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 for Operations is 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 careers involving the management of aquatic environments, animal life support systems, building automated systems, and HVAC systems. This experience will help guide students in understanding the process required to provide a safe environment for the animals on exhibit, and a comfortable and safe environment for the visitor while gaining valuable hands-on work experience and techniques for exceptional guest experiences.
Selected Fellows will be paid a $16.00 hourly wage along with campus housing and parking. The Fellowship period is May 18th to July 17th, 2026, and fellows must be available for the full 9 weeks.
Jim Hill Operations Fellows will be exposed to multiple systems and operations within the Tennessee Aquarium with a specific focus on animal life support systems (LSS) management and building automated systems (BAS) monitoring and controlling of lighting, HVAC, mechanical, and lighting systems as well as LSS. This opportunity will introduce participants to the art of maintaining the environments for a diverse collection of animals in both saltwater and freshwater as well as terrestrial settings.
Key Responsibilities:
• Monitor and operate life support systems via computer and physical plant, including back washing filters as needed, taking corrective action when conditions demand, including adjusting ozone levels as needed.
• Monitor HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems and adjust set points as needed for visitor comfort; evaluate problems and rectify problems manually and/or with the computer.
• Perform regular walk-downs of the facilities, collecting data and inspecting equipment and exhibits.
• Produce salt water by transferring water to the salt basin and adding the required number of salt boxes to obtain the correct salinity.
• Monitor ozone generator and related equipment outputs and adjust set point to maintain desired output.
• Work very closely with CMS and husbandry to insure proper equipment settings and procedures of operation.
• Perform work in a manner that fosters the Aquarium’s mission and reflects its core values and service standards.
• Interact with staff, volunteers, and the public in a professional and ethical manner.
• Prepare and deliver a presentation about their work to Aquarium staff at the end of the Fellowship period.
Key Requirements:
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college or vocational training preferred.
• Able to commit to the full internship of 9 weeks (May 18th – July 17th)
• Able to climb ladders, lift and carry 60 lbs.
• Must be highly motivated and eager to learn new skills and solve problems.
Seasonal, hourly; 36-40 hours/week from May 18th through July 17th (must be available for entire 9 weeks); weekend and holiday work may be required; Fellowship includes University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus housing & campus parking; paid parking near the Aquarium during work hours.
Interested candidates can apply online through the Aquarium’s career site at https://tnaqua.org/get-involved/.
Please be prepared to upload a resume and cover letter during the application process.
All submissions must be received by March 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM (EST)
