14.6K

$51.5K

$97.9K

How much do entry level natural resource jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level natural resource in Tennessee is $51,469.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,869.00 and $58,037.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of fieldwork and projects can I expect as an entry level natural resource professional?

As an entry-level natural resource professional, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on fieldwork such as collecting soil, water, and vegetation samples, monitoring wildlife, and assisting with habitat restoration projects. You'll often work as part of a team with scientists, technicians, and land managers, gaining exposure to data collection, mapping, and report preparation. These experiences provide valuable foundational skills and may involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Over time, you'll have opportunities to take on more responsibility and contribute to larger conservation or resource management initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level natural resource specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Natural Resource Specialist, you need a background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with GIS software, data collection tools, and environmental regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders. These skills are essential for accurately assessing natural resources, ensuring compliance, and supporting sustainable management practices.

What is the difference between Entry Level Natural Resource vs Entry Level Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level Natural ResourceEntry Level Environmental Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or related certificationAssociate's degree or environmental science background
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor settings, conservation sitesField and lab work, environmental monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and involve outdoor work, but Natural Resource positions focus more on conservation and land management, while Environmental Technicians typically handle environmental testing and monitoring tasks.

What is an entry level natural resource?

Entry level natural resource jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of natural resources, often requiring little to no prior professional experience. These roles may include tasks such as collecting environmental data, assisting with field surveys, supporting conservation projects, and monitoring wildlife or plant populations. Common employers include government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private environmental consulting firms. These jobs typically require at least a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as environmental science, forestry, biology, or geography. They offer valuable hands-on experience and serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in natural resource management and conservation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Natural Resource jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Natural Resource jobs in Tennessee are:
Entry Level Natural Resource jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Natural Resource job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,469 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Early Career Environmental Scientist

WSP

Brentwood, TN • On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

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 Us
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

Apply