Forestry Program Specialist

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky's Energy & Environment Cabinet, Department for Natural Resources, Forest Protection Branch, seeks a Forestry Program Specialist to advance KFCA and urban forestry initiatives. The role collaborates with local, state, and national partners and may telecommute; travel across Kentucky is expected.

The position develops, coordinates, and delivers training, grants, and technical assistance to communities and partners, ensuring program integrity and environmental outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forestry or natural or physical science.
• Four years of professional forestry experience or related substitute.
• Graduate study can substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage the KFCA Program.
• Assist the Kentucky Master Logger program with trainings.
• Maintain and update the Bad Actor List.
• Travel throughout the state; overnight stays may be required.
• Train new Rangers in KFCA inspection processes.
• Review cases for Administrative Hearings and assist with federal requirements.
• Manage Arbor Day, Tree City, and Tree Campus programs; provide urban forestry support.

Skills

Independent work

Communication

Documentation

IT proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry or natural/physical science

Tools

Urban Forestry programs software

Job description

Advertisement Closes

10/17/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade

15

Salary

$4,297.66 - $6,060.44 Monthly

Employment Type

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

Hiring Agency

Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department for Natural Resources

Location

Location Varies

Description

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

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

By joining the Division of Forestry, Forest Protection Branch, Health and Kentucky Forest Conservation Act (KFCA) Section as a Forestry Program Specialist, you will have the opportunity to significantly contribute to ensuring the programmatic integrity of numerous forestry-related programs, and the consistent delivery of services to the public. During the performance of your assigned duties, you will interact on a daily or weekly basis with local, state, regional, and national partners with emphasis on urban and community forestry and the public, but with branch personnel, branch management, and the division's program staff.

Holders of the Forestry Program Specialist position will complete tasks such as:

• Implement and manage the KFCA Program.
• Assist the Kentucky Master Logger program with classroom and field trainings.
• Maintain and update the Bad Actor List.
• Travel throughout the state and provide assistance to Rangers. Overnight stays may be required.
• Assist in the training of new Rangers in the KFCA inspection process.
• Review and submit cases for Administrative Hearings.
• Implement, coordinate, and monitor all the federal program requirements.
• Manage the state Arbor Day Program, Tree City and Tree Campus Programs, and providing technical forestry assistance to partners dealing directly with the Urban and Community Forestry Program.
• Develop educational forestry materials and assisting with urban training and urban forestry initiatives.
• Seek federal funding opportunities for specialized urban forestry projects.
• Prepare grant narratives, contractual agreements, accomplishment reports, and storm water mitigation reports.
• Provide sustainable management goals and strategies for the urban forestry program.

Holders of this job will learn the following skills:

• Working with communities, higher educational organizations, healthcare institutions, K-12 schools and colleges within the Tree City and Tree Campus Programs.
• Working with state and federal urban initiatives and developing Arbor Day Programs statewide.
• Promoting, developing, and managing the Urban and Community Forestry Program.

Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:

• Ability to work independently.
• Effective communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Proficient knowledge and use of information technology and federal accomplishment reporting.
• Providing technical assistance with tree canopy, tree plantings, tree care, forest health issues, urban heat island, storm water mitigation and the benefits of healthy community forests.
• Administer and monitor the state level - Urban Forestry Federal Grant Program.

EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skillset as you build your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward to reviewing your application.

EEC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in forestry, natural or physical science.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have four years of professional experience in forest products utilization, forest health, tree nursery and tree improvement, urban and community forestry, wildfire prevention and control, forest management stewardship assistance, natural resource management, conservation or four years of professional experience as a forester.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Graduate study in forestry or related field will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Experience in forest products utilization, forest health, nursery and tree improvement, urban and community forestry, wildfire prevention and control, forest management and stewardship assistance or related will substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to appointment in this job classification. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possess and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Work includes both administrative duties, which may involve frequent contact with field personnel and other agencies, and field duties which involve outdoor work at the tree nursery or forestlands in general. Working outdoors may occur during adverse weather conditions. A moderate amount of travel is required, in and out of state.

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 Bruce Widener at [e-mail] or 606-595-0505.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D