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.
The Jim Hill Marketing & Communications Fellow will work closely with the Aquarium’s Marketing & Communications (MarComms) team. Fellow should have a passion for science communication (explaining conservation science concepts in terms that engage the general public), storytelling, content creation, and engaging a broad audience to further the Aquarium’s nonprofit mission. Fellow will gain experience in basic photography/videography, photo/video editing, content strategy, media relations, and social care. This fellow will have an opportunity to work directly with MarComms staff to create content to be shared across the Aquarium’s social channels and/or website.
Key Responsibilities:
• Job shadow and assist various MarComms team members during photo/video shoots, media interviews, planning strategy sessions and social care
• Plan and create a content mini-series across multiple platforms throughout the nine-week period documenting the Fellow’s journey and experience as a part of the Tennessee Aquarium team
• Work at least one evening event alongside marketing and events team members
• Join the content team in the field during any conservation storytelling opportunities
Key Requirements:
• Currently enrolled college student with a marketing or communications major
• Able to commit to the full internship of 9 weeks
• Show a high interest in science communication and content creation
• Able to lift and carry 30 pounds on occasion
• Able to work outdoors in heat and humidity to take part in capturing photo/video content on occasional field work outings
• Prepare and deliver a presentation about their work to Aquarium staff at the end of the Fellowship period
Seasonal, hourly; 36-40 hours/week from May 18th through July 17th (must be available for all 9 weeks); weekend and evening 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).
