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.