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Entry Level Environmental Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Environmental information

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$19

$40

How much do entry level environmental jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level environmental in Kentucky is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry-level environmental professional?

As an entry-level environmental professional, you will typically assist with site assessments, data collection, environmental sampling (such as soil, water, or air), and report preparation under the guidance of senior staff. You might also help with fieldwork, regulatory research, and compliance monitoring. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers and scientists, is common, and you’ll gain exposure to a variety of environmental regulations and client projects. This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation for developing technical expertise and advancing in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Specialist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field, along with strong analytical and research skills. Familiarity with environmental monitoring equipment, GIS software, and regulatory compliance systems is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential for accurate data collection, regulatory adherence, and effective teamwork in protecting environmental quality.

What Are Entry-Level Environmental Jobs?

You can find entry-level environmental jobs in a variety of different industries. You can work for a conservation or ecology non-profit, a government agency that monitors industry compliance with environmental regulations, a geology or natural resource extraction firm, or in a research position at a university, to name just a few. The specific job duties depend on the type of environmental work you do. For example, in industry compliance positions, you may test soil samples or take air quality readings to ensure a manufacturing facility is not violating federal standards. While your specific duties may vary, your overall goal is to protect our natural resources from pollution and overutilization.

What do entry level environmental jobs involve?

Entry level environmental jobs typically involve assisting with tasks such as collecting environmental samples, conducting fieldwork, analyzing data, supporting environmental compliance efforts, and preparing reports. These positions may be found in consulting firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. Responsibilities often include working under the supervision of more experienced professionals while gaining hands-on experience with environmental regulations and field techniques.
More about Entry Level Environmental jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Environmental jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Environmental jobs in Kentucky? For Entry Level Environmental jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Environmental jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Environmental jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Entry Level Environmental jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Entry Level Environmental job openings:
Entry Level Environmental jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,839 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Environmental Scientist I

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$3.5K - $4.9K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
8/6/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2603786
Environmental Scientist I
Pay Grade13
Salary
$3,551.88 - $4,910.60 Monthly
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Energy & Environment Cabinet Dept for Environmental Protection
Location
300 Sower Boulevard
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify thetelecommuting arrangement at any time.
The mission of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for allKentuckians by protecting our land, air, and water resources by utilizing our natural resources in anenvironmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving theCommonwealth's natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutionsthat together bring economic benefit to the commonwealth.
If you are looking for a positive work environment and a career where you can make a difference in theenvironment we live in, then EEC is the cabinet for you. For more information on what our cabinet has tooffer, check out our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSuC43XqlHchYeQ66tP7tg and our Careers page: https://eec.ky.gov/Pages/careers.aspx
By joining the Division of Enforcement's Civil Enforcement Branch as a Case Specialist, you will have theopportunity to work with the compliance efforts of all Divisions of the Department for EnvironmentalProtection.
Holders of the Environmental Scientist I (Case Specialist) position with the Civil Enforcement Branch will complete tasks such as:
  • Under direct supervision, provide support and technical oversight for the evaluation of environmental, mining, natural resources and energy to the general public, businesses, local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Performs entry-level duties in the development, interpretation and implementation of environmental protection, environmental mitigation, energy and natural resource policies and regulations, such as routine monitoring and inspections to determine compliance, simple data analysis, and basic reporting.
  • Performs other duties as required.
Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
  • Possess good communications skills.
  • Ability to read, comprehend, and explain complicated scientific data.
  • Work well within a team setting in addition to being self motivated.
Additional position information:
Travel for training may be required. Most work is completed in an officesetting.
EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skill set as youbuild your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward toreviewing your application.
EEC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirmthat you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer andcompleted the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verifyresponsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural, biological or physical science OR Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering or a related area will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):NONE
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in an office setting. Incumbents in this class may perform work in the field with frequent travel on a statewide basis. An incumbent in this position may be subject to adverse weather conditions, exposure to snakes and insects, water-borne pathogens, broken glass, rusty metal in streams, and hazards common to operation of electro-fishing equipment, which require the following of safety procedures.
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 Jonathan Barker at Jonathan.Barker@ky.gov or 502-782-5963.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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