The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) offers a variety of jobs for people interested in natural resource management including Service Forester, Forest Ranger Technician, Forest Stewardship Program Specialist, Forest Health Program Specialist, Forest Fire Management Chief, Timber Harvest Compliance Program Specialist, Urban Forestry Specialist, Environmental Education Specialist and Landowner Education Specialist. For information about potential vacancies, please visit the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. Please note that resumes are only accepted as supplemental information. The following links are also recommended for further information about forestry careers:
Careers in Forestry and Natural Resources
Choose Forestry - Career Brochure
Forestry Careers and Employment
Society of American Foresters - Career Information
Position Descriptions
Forester (Service Forester) (permanent/full- time):
Service foresters provide professional oversight and expertise in the Forest Stewardship Program. They work with multiple counties in an assigned district to develop, protect and manage the multiple resources of Kentucky’s forests. This includes providing technical advice to landowners concerning reforesting and maintaining forest lands. A four-year degree in forestry from an accredited college or university is required.
Forest Ranger Technician (permanent /full-time):
The forest ranger technician works in a county or counties with responsibility for fire control, timber harvesting compliance, forest stewardship assistance, insect and disease control and forestry education. A forest ranger technician I must have an associate's degree in the biological or physical science. A bachelor's degree in the biological or physical science will substitute for the associate's degree. Forest management experience will substitute for the associate's degree on the basis of two years of experience for one year of education. Must be 21 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.
Interim (temporary):
An interim employee normally works for the division for nine months or less. The majority of interim employees are hired during the fall and spring fire hazard seasons and may provide additional help during times of severe fire activity. Interims serve as forest fire suppression crew leaders, dozer operators and dispatchers supplementing the division’s forest fire control resources. Interested individuals can apply by contacting their local district office and completing the standard state employment application form.