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 $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 Forestry Fellows will be exposed to several biology-related positions working with the Tennessee Aquarium’s world-class living collection. Areas include aviculture, horticulture, herpetology, entomology, lemurs and otters. This hands-on opportunity will offer an understanding of animal care while ensuring that exhibits remain interesting and engaging for our visiting guests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform animal husbandry and education duties, including cleaning exhibits, preparing food, feeding animals, maintaining exhibits, and monitoring animal behavior.
- Provide exemplary interpretation and assistance in programs.
- Maintain appropriate logs and records.
- Interact with staff, volunteers, and the public professionally and ethically.
- Prepare and deliver a presentation about their work to Aquarium staff at the end of the Fellowship period.
Key Requirements:
- Currently enrolled, undergraduate college student with a science or education major
- Able to commit to the full fellowship of 9 weeks (May 18th -July 17th)
- Able to climb ladders, lift and carry 50 lbs.
- Show a high interest in science, education, and conservation.
Seasonal, hourly; 36-40 hours/week from May 18th through July 17th (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; paid parking near the Aquarium during work hours.
Interested candidates are asked to apply online through the Aquarium’s career site at https://tnaqua.org/get-involved/. Please be prepared to upload a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts during the application process.
All submissions must be received by March 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM (EST).
