Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Veterinary Science Internship
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is seeking an intern for the summer of 2026 (May 18, 2026 – August 14, 2026). This internship opportunity will offer the selected candidate hands-on experience with necropsy, ancillary diagnostics, and epidemiology as they relate to the department’s mission of protecting livestock health and consumer safety across the state of Tennessee.
Location:
Ellington Agricultural Center
Porter Building
436 Hogan Road, Nashville TN 37220
Major Duties:
Necropsy:
- Learn and assist with the performance of livestock and companion animal necropsies.
- Learn and assist with specimen labeling, electronic sample management, and intra-laboratory sample movement for ancillary diagnostics.
Ancillary Diagnostics:
- Evaluate incoming specimens and associated documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Aliquot, or otherwise prepare, specimens for serology, immunology, molecular, and microbiological assays.
- Assist with performance of routine diagnostic testing.
Epidemiology:
- Assist with the collection of information from veterinarians, producers, and other laboratory clients.
- Query Tennessee Department of Agriculture records to help identify ongoing and emerging concerns for producers.
- Collaborate with One Health partners, including the Tennessee Department of Health and the University of Tennessee, to compile statewide data into spreadsheet templates.
Other duties may be assigned as needed.
Education:
- Applicants must possess a high school diploma and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or advanced degree program in Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Biology, or a closely related field.
- Applicants must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Essential Knowledge and Required Skills:
- Highly organized
- Familiar with principles of biosafety, biosecurity, and chemical hygiene
- Familiar with Microsoft Office
- Comfortable making and accepting phone calls.
Comments:
- This is a paid internship.
- All participants in the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Internship program are required to present details of their internship experience to executive staff. This presentation will be given to executive leadership during a luncheon at the end of the internship term.
- For more information on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/animals/-c–e–kord-animal-health-diagnostic-lab.html
Working Conditions:
- This internship is primarily laboratory-based with the possibility of some work in an office setting.
- There may be optional travel opportunities to shadow Division of Animal Health field staff.
How to Apply:
To apply for this internship opportunity, please send the following documents to Jamye.Freeman@tn.gov :
- Resume
- Letter of intent
- Most recent transcript
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- DD214 (veteran candidates only)
PLEASE NOTE: Once an application has been received, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please reach out to Jamye.Freeman@tn.gov.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2026
Other Information:
The State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy. The State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State’s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person’s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veterans status, or any other category protected by state of and/or federal civil rights laws.
