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State Parks Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Enterprise Medical Recruiting

KY

We also host some of the country's finest state parks, featuring golf, skiing, boating, fishing, hunting, and biking. We're also a short drive to metro cities in OH (Cincinnati and Columbus) and KY ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Park Chef III

Cadiz, KY · On-site

$20.14 - $30.21/hr

Working for Kentucky State Parks allows you the freedom and responsibility fortaking care of Kentucky's greatest landscapes. The Park Chef III is a highly skilled team member, providing expertise in ...

New

Enterprise Medical Recruiting

KY

Full benefits Community/Location Tri-State region is renowned for family-friendly communities with great schools and low crime. The area also hosts some of the country's finest state parks, featuring ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Park Worker I

Jamestown, KY · On-site

$12.51 - $18.76/hr

Hiring Agency Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet Kentucky Department of Parks Location 5465 State Park Road Jamestown, KY 42629 USA Description The Kentucky Department of Parks is seeking Park Worker ...

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All JobsState Parks JobsState Parks Jobs in Kentucky

State Parks information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$16

$25

How much do state parks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for state parks in Kentucky is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state parks employee?

State Parks employees are professionals who work for state government agencies responsible for managing and maintaining public parks and recreational areas. Their roles can include park rangers, maintenance workers, interpreters, administrative staff, and law enforcement officers. They help ensure the safety of visitors, protect natural and cultural resources, provide educational programs, and maintain park facilities. State Parks employees play a vital role in making outdoor spaces accessible and enjoyable for the public.

What is the difference between State Parks vs Park Rangers?

AspectState ParksPark Rangers
CredentialsVaries; often includes environmental or park management degreesTypically requires park management, environmental science, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, outdoor settings, administrative officesOutdoor, on-site at parks, enforcement, visitor assistance
Employer & IndustryState government agencies managing parksState or federal agencies overseeing park safety and conservation
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding park management rolesJob responsibilities, qualifications, and duties of park staff

State Parks refer to the parks themselves managed by government agencies, while Park Rangers are the professionals working within these parks to ensure safety, conservation, and visitor services. The roles often overlap, but Park Rangers are specific job titles within State Parks, focusing on enforcement, education, and maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state park ranger?

To thrive as a State Park Ranger, you typically need knowledge of environmental science, resource management, law enforcement, and a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, two-way radios, first aid/CPR certification, and park management systems is often required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help rangers educate visitors, resolve conflicts, and work effectively with diverse groups. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, visitor safety, and the smooth operation of park facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in state parks, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Staff working in state parks often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, large crowds during peak seasons, and balancing conservation efforts with visitor satisfaction. New employees can prepare by staying up-to-date on park policies, learning effective communication strategies for interacting with the public, and developing problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations. Being adaptable and proactive about safety protocols also helps ensure a positive work experience and contributes to the overall success of park operations.
What are popular job titles related to State Parks jobs in Kentucky? For State Parks jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching State Parks jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for State Parks jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for State Parks jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most State Parks job openings:
State Parks jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Parks job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,134 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Co-Op/Intern - Department of Parks

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$11.67 - $19.09/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
1/5/2027 (11:59 PM ET)
req75529
Co-Op/Intern - Department of Parks
Pay Grade03
Salary $11.67 - $19.09 Hourly
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH LESS THAN 9 MONTHS MAXIMUM ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY NON-CHAPTER 37.5 HR/WK
Hiring Agency
Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet Kentucky Department of Parks
Location
500 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
Here is a great opportunity for enthusiastic, friendly students (high school or college)! Kentucky's StateParks are looking for students who are in good standing with their schools, at least a 2.5 GPA
For all State Park Co-op/Intern positions, please visit https://parks.ky.gov/contact_us to find a park or region whereyou would like to participate. Next, contact the business office at the park where you would like to work -park contact info is available on the Parks website. Or visit the park in person! Tell them you are interestedin a Co-op/Intern position at the park.
This is an Interim position. An Interim position means a position established to address a one-time or recurring need of less than nine(9) months duration and exempt from the classified service under KRS 18A.115.
The Kentucky Co-op/Intern program is intended to provide high school and college level students theopportunity to gain meaningful employment in state government and develop practical workplace skills in avariety of professional areas. State Park Co-op/Interns are introduced to career options in state parks.
Program Benefits:
  • Provides students direct participation with Kentucky State Parks.
  • Allows students to meet and work with specialists and experts in their field of study.
  • Allows students professional connection opportunitieswith state government employees, mentors, and other interns, which is a greatway to build and expand professional networks.
  • Holiday pay for any scheduled work hours on the state holiday (up to 7.5/8.0 hours).
  • Earn one day of sick leave (7.5/8.0 hours) and one month of service for any month which 100 hours ormore are worked/paid during the month.
  • Overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.

    • Click "APPLY NOW" to complete your application and upload your resume.
    Interested candidates must also do the following in order to qualify for a Co-op/Intern position:
  • Provide an unofficial transcript from your school.
  • Comply with all Kentucky State Park's rules, regulations, policies and safety rules.

    • We look forward to hearing from you!
    Minimum Requirements
    EDUCATION: NONE
    EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
    Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
    Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must be enrolled on a full-time basis in high school as a junior or senior or enrolled at an accredited Kentucky post-secondary school or other educational institutions approved by the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. Applicants must furnish proof of enrollment in such a program to the Personnel Cabinet. 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
    If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Ashley Thomas at ashleyl.thomas@ky.gov or 502-892-3380.
    An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

    Apply