Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer Opportunities

Discover a wealth of opportunities in the field of biology, from entry-level positions to internships and volunteer work. Whether you're seeking hands-on experience, looking to build your resume, or aiming to launch your career in wildlife biology, ecology, or conservation, you'll find valuable resources and tips to help you succeed in your biological pursuits.

Job and Internship Databases

These are resources where people place available job or internship opportunities. These job and internship databases are updated regularly!

Research at Austin Peay

Here are some tips and resources you can include on how to find research opportunities at APSU:

Approach biology professors whose research interests align with yours. Even if they don’t have a posted opening, they might know of future opportunities or connect you with colleagues.

• • List of faculty: https://www.apsu.edu/biology/fac_staff.php

  • Faculty reasearch opportunities

  • Email Template: "Dear Professor [Name], I am an undergraduate biology student with a strong interest in [specific topic, e.g., ecology, molecular biology]. I am eager to gain research experience, and I was impressed by your work on [specific project]. Would you be open to discussing possible opportunities to assist in your research? I am happy to volunteer or assist in any capacity that may benefit your lab."

APSU sometimes has formal programs for undergraduate research (like REUs - Research Experiences for Undergraduates). These programs often provide structured research opportunities in labs during the school year or summer.

• • Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): NSF-sponsored programs offering summer research experiences at universities nationwide.

  • Applications for our 2025 summer NSF & USDA-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs are now open! Learn more about the program and how to apply!

This office promotes undergraduate research and provides valuable information on where to get research funding and how to present research once completed.

• • Main website: https://www.apsu.edu/osri/

  • Funding opportunities: https://www.apsu.edu/osri/funding/index.php

Student groups often host networking events with faculty, lab tours, or talks where professors present their research. Getting involved can connect you with opportunities.

• • Tri-Beta: Professor White (whitec@apsu.edu)

  • The Wildlife Society: Dr. Haase (haasec@apsu.edu)

The Department of Biology hosts weekly seminars during the Spring Semesters (https://www.apsu.edu/field-biology/honors-seminar-program.php) where faculty, grad students, and visiting researchers present their work. Attending these talks allows you to learn about active projects and express interest in research during networking opportunities afterward.

If paid or formal positions are limited, offer to start as a volunteer. Gaining experience through unpaid work can later lead to paid positions in the same lab or elsewhere.

Graduate students often mentor undergrads or need research assistants. They can also offer advice on how to approach professors and research in general.

Application Resources: Cover Letter & Resume

Here are some tips and resources you can include for writing cover letters and resumes aimed at entry-level or internship biology positions.

Cover Letter Tips:

• Tailor the Cover Letter: Customize it for each job application by addressing the specific job title and company. Mention key qualifications that match the job description.

• Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences: Emphasize lab skills, coursework, internships, or relevant extracurricular activities. For biology jobs, mention skills like data analysis, fieldwork, or knowledge of lab techniques.
  
  Example: "During my internship at XYZ Lab, I assisted in DNA extraction and PCR amplification, which aligns with your lab’s focus on molecular biology techniques."

• Explain Why You’re Interested in the Role: Show enthusiasm for the company and its projects. For instance, if applying for a research position, mention your interest in the specific type of research they conduct.

• Keep It Concise and Professional: One page is ideal. Use formal language but avoid being too wordy or using jargon that may not align with the employer's terminology.

• Express Willingness to Learn: For entry-level positions, it’s important to show a readiness to develop new skills.
  
  Example: "I am eager to expand my knowledge in wildlife biology and contribute to your ongoing research projects."

• Include a Call to Action: End with a strong closing statement, such as “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your lab.”

Resume Tips:

• Use a Clear Structure: Create distinct sections such as Education, Skills, Experience, and Relevant Coursework. Use bullet points to make it easy to read.

• Highlight Relevant Lab or Field Skills: Include specific biology-related skills like “DNA sequencing,” “microscopy,” or “habitat assessment.” If you have experience with software such as R or GIS, mention those as well.

• Quantify Achievements When Possible: For example, “Collected and analyzed 100+ field samples to study the impact of urbanization on local species.”

• Include Internships and Volunteer Work: Any hands-on experience, even if unpaid, can be valuable in the biology field. Highlight any research assistantships, conservation work, or related volunteer projects.

• Include Relevant Coursework: If you're light on work experience, include upper-level biology coursework relevant to the position, such as Genetics, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or Wildlife Management.

• Keep it 1-2 Pages: For entry-level positions, it's usually best to stick to one page unless you have significant experience.

Resources:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Offers job search tips for biology students (https://www.training.nih.gov/)

• Resume Builder: Build resumes using examples and templates (https://www.resumebuilder.com/resume-examples/biology/)

• How to write a biology cover letter: templates and examples (https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/biology-cover-letter)

Recurring Local Opportunities

These are recurring internships or continuously open volunteer opportunities, not one-time positions.

TDEC’s Internship program is an excellent opportunity for college students to develop professionally, acquire real-world experiences, establish valuable references, enhance their resume, and earn college credit. TDEC also offers seasonal employment opportunities in preparation for peak seasons at Tennessee State Parks.

Review TN Department of Environmental Conversation's Internship Information

Internships are both paid and unpaid depending on the position. Internship positions are full-time, 30-40 hours a week for 12-weeks, and are offered during the fall and spring semesters and summers.

Review Nashville Zoo's Internship Information

Nashville Zoo Internship Application Guide

Nashville Zoo Career Portal

There are many opportunities for volunteering in a variety of entities, with the application requirements and expectations of commitment varying on the position. Aquarium Volunteers educate our guests, care for our plants and animals, assist in our offices or volunteer behind the acrylic walls as divers.

Review Tennessee Aquarium's Volunteer Information

Volunteers serve in many capacities from visitor services and trained Trail Guides to gardening, trail maintenance and special event help.

Review Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary's Volunteer Information

Complete Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary's Volunteer Application

Harmony Wildlife's mission is to care for Tennessee’s orphaned and injured wildlife and they have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Email for information. 

Review Harmony Wildlife's Volunteer Opportunities

SGI provides a wide array of volunteer opportunities, on the spectrum from working individually or at home to working in teams or hard, physical labor outdoors.

Review Southeastern Grasslands Institute Volunteer opportunities

Walden’s Puddle is a wildlife rehabilitation center near Clarksville. Volunteers are expected to commit a certain amount of hours weekly. Positions range from wildlife rehab volunteer to orphan care volunteer to foot preparation. Fill out the form for information. 

Review Walden's Puddle Volunteer Information.

TN Quality Care's primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their caregivers during their hospice care. Volunteers provide social visiting, playing games, meal preparation, cleaning, assisting with activities, music therapy, pet therapy, professional care (such as haircuts or massage therapy), and even office work. Once the onboarding process is complete, the volunteer schedule is built based on their availability and preferences; they do not require a certain number of hours. Volunteers can help once a month, once a week or however often they wish. 

Visit the Tennessee Quality Website