Job Description

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9/26/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req81271

Fish and Wildlife Program Manager

Pay Grade 18

Salary

$64,527.60 - $94,892.88 Annually

Employment Type

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

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Hiring Agency

Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources

Location

1 Sportsman's Lane

Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

Would you like to work alongside people who are passionate about conserving Kentucky’s fish and wildlife resources? Do you want to help create opportunities for people of all ages to experience and enjoy the outdoors through fishing, hunting, boating, recreational shooting, wildlife watching, and other outdoor pursuits? Join the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and become part of an innovative, mission-driven team dedicated to connecting people with Kentucky’s natural resources.

We are seeking a Fish and Wildlife Program Manager to lead statewide conservation education initiatives that engage citizens, inspire future conservation stewards, and advance the agency’s mission. This position provides an exciting opportunity to oversee programs that reach thousands of Kentuckians through conservation camps, classroom instruction and community outreach.

The ideal candidate is a skilled conservation professional, educator, or program administrator with experience leading complex initiatives, supervising teams, managing budgets and building partnerships. This individual will bring vision, organization and collaboration skills to support staff and transform agency priorities into meaningful educational experiences across the Commonwealth.

Responsibilities and job duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide leadership, strategic direction and oversight for statewide conservation education programs, including conservation camps, classroom-based instruction and public outreach initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor and support conservation education staff responsible for delivering programs throughout Kentucky.
• Develop, implement, assess and improve educational programs to ensure they effectively support agency goals and public engagement efforts.
• Plan and manage program budgets, monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of agency resources.
• Manage vendor relationships and partnerships that support conservation education programming.
• Prepare reports, presentations, recommendations and program updates for agency leadership and commission members.
• Collaborate with district personnel, educators, conservation partners and stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of agency programs.

Preferred skills may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Experience leading multi-site programs, educational initiatives or public outreach efforts.
• Demonstrated success in supervising staff, fostering teamwork and developing employee capabilities.
• Knowledge and experience with budget development, financial tracking and resource management.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage executive leadership, community partners and diverse audiences.

We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:

• A 37.5-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)
• Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays
• Overtime and compensatory time
• Affordable health insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account
• Life insurance
• Retirement
• Wellness incentives program
• Training and career development opportunities; paid continuing education
• Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
• Employee discounts on electronics; health and wellness; retail; travel, events and entertainment; and services and education

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological science, public relations, fish and wildlife management, law enforcement, engineering, education, recreation administration, professional accounting, marketing or related field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have five years of experience in fish and wildlife management, fish and wildlife law enforcement, conservation education, engineering, professional accounting or marketing.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: A master's degree in a related field will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional experience in the area of fish and wildlife management, fish and wildlife law enforcement or related field will substitute for the college on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification. 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

Considerable time will be spent outdoors working with field management personnel. Extensive travel will be required within the region and throughout the 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 Kevin Kelly at KevinC.Kelly@ky.gov.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D