State Park Ranger I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Olive Hill (KY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hazardous duty retirement (KPPA)

KLEFPF stipend

Paid time off

Overtime and compensatory time

Health insurance

Life insurance

Dental and vision insurances

Wellness incentives

Training and career development

Deferred Compensation (401K)

Job summary

The Kentucky State Park Ranger Division is seeking a State Park Ranger I at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Enforce state laws, protect guests and property, and provide a safe environment. Shifts vary; may include trail rescues and first aid across park areas.

Ideal candidates have one year of sworn law enforcement experience, POPS certification, and basic computer skills. Applicants must meet firearms regulations and comply with Kentucky laws and park policies.

Qualifications

• Must have one year of law enforcement experience as a sworn police officer.
• Education: High school graduate.
• Must meet licensure and certification requirements per agency guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state laws on Kentucky State Park properties.
• Provide safety, first aid, and information to park guests.
• Assist with trail rescues and general park operations as needed.

Skills

POPS Certification

KRS knowledge

Policies & procedures

Independent work

Basic computer skills

Verbal & written skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Advertisement Closes

10/3/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade

12

Salary

$3,035.50 - $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

344 Caveland Drive
Olive Hill, KY 41164 USA

Job Description

The Kentucky State Park Ranger Division has an opening at Carter Caves State Resort Park for a State Park Ranger I. A Kentucky State Park Ranger enforces state laws on Kentucky State Park properties, protecting our guests and property and providing a safe environment. Shifts may vary depending on the needs of the park. At times, the Kentucky State Park Ranger may provide services to park guests such as trail rescues, first aid, and general information about the park and area attractions.

Candidates for this position are required to have 1 year of law enforcement experience as a sworn police officer. Information about reciprocity can be found here: https://justice.ky.gov/Boards-Commissions/KLEC/programs/Pages/reciprocity.aspx

Applicants must meet all federal and state laws applicable to the carrying, use, and possession of firearms and ammunition at the time of appointment.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other 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.

For more information visit: https://docjt.ky.gov/

The ideal candidate will have:

• Required Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS) Certification.
• A working knowledge of Kentucky Revised Statutes.
• The ability to quickly learn the policies and procedures of the Kentucky State Parks and Ranger Division.
• 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).

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 the training 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.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Captain Donald Shearer at [e-mail] or [phone].

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D