Careers with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

The first step in the process is to complete an application form available either from this agency or from the Department of Personnel http://personnel.ky.gov and return it to State Office Building, 1st Floor, 501 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.  KDFWR is an equal opportunity employer who participates in a civil service merit employment system. The merit system is used by all agencies in the Executive Branch of Kentucky State Government and is designed to allow the best possible applicants to distinguish themselves through competitive testing. 

Upon receipt, an employment counselor reviews the application and determines if the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the job classifications in which he or she expresses interest. If the applicant has satisfied the minimum requirements, the counselor will approve the applicant for competitive testing or other selection method assigned to the job classification.

For classifications that require them, tests are administered Monday through Friday during regular business hours at the Personnel Cabinet’s testing center located the State Office Building, First Floor, 501 High Street  in Frankfort, Kentucky and are also scheduled by prior appointment at various locations throughout the state. A list of testing centers is available from the Personnel Cabinet.

The purpose of the test is to have the applicant’s name appear on a certificate of approved applicants (register) issued by the Personnel Cabinet to the KDFWR when a vacancy occurs. In order to have your name appear on that certificate, your test score must be among the top five (5) scores recorded from all applicants who have tested for employment in the county where the vacancy occurs.

Once a certificate of applicants is issued by the Personnel Cabinet and forwarded to our agency, we can consider, interview and ultimately make a selection. Selections can be made only from the applicants who appear on the certificate.

A test may be taken up to two (2) times in any week, however an applicant cannot take the same test more than twelve (12) times in any twelve (12) month period. From time to time, testing for certain positions may be closed. More detailed information on the testing process is available from the Personnel Cabinet.  You can also view all State Job Opportunities, including Fish and Wildlife, at http://personnel.ky.gov.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM

Take a look at each of the four primary career areas in terms of what a potential employee might expect as duties and responsibilities.

Wildlife Biologist  

Wildlife biologists might find themselves:

• conducting detailed surveys of wildlife populations

• preparing detailed reports concerning their findings

• collecting age and growth information in the field and at check stations

• working with private landowners to develop habitat improvement projects

• transporting wildlife 

• working with more experienced biologists involving a variety of other wildlife management activities. 

Fishery Biologist

A fisheries biologist could expect to:

• perform research work on fish populations

• prepare scientific reports

• investigate fish kills

• analyze fish samples

• determine water quality

• work with experienced biologists involving a variety of fisheries management practices or culture fish in one of the state hatcheries. 

Conservation Education Program Leader (CEPL)

These professionals are involved in:

• the presentation of conservation education programs to schools

• organizing youth hunting and fishing events

• instructing outdoor activities at summer conservation camps 

• working with experienced instructors in conducting hunter education safety classes. 

Law Enforcement (Conservation Officer)

After extensive training, Law Enforcement Officers are charged with the responsibilities of enforcing the state and federal laws with particular emphasis on state game and boating regulations. Examples of these duties would include:

• extensive field work

• vessel safety inspections

• communications with sportsmen and boaters

• public relations

• investigation of complaints and offenses

• boating safety education

• working with other professionals in the department

• issuing citations

• making arrests

• court case preparation and prosecution 

To download a Microsoft Word attachment detailing employment qualifications and eligibility from the KY Dept. of Personnel, click here. (Law enforcement positions are filled only when sufficient vacancies exist to warrant a cadet academy.)

Technical Support

A limited number of people with data base management, geographical information system and computer skills are employed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

An applicant must possess the minimum of a bachelor's degree in the related field of fisheries biology/management, wildlife biology/management, agriculture, ecology, forestry, botany, law enforcement, life science, education, recreation, or an equivalent degree specifically related to the positions mentioned.

The KDFWR primarily employs professional biologists, educators and law enforcement personnel. A very limited number of positions are maintained in support areas like Information, Engineering, Information Technology, Administration and Accounting which require degrees in the related fields such as engineering, accounting, business management, computer science, public relations and marketing, etc.

NON-DEGREE POSITIONS

Our Engineering, Fisheries and Wildlife divisions utilize a number of Fish and Wildlife Technicians. These are paraprofessional classifications that assist biologists and engineers in the performance of their duties.  Initially, employees in this classification might find themselves:

• transporting animals

• preparing land areas for animal management programs

• taking samples of aquatic life

• preparing reports for the use of the biologist 

• constructing sport fishing and boating access. 

The entry level of this classification requires only a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license in order to competitively test. The same provisions of employment under the merit system that apply to the professional classifications apply to this classification as well. Like the professional positions, a career path is available to the paraprofessional as he or she grows in their abilities and preparedness to accept new challenges.

SALARIES, FRINGE BENEFITS AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The KDFWR salary schedule is competitive. Through promotion and reclassification the professional is afforded the opportunity to grow as his or her abilities and experience will allow. Fringe benefits include liberal annual and sick leave, paid holidays, health and life insurance, a sound retirement program, deferred compensation and more.

For additional employment information, contact:

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
ATTN: Chantel Depp, Staff Assistant
#1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

or call 1-800-852-0942 ext. 311
or e-mail Chantel Depp

An equal opportunity employer M/F/D
http://fw.ky.gov