Fellowship conservation

The Jim Hill Fellowship at Tennessee Aquarium offers a 9-week, paid, hands-on learning opportunity in Chattanooga, TN, aimed at students pursuing conservation science careers. Fellows will engage in field research, lab analysis, and educational outreach related to freshwater conservation. Applicants must be undergraduate students in biology or related fields and are required to work 40 hours per week from May 19 to July 18, 2025, with campus housing provided.
The Jim Hill Fellowship program honors the legacy of one of the Tennessee Aquarium’s early leaders, who championed inclusivity in all areas of the Aquarium’s work.

The Jim Hill Fellowship offers a 9-week, work-based learning opportunity at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It seeks to provide valuable experience and support, with the goal of encouraging greater participation in conservation science careers. This fellowship aims to guide and empower students with a passion for conservation, to explore practical solutions to conservation challenges while gaining meaningful hands-on experience.

Selected Fellows will be paid a $15.00 hourly wage along with campus housing and parking. The Fellowship period is May 19th to July 18th, 2025, and fellows must be available for the full 9 weeks.

Jim Hill Conservation Fellows will be exposed to several aspects of freshwater conservation science with the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute team. Areas include field biology surveying endangered species, conservation aquaculture for reintroduction biology, lab analysis to understand emerging threats to aquatic ecosystems, and translating scientific concepts for educational audiences. This hands-on opportunity will offer students an increased understanding of concepts in freshwater biology, ichthyology, and aquatic biodiversity conservation. Fish Ecology fellows will focus primarily on field research of rare native fishes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1.Conduct independent research in southeastern aquatic conservation biology.
2.Prepare a scientific presentation to be presented to Aquarium staff at the end of summer.
3.Assist with the propagation of Lake Sturgeon, Brook Trout, and other live animals as needed.
4.Interact with Conservation Institute science staff to support ongoing research projects.
5.Assist with education and conservation science outreach programs.
6.Assist with lab and field work as needed.
7.Other duties as assigned.

Key Requirements
• Currently enrolled in college as an undergraduate student in biology or a related field
• Background knowledge in aquatic ecology preferred
• Good working knowledge of computers, frequent use of Excel and Word
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, and as part of a team
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Responsible for own transportation from campus housing to the Conservation Institute (approx.10-min drive)

Working Conditions
• Fieldwork activities will be performed outdoors in summer weather conditions regularly.
• Work may require occasional overnight trips to conduct aquatic fieldwork, research and conservation support activities.

Seasonal, hourly; 40 hours/week from May 19th to July 18th (must be available for all 9 weeks); weekend and holiday work may be required; Fellowship includes University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus housing & campus parking.

Please be prepared to upload a resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts during the application process.

All submissions must be received by March 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM (EST).

The Tennessee Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an inclusive environment

that values and supports diversity and equity among staff, volunteers and all of its audiences.