Tdec-Environmental Scientist

Opening Date/Time: 06/16/2026 12:00 AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time: 06/29/2026 11:59 PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly): $4,057.00

Salary (Annually): $48,684.00

Job Type: Full‑Time

Location:

Columbia, TN – Department of Environment and Conservation, Wayne County

Job Information:
State of Tennessee Job Information

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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.

• 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.
• TDEC Environmental Scientist 1
  * performing geologic duties the major portion of their time must have completed the required college coursework 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 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, including at least 36 quarter hours (or 24 semester hours) in biology, in one of the following areas: biology or biological sciences; botanical sciences; environmental or conservation sciences; zoological sciences; or aquatic, terrestrial, or wetland biology or ecology or other acceptable biological science related field.

Under immediate supervision, the incumbent is responsible for developing knowledge and performing routine professional environmental, natural resources, sustainability, environmental assistance program, radiological health, and related science work. The position will learn to perform related work as required.

• The entry‑level class in the TDEC Environmental Scientist subseries. Employees may be assigned to learn a variety of environmental compliance inspection, monitoring, problem identification, corrective action, and enforcement duties.
• Employees may be assigned to learn natural resource management and/or inventory activities in conservation programs.
• After a one‑year probationary period, the incumbent may be reclassified to TDEC Environmental Scientist 2*; inadequate performance during probation will result in termination.

• Investigates complaints; develops corrective recommendations for identified problems, and, if necessary, initiates legal action to effect compliance.

• Prepares documentation such as permits, designs, layouts, blueprints, soil evaluations, etc., in a concise and defensible manner.

• Conducts inspections of equipment, structures, and/or material to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and operation.

• Determines validity and severity of incidents and appropriate response.
• Analyzes available information and makes recommendations to ensure the best solution is chosen.
• Determines validity and severity of violations and whether enforcement action is warranted.
• Reviews plans and reports to determine future regulatory actions.

• Interprets findings, results, and communicates…