State Park Ranger I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hazardous duty retirement

Paid time off

Overtime pay

Health insurance

Life insurance

Dental and vision insurances

Wellness incentives program

Training and career development

401K Deferred Compensation

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky is seeking a State Park Ranger I for Taylorsville Lake State Park and My Old Kentucky Home State Park. The role involves enforcing laws on state park properties, ensuring guest safety and providing information about attractions.

Shifts vary; must meet POPS standards and be able to work independently. The position offers full-time executive branch employment with benefits and requires a high school diploma plus one year of sworn law enforcement experience.

Qualifications

• High school graduate required.
• One year of law enforcement experience as a sworn officer.
• Must be twenty-one years of age and possess a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state laws on Kentucky State Park properties and protect guests and property.
• Provide services to park guests such as trail rescues, first aid, and information about the park and area attractions.
• Maintain knowledge of Kentucky Revised Statutes and park policies; operate with minimal supervision.

Skills

POPS Certification

Kentucky Statutes knowledge

Verbal and written communication

Policy and procedure learning

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/9/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID

req80649

Position Title

State Park Ranger I

Pay Grade

12

Salary

$2,976.04 - $4,464.04 Monthly

Employment Type

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

Hiring Agency

Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Department of Parks

Location

Location Varies This position will primarily be in Spencer and Nelson counties.

Description

The Kentucky State Park Ranger Division has an opening at Taylorsville Lake State Park and My Old KentuckyHome State Park for a State Park Ranger I. A Kentucky State Park Ranger enforces state laws on Kentucky StatePark properties, protecting our guests and property and providing a safe environment. Shifts may varydepending on the needs of the park. At times, the Kentucky State Park Ranger may provide services to parkguests such as trail rescues, first aid, and general information about the park and area attractions. Applicants are required to meet all federal and state laws applicable to the carrying, use, and possession of firearmsand ammunition at the time of appointment. Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis. If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact. The ideal candidate will have:

• Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS) Certification.
• For more information visit: https://docjt.ky.gov/
• A working knowledge of Kentucky Revised Statutes.
• The ability to quickly learn the policies and procedures of the Kentucky State Parks and RangerDivision.
• Have a strong work ethic and be able to work alone with minimal supervision.
• The ability to use basic computer programs.
• Strong verbal and written skills.

The Rangers Division offers these great benefits:

• Participation in hazardous duty retirement through KPPA.
• KLEFPF stipend.
• Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays.
• Overtime and compensatory time opportunities.
• Affordable health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Optional dental and vision insurances.
• Wellness incentives program.
• Training and career development opportunities; paid continuing education.
• Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K).

If you enjoy the outdoors, interacting with people and working independently consider applying to become aKentucky State Park Ranger!

Kentucky State Park Ranger Division is a participating Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund(KLEFPF) agency. Rangers are required to possess and maintain a Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS)certificate. Rangers currently receive an additional $4,562 training stipend each year for adhering to thetraining guidelines established by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC).

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have one year of law enforcement experience as a sworn police officer.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must be twenty-one years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to qualify for employment in this job classification. Employees in this job title are subject to the provisions of KRS Chapter 15 and 503 KAR 1:140 relating to peace officer certification as administered by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. 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 possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Conditions are consistent with other law enforcement officers. Incumbents working in this job title perform work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact James Fee at [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D