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 Conservation Fellows will be exposed to several aspects of freshwater conservation science with the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute team. Areas include conservation aquaculture for reintroduction biology, field biology surveying endangered species, 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. Conservation-Reintroduction Fellows will focus primarily on the propagation and care of rare native fishes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Feeding and care of animals in holding tanks, raceways, and related facilities.
• Grouping fish into different tanks to optimize the growth of fish.
• Cleaning and maintenance of tanks and filtration in life support systems.
• Assists with raising live food cultures for larval fish.
• Visual monitoring of animals to detect health or other husbandry problems.
• Perform conservation duties which may include care of animals in reintroduction programs, data collection in laboratory settings, and occasional assistance with field work.
• Maintain appropriate logs and records for data collection.
• Assists with hands-on work in genetics laboratory to learn conservation genetics techniques as they pertain to animal reintroductions.
• Interact with staff, volunteers, and the public professionally and ethically.
Key Requirements
• Currently enrolled undergraduate college student with a science major
• Show a high interest in science, conservation, or education.
• Able to commit to the full internship of 9 weeks (May 18th – July 17th).
• Able to climb ladders, lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, and as part of a team.
• Responsible for own transportation from campus housing to the Conservation Institute (approx. 10-min drive)
Seasonal, hourly; 40 hours/week from May 18th to 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.
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 Friday, March 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM (EST).
