TENNEESEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST 1 - 09292026-81359

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is hiring an Environmental Protection Specialist 1 in Knoxville, TN. This full-time position involves reviewing air permit applications, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining databases. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and a valid driver's license. The salary ranges from $48,684 to $73,188 annually. The role is entry-level, requiring supervision and training.
Job Information


State of Tennessee Job Information






Opening Date/Time


09/29/2026 12:00AM Central Time






Closing Date/Time


10/12/2026 11:59PM Central Time






Salary (Monthly)


$4,057.00 - $6,099.00






Salary (Annually)


$48,684.00 - $73,188.00






Job Type


Full-Time






City, State Location


Knoxville, TN






Department


Environment and Conservation








LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, KNOX COUNTY

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/00078161_env_prot_spc_1_apc_kefo_tdec-job-opp_ps_ua.pdf


Qualifications



Education and Experience: Graduation from an ABET accredited college or university with a

bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology program.


Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:



Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions.


Overview


Under immediate supervision, is responsible for professional environmental work of routine difficulty; and performs related work as required.


This is the entry level class in the TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist sub-series. An employee in this class is assigned to learn a variety of environmental engineering duties. An employee may perform environmental program and/or regulatory duties in a specific program specialty area such as air pollution, water resources, remediation, solid waste management, toxics, or underground storage tanks. This class differs from TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist 2* in that an incumbent of the latter performs environmental duties at the working level under general supervision.


An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to TDEC Environmental Protection Specialist 2 after successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period; inadequate or marginal performance during the training period will result in automatic termination.


Responsibilities



Review applications for air permits from stationary sources of air pollution at industrial entities, private businesses, and state facilities.
Identify applicable federal and state regulations and apply them in a variety of technical and regulatory situations.
Meet critical deadlines and do follow-up assignments with a minimum amount of direction.
Draft construction and operating permits for stationary source of air pollution to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Help maintain a comprehensive database system.
Work cooperatively and effectively with management, other division employees, and the public, to help issue accurate and enforceable permits.

Competencies (KSA's)



Business Insight
Communicates Effectively
Decision Quality
Manages Complexity
Tech Savvy

Knowledges:



Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Law and Government
Physics
Geology

Skills:



Reading Comprehension
Judgement and Decision Making
Active Learning and Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking

Abilities:



Written Comprehension
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Mathematical Reasoning
Limb and/or Full Body Flexibility

Tools & Equipment



Computer/Printer/ Scanner/ Copier/ Fax
Telephone/ Cell Phone/ Pager/ Two-way Radios
Watercraft/ Motor Vehicles/ Tractors/ All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Sampling, Monitoring Equipment and Supplies/ Tools
Radiation Detection Equipment/ GPS/ PPE/ Power Equipment and Hand Tools.