Looking for a job that pays around $100K or more? Kentucky’s state government is hiring
Since the economic downturn caused by the pandemic four years ago, public sector employment has bounced back, with state government employment making a strong recovery in particular.
In 2023, state and local governments added 581,000 jobs, which was more than double the number in 2022, according to an analysis from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. What’s more, as of early 2024, total government payrolls are 1.8% higher than in February of 2020 and layoffs have stabilized, Deloitte reports.
That said, state and local governments still face labor challenges, particularly when it comes to recruiting highly skilled workers in the competitive fields of technology, finance and management.
These workers often command higher salaries in the private sector. However, working in state government offers enticing perks and opportunities as well, particularly for high-skill professionals looking for stable employment, a better work-life balance and attractive benefits.
Kentucky is no different, and there’s real opportunity for highly skilled workers here. At the moment, several state agencies are hiring at high salaries, which should go even farther with the state’s relatively lower cost of living.
Here’s a look at four such open positions that were recruiting for new hires as of Friday, Aug. 30. In some cases, the chance to apply for these positions ends soon, so if you’re looking for a new opportunity, you’d better get after it.
Pharmacy and Drug Inspector
Hiring agency: Kentucky Board of Pharmacy
Posted pay range: $7,613.78 to $11,420.66 (monthly)
Job summary: This important regulatory position largely centers on conducting initial and routine inspections at facilities licensed by the state pharmacy board. The board is seeking a practicing pharmacist with at least five years of experience who can travel throughout the state.
The candidate must live in one of the 25 counties specified in the job’s description, many of them in Western Kentucky. The position also requires maintaining a vehicle and driver’s license, along with a reliable internet connection and private space for remote work when appropriate.
Job duties, per the description, include:
Perform or assist inspections at facilities permitted by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.
Perform or assist investigations of complaints against specific people or facilities. The complaints could come from people inside or outside of the pharmacy profession.
Attend meetings, training sessions and other continuing education programs to stay current on state and federal pharmacy law.
Educate licensees, registrants and permitholders at the direction of the supervisor.
Review facility applications for licenses and permits.
Complete case assignments within the timeline set by the supervisor.
Attend all board and case review meetings in addition to assigned committee meetings.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
The advertisement for this position closes Sept. 22.
Deputy Executive Director for Policy Research
Hiring agency: Office of State Budget Director
Posted pay range: $93,117.60 to $139,676.16
Job summary: The focus of this position is on researching public policy issues relevant to Kentucky, particularly those that have fiscal policy consequences.
This is a technical job, and a big part of it is building and executing economic and statistical forecasting models to stay ahead of fiscal trends. The position calls for a master’s degree in public administration, business management or finance, economics, statistics or some other related field. In addition, the candidate should have at least five years of professional experience, but a doctorate in one of the aforementioned fields can be substituted for professional experience.
Some job duties, per the description, include:
Lead expenditure forecasting on areas such as Medicaid benefits, incarcerated felons and per-pupil K-12 funding.
Develop estimates of Kentucky General Fund and Road Fund receipts to aid in the state budgeting process.
Lead the forecasting process for tobacco settlement revenues.
Help produce the state’s Tax Expenditure Report.
Provide research, economic and policy development analysis to the state budget director on public policy issues.
The advertisement for this position closes Sept. 5.
Environmental Control Manager
Hiring agency: Department for Environmental Protection
Posted salary range: $6,135.18 to $6,979.38 (monthly)
Job summary: This position works within the air quality control division to oversee day-to-day operations across eight field offices throughout the state. It requires frequent travel and the ability to juggle multiple projects and programs at once. The overall responsibility is to direct regulatory compliance inspections and to work effectively within the broader environmental regulatory community.
In addition to holding a four-year degree in natural or physical science, the position asks for seven years of experience in natural resources management, environmental control, mining reclamation, inspection and regulation or oil and gas well inspection. An advanced college degree can be substituted for professional experience and vice versa.
Advertisement closes: Sept. 8
Staff Attorney Supervisor
Hiring agency: Department of Public Advocacy
Posted salary range: $65,588.40 - $98,383.44 (annually)
Job summary: The work of this position centers on leading the Trial Services Office in London, specifically serving Clay, Knox, Laurel, Leslie and Whitley Counties in Eastern Kentucky. The candidate will direct a team of lawyer advocates, a criminal defense investigator, an alternative sentencing worker and administrative staff. The work involves filing motions on behalf of clients, negotiating plea deals, helping clients seek treatment for substance use disorder and preparing cases to go to trial.
The position requires the ability to practice law in good standing in Kentucky, along with four years of professional experience as a working attorney.
The advertisement for this position closes Sept. 5.
Do you have a question about employment in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form.