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How much do environmental research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental research assistant in Oak Ridge, TN is $21.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental research assistant?

An Environmental Research Assistant supports scientists and researchers in studying environmental issues such as pollution, conservation, and climate change. They assist with data collection, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and report writing. Their work helps organizations, government agencies, and universities better understand environmental challenges and develop solutions. This role often requires a background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, as well as strong analytical and research skills.

What are the primary responsibilities of an environmental research assistant on a daily basis?

As an Environmental Research Assistant, your daily tasks often include collecting and cataloging environmental samples, conducting field surveys, recording observations, and entering data into digital systems. You may also assist with laboratory analyses, prepare reports, and help maintain field or lab equipment. Collaborating with senior researchers and team members is a key part of the job, ensuring data accuracy and supporting ongoing research projects. This hands-on role provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience with real-world environmental challenges and research methodologies, making it ideal for those interested in building a career in environmental science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the environmental research assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Research Assistant, you generally need a background in environmental science or a related field, practical experience with data collection, and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and field sampling equipment, as well as certifications in laboratory safety procedures, are often required. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams help you excel in this role. These skills are essential for ensuring accurate research outcomes, effective collaboration, and the proper interpretation of environmental data.

How do I become an environmental research assistant?

To become an environmental research assistant, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field is required. Relevant skills include data collection, analysis, and familiarity with environmental monitoring tools; internships or volunteer work can also improve prospects.

How to become an environmental research assistant?

To become an environmental research assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include data collection, analysis, and familiarity with environmental tools or software; internships or research experience can also improve job prospects.

What qualifications do you need to be an environmental research assistant?

Environmental research assistants typically need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field. Relevant skills include data collection, analysis, and familiarity with laboratory or field equipment; some positions may require knowledge of GIS software or certifications in safety or environmental protocols.

What job categories do people searching Environmental Research Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Research Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Environmental Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Environmental Research Assistant job openings:

Environmental Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Research Assistant job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,853 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Research Assistant: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering - UTK

Knoxville, TN • On-site

The University of Tennessee
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about The University of Tennesseeexternal

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering seeks applications from extraordinarily qualified individuals for a full-time Research Assistant position. Research areas include additive manufacturing systems development and implementation of high solids content composite materials. A Masters degree in Engineering Science (ES) and a strong record of accomplishment are required.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.  

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community! 

Required Qualifications

  • Master's in Engineering Science (ES) or related field.

  • Ability to work with students to accelerate development and testing of 3D printers using techniques such as Direct Inkjet Writing.

  • Strong written and oral communication, management, and team leadership.

  • Effective interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with a diverse group of scientific and technical personnel.

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Work Location

  • Location: Knoxville, TN

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR08

  • Anticipated hiring range: $60,000

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

About The Department

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) has 27 tenure-line faculty members and five non-tenured full-time teaching faculty and offer baccalaureate, masters, and PhD degrees in all areas of Civil and Environmental Engineering. CEE faculty collaborate through a number of interdisciplinary centers including the Center for Transportation Research, the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable environment, and the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. The department is also leading the Future of Construction Initiative, featuring a full0scale robotic arm 3-D concrete printing facility. As the leading university partner in UT-Battelle, the management company for Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), UTK offers extraordinary opportunities for cutting-edge research in science and engineering with the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII). The department rands in the top 5% of all US Civil and Environmental Engineering programs in per-faculty scholarly publications and citations according to Academic Analytics. 

  • Responsible for designing and performing experiments 

  • Equipment set up, maintenance, upkeep, running process trials and training. 

  • Performs experiments and other exercises using independent judgment. 

  • Assisting with lab safety

  • Write papers, reports and present the research findings.

  • Modeling, data analytics; preparing and presenting project reports; publishing research results in peer reviewed academic journals. 

  • Participate in writing proposals with the new ideas gained from the research finding. 

  • Assists with lab tours, customers and  visitors

  • Help with procurement, safety, shipping and receiving, purchasing duties

Apply