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 Education Fellows will work closely with the Aquarium’s team of professional educators. Education Fellows should have a passion for engaging people through storytelling about science, animals, conservation, and the environment. Fellows will split their time rotating through several of our Education teams, which may include but are not limited to: Outreach, Community Programs, Guest Engagement, Youth Development, and Ambassador Animals. Each fellow will have an opportunity to experience and reflect on how to engage with different audiences through different educational experiences. Fellows will also have an opportunity to conduct an evaluation project and present their project to Aquarium staff and/or other relevant parties.
Key Responsibilities:
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in heat and humidity to take part in summer education programming for several weeks during the summer.
• Creatively engage guests of all ages in science, the environment, and conservation using a positive, professional, and inviting manner.
• Interest in learning more about evaluation and carrying out those evaluation methods for their summer Fellowship project.
• Willing to interact with and learn about education animals, including reptiles, amphibians, insects, and others, and how to present conservation messages about them.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues, program participants, and guests.
• Conflict resolution, problem- solving, and critical thinking skills.
Key Requirements:
• College student with a science or education major.
• Able to commit to the full internship of 9 weeks (May 18th-July 17th).
• Show a high interest in science, education, and conservation.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds on occasion.
Seasonal, hourly; 36-40 hours/week from May 18th through July 17th (must be available for all 9 weeks); weekend, holiday, and overnight 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).
