Bluegrass Region Natural Areas Manager

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 II to manage critical land stewardship activities in the Bluegrass Region.

This is a grant funded time-limited (GFTL) position. This means it is a position that is paid entirely as the result of a grant. The duration of employment shall not exceed the life of the grant that funds the position. An employee appointed to a GFTL position is required to meet the minimum requirements for the classification. Further, an employee appointed to a GFTL position is designated as an unclassified (non-merit) employee. A GFTL employee is eligible to receive benefits at the same level as a classified (merit) employee in a permanent position.

Position Overview:

As the Environmental Scientist II for the Bluegrass 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. 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.

Why Work With Us?

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.

The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves is an equal opportunity employer.

Additional position information: (travel required, standing/stooping/bending/lifting, sitting at a desk, etc.) 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.

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: One year 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.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply for the position through the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet website.  Careers

Environmental Scientist II (GFTL)

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