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East Tennessee State Forest Management Internship

Tennessee Department of Agriculture
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Tennessee Department of Agriculture

East Tennessee State Forest Internship

 

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry – East Tennessee District is seeking a paid intern for the summer of 2026 (May 18, 2026 – August 14, 2026) to assist with forestry practices across various state forest areas. This internship is designed to offer the chosen candidate a comprehensive experience with proper forest management practices. 

 

Location: 

   University of Tennessee Campus

   Division of Forestry – East Tennessee District Headquarters

   2416 Fletcher Luck Ln, Knoxville, TN 37996

 

Major Duties:

 

Forest Management:

  • Assist state forest staff with intermediate treatments and forest management practices. This could include establishing forest, harvesting, prescribed burning, herbicide application, midstory removal, pre-commercial and commercial thinning. 
  • Assist state forest staff in compartment planning and data collection.
  • Assist with administration of timber sales for the state forest.

 

This internship is designed to give the chosen candidate a general overview of all work within the Tennessee Division of Forestry. While it is primarily focused on state forest management, the chosen candidate will gain experience in all program areas of the Tennessee Division of Forestry. 

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Education Requirements:

  • Applicants must possess a high school diploma and be currently pursuing a degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science or other related field.
    • Candidate must show successful completion of dendrology and forest management coursework
  • Recent college graduates, master’s students, and doctoral students may apply.
  • Applicants must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

 

Essential Knowledge and Required Skills: 

  • Basic knowledge of forest management such as dendrology, mensuration, and silviculture.
  • Ideal candidates must have the ability to work independently.
  • Familiarity with Arc Pro and related software (mobile maps, field maps, survey 123), preferred.
  • Candidate must be able to carry 25 pounds.
  • Candidate must be able to navigate using a compass and a topographical map
  • Category 2, 10 Pesticide Applicators license, preferred but not required.
  • S-212 (Chainsaw Certification) preferred, with opportunity to gain certification on job.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office.

 

Comments: 

  • This is a paid internship.
  • This internship is physically demanding and may require walking over difficult uneven terrain at times.
  • Some travel is required; use of personal vehicle will be required for travel to and from work locations. State vehicles will be used for state responsibilities, and no formal lodging will be provided. Please contact Shawn.Hendrickson@tn.gov for any questions on travel.
  • All participants in the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Internship program are required to present details of their internship experience to executive staff. This presentation will be given to executive leadership during a luncheon at the end of the internship term.
  • For more information on the Tennessee Division of Forestry, please visit https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests.html
     

Working Conditions: 

  • This internship is primarily field work with the possibility of some office work. 

 

How to Apply:

To apply for this internship opportunity, please send the following documents to Jamye.Freeman@tn.gov:

  • Resume
  • Letter of intent
  • Most recent transcript
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • DD214 (veteran candidates only)

 

PLEASE NOTE: Once your application has been received, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please reach out to Jamye.Freeman@tn.gov.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025.

 

Other Information:

The State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy. The State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State’s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person’s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veterans status, or any other category protected by state of and/or federal civil rights laws.