Plant Certification Intern

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Consumer and Industry Services (CIS) is seeking an intern for the summer of 2027, from May 17 through Aug. 13, 2027. The selected candidate will spend time with the Plant Certification program area under CIS. This internship is designed to offer hands-on experience with plant sciences, entomology and associated regulatory activities performed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Location:

Ellington Agricultural Center

Porter Building

436 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220

Major Duties

Licensing and Inspection

• Become familiar with Tennessee's phytosanitary regulatory framework, including import and export requirements.
• Assist Plant Certification office staff with reviewing new business applications.
• Shadow inspectors during routine inspections at nurseries, greenhouses, retail locations and other field locations.

Entomology and Apiary

• Become familiar with entomological pests that impact plant and honeybee health.
• Shadow the State Entomologist and State Apiarist during fieldwork, including setting and retrieving traps for insects of concern and insect identification.
• Assist with Spotted Lanternfly monitoring and control efforts in the Davidson County area.

Plant Pathology

• Learn about regulated plant pathogens and diseases affecting Tennessee's green industry.
• Shadow inspectors during sample collection of suspect plant tissue and observe the TDA Plant Pathologist during laboratory sample analysis.
• Assist the TDA Plant Pathologist with sample preparation and analysis using techniques such as microscopy, serological assays and molecular diagnostic methods.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Education Requirements

• Applicants must possess a high school diploma and be currently seeking a degree in plant sciences, horticulture, entomology, biology, agriculture or a related area of study.
• 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

• Candidates must have a valid driver's license.
• Interest in state regulation and public safety
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office is required.
• Comfort making and accepting phone calls
• General knowledge and understanding of the agriculture industry is preferred but not required.

Comments

• This is a paid internship.
• Some travel may be required.
• This internship is part of the TDA's central internship program. Interns may participate in program activities and must complete an improvement project within their assigned division, followed by a presentation to Executive Leadership at the end of the internship term.
• For more information on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, please visit the TDA website.

Working Conditions

• This internship will primarily occur in person at various locations, including office, laboratory and field settings.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted from Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, through Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the Formstack application available on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's careers page. To be considered for this internship opportunity, you must have the following documents prepared:

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

Questions about this application or any internship opportunity may be directed to Jamye Freeman at Jamye.Freeman@tn.gov.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 2026.