Environmental Scientist III

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring an Environmental Scientist III to manage land stewardship activities in the Pine Mountain Region. Responsibilities include habitat management, prescribed fire management, compliance with environmental regulations, stakeholder engagement, and securing funding for conservation projects. The position offers a salary range of $3,845.56 - $5,191.52 monthly, is full-time, and may allow telecommuting, which can be modified or terminated by the agency.
Advertisement Closes

2/26/2025 (7:00 PM EST)

25-00639

Environmental Scientist III

Pay Grade

15

Salary

$3,845.56 - $5,191.52 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

Location

Location Varies

The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time.

Description

The mission of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians by protecting our land, air, and water resources by utilizing our natural resources in an environmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that together bring economic benefit to the commonwealth.

If you are looking for a positive work environment and a career where you can make a difference in the environment we live in, then EEC is the cabinet for you. For more information on what our cabinet has to offer, check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSuC43XqlHchYeQ66tP7tg and our Careers page https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx

Are you passionate about protecting Kentucky’s unique natural heritage? Do you want to play a pivotal role in conserving and restoring some of the state’s most threatened plant and animal communities? The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves (OKNP) is seeking a highly motivated Environmental Scientist III to manage critical land stewardship activities in the Pine Mountain Region.

As the Environmental Scientist III for the Pine Mountain Region, you will directly oversee the management and restoration of state nature preserves, and state natural areas. This is a unique opportunity to lead conservation efforts in a region rich with biodiversity, where you will work to restore rare species, control invasive species, and manage natural habitats through cutting-edge land management practices, including the use of prescribed fire.

Key Responsibilities:
• Habitat Management: Implement land management plans that promote the health of native ecosystems, including invasive species control, rare species restoration, and habitat preservation.
• Prescribed Fire Management: Serve as a burn boss and crew member for prescribed fire activities to maintain fire-dependent natural communities and reduce wildfire risks.
• Permit and Compliance: Evaluate and develop permits for land management activities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, agency guidelines, and management plans for state nature preserves.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with public agencies, private landowners, and industries to assess activities that may impact rare species or natural communities. Provide technical guidance to protect threatened ecosystems.
• Partnerships and Funding: Work with OKNP management to identify and secure funding opportunities through federal, state, and non-governmental partnerships to support ongoing conservation projects.
• Additional Duties: Perform other conservation-related tasks as assigned to support the mission of the OKNP.

Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in land management, conservation, or related fields, including experience with prescribed fire, habitat restoration, or invasive species management.
• Certifications: Certification as a prescribed fire burn boss or equivalent experience preferred.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of ecological principles and land management practices. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Additional position information:
• Position will require frequent travel; some overnight trips should be expected.
• Position will require standing/stooping/bending/lifting.
• Position will require sitting at a desk.
• Position will require annual physical fitness test.
• Employee will need to carry 25 pounds for 2 miles in under 30 minutes.

This position offers a rare opportunity to be on the front lines of conservation in one of Kentucky’s most ecologically significant regions. You will be instrumental in preserving the state’s natural heritage, working alongside a dedicated team of professionals committed to protecting the environment for future generations. If you have a passion for conservation and a drive to make a difference, we invite you to join the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural, biological or physical science OR Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Three years of experience in natural resources, environmental control, or a related area.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Graduate study in a natural, biological, or physical science will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering, or a related area will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office setting. Incumbents in this class may perform work in the field with frequent travel on a statewide basis. An incumbent in the position may be subject to adverse weather conditions, exposure to snakes and insects, water-borne pathogens, broken glass, rusty metal in streams, and hazards common to operation of electro-fishing equipment, which require the following of safety procedures.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Jason Nally at jason.nally@ky.gov or 502-330-4328.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D