Jobs Title:
Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves Natural Areas Manager- Environmental Scientist III

Post Date
7/10/2018

Expiration Date
8/1/2018

Details:
The natural area manager is a crucial part of the Kentucky Nature Preserve (KNP) team responsible for management of a select portion of Natural Areas within Kentucky. This position will concentrate on ecological management and species recovery primarily within the Cumberland Plateau and Green River regions of Kentucky. Responsibilities will be focused on pine barren restoration, water quality issues, rare plant and community management and recovery, as well as many other exciting natural resource projects. This is a great opportunity to join a small resource-based team of dedicated individuals with a variety of backgrounds and skill sets while protecting Kentucky’s natural heritage. Though KNP may be a smaller agency, we have helped protect over 100,000 acres on 145 sites statewide through dedication, team work, and partnerships with other agencies.

Scope of Work:

• Monitors, evaluates, and develops management plans and strategies for preservation of Kentucky’s natural heritage on state-owned lands within the Cumberland Plateau and Green River region.
• Develops and implements action steps to meet management goals and objectives on natural areas including invasive species management, prescribed fire, rare species recovery, and wetland restoration.
• Collects, interprets, and analyzes technical, historical, or biological data pertaining to assigned natural areas.
• Attends meetings and forums with public and partners to promote KNP’s mission and accomplish management goals. Provides input to the office and partners for development of conservation goals and initiatives.
• Provides support for statewide implementation of the prescribed fire program, serves as team member and conducts practices required to safely complete prescribed fire including equipment maintenance, firebreak installation, and coordination of resources.
• Conducts site inspections of wild river corridors and heritage land sites to evaluate compliance with management plans and policies.


Qualifications:
• Graduate of a college or university with a degree in natural resources, biology, conservation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years experience working in natural resource management or related field (education will substitute on a year for year basis).
• Knowledge of land management strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of Kentucky plants, animals, and natural communities.
• Knowledge of equipment and tools used for natural resource management (i.e., chainsaws, herbicides, ATVs/UTVs, farm equipment, etc.).
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with supervisors, co-workers, general public, and partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of team.
• Ability to read, interpret, analyze, and produce maps.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to safely operate and train other employees and volunteers on equipment use and application.
• Knowledge of GPS/GIS mapping software, ability to generate maps and navigate in remote areas.
• Position will require occasional night or weekend hours and overnight travel within Kentucky.
• Ability to navigate using topographic maps and/or compass in remote areas.
• Work will often be performed in the field in remote setting where employee may be exposed to biting/stinging insects, venomous snakes, poison ivy, and adverse weather.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license for length of employment.



Comments:
• This position is considered a Grant Funded Time Limited (GFTL) position. Funding is secure for a period of 2 years, with a possibility of extension.
• This position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week with health and retirement benefits, starting at the entry-level of approximately $35,000 annual salary. Some salary adjustments possible with significant experience. This position is considered unclassified and not covered under KRS Chapter 18A.
• Job classification/salary info for Environmental Scientist III can be found at: https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/JobSpecs.aspx


Contact:
Josh Lillpop

Address:
300 Sower Blvd


Work Phone:
502-782-7830

Email:
Josh.Lillpop@ky.gov