TBI Summer 2026 Aviation Internship

Job Description

TBI Summer 2026 Aviation Internship

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) – Aviation Unit

Nashville, TN

Compensation: School Credit

About the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

At the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, our solemn promise resonates deeply: “That Guilt Shall Not Escape Nor Innocence Suffer.” This isn’t merely a slogan; it’s the bedrock of our commitment to the people of Tennessee. Every day, our dedicated team serves the Volunteer State with unparalleled professionalism and unwavering passion. As the state’s lead law enforcement agency, we stand firm on the values of truth, bravery, and integrity, proudly contributing to making Tennessee an even safer and better place to live.

Your Mission: The TBI Summer 2026 Aviation Internship

Embark on an extraordinary 10-week journey with the TBI Aviation Unit, running from June 1, 2026, to August 7, 2026. This immersive internship offers qualified college and post-graduate students an unparalleled, inside look into the critical mission and vital work performed across the state.

Designed to introduce aspiring law enforcement professionals to the specialized world of Aviation Special Operations, this program is your gateway to understanding Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) as it directly supports crucial law enforcement efforts. While not a guarantee of future employment, this unique opportunity provides broad exposure to the intricacies required to fulfill our distinct role within Tennessee’s criminal justice system, allowing you to observe professional aircrews in action during real-world public safety missions.

The Cutting-Edge TBI Aviation Division

The TBI Aviation Division delivers essential statewide aviation support to local, state, and federal agencies throughout Tennessee. Our dynamic mission portfolio includes:

• Providing critical safety overwatch for ground law enforcement operations.
• Conducting meticulous manhunts and fugitive searches.
• Assisting in vital missing-person investigations.
• Performing advanced aerial mapping for natural disasters and critical incidents.
• Executing rapid transport of agents for critical case interviews, interrogations, and evidence collection.

We leverage real-time intelligence, cutting-edge aerial imagery, and rapid response capabilities to significantly enhance public safety and criminal justice outcomes across the Volunteer State.

What You’ll Experience: Key Responsibilities & Learning Outcomes

This internship provides a hands-on, observational deep dive into critical law enforcement aviation operations. Interns can expect to:

• Respond on Select Missions: Accompany the aircrew on designated missions to observe real-time coordination and operational execution.
• Analyze Mission Camera Systems: Gain insights into sophisticated mission camera systems, including subject tracking and advanced intelligence collection methodologies.
• Shadow Expert Pilots: Work alongside experienced pilots, observing comprehensive pre-flight planning, including detailed weather reviews, strategic route selection, and critical risk assessment.
• Engage in Hangar Operations: Obtain exposure to routine hangar operations, rigorous equipment checks, and meticulous mission documentation processes, understanding the backbone of aviation readiness.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek highly motivated and dedicated individuals currently enrolled as college juniors, seniors, or those pursuing post-graduate education. Candidates must possess a strong interest in law enforcement and aviation.

Important Details

Please note: This position requires a comprehensive criminal background check. You will be required to provide detailed information about your criminal history during the application process to be considered for this invaluable opportunity. Further information on TBI internships can be found at: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/general-information/learn-about-internships-at-tbi.html

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, veteran’s status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.