Public Health Jobs in Kentucky
Public Health jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in state and local government agencies, nonprofit community health organizations, hospital systems, and academic research institutions, with openings at every level from entry-level health educator to senior epidemiologist. Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort are the most active hiring metros, anchored by employers such as the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Norton Healthcare, and the University of Kentucky. The most in-demand specialties include epidemiology, community health education, environmental health, and chronic disease prevention. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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09/05/2026 12:00 AMPay Grade:
Grade 18Salary:
$28.84 - $35.87 HourlyTime Type:
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Hopkins County Health DepartmentSummary:
This is a school nurse position in an elementary school. This position works the school calendar. Provides basic nursing functions and services to individuals and families under moderate supervision in a clinic, school or community setting. With supervision, applies a variety of technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills to problems of health, as they affect clients, families, and the community. Conducts communicable and preventative disease case finding investigations for the purpose of preventing and controlling diseases and disabling conditions and the promotion and maintenance of health populations. If you have any questions or would like any more information about this job posting please contact Misty Duvall at mistym.duvall@ky.gov.Description:
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS
CHARACTERISTICS OF A CLASS : ARE GENERAL STATEMENTS INDICATING THE LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCRETION OF POSITIONS IN THAT JOB CLASSIFICATION.
Provides basic nursing functions and services to individuals and families under moderate supervision in a clinic, school or community setting. With supervision, applies a variety of technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills to problems of health, as they affect clients, families, and the community. Conducts communicable and preventative disease case finding investigations for the purpose of preventing and controlling diseases and disabling conditions and the promotion and maintenance of health populations.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENTS OF THE MINIMUM BACKGROUND AS TO EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED IN ALL CASES AS EVIDENCE OF AN APPOINTEE'S ABILITY TO PERFORM THE WORK PROPERLY.
EDUCATION:
(See Special Requirements)
EXPERIENCE:
One year of Registered Nurse (RN) experience.
SUBSTITUTION CLAUSE
EDUCATION:
(N/A)
EXPERIENCE:
BSN may substitute for the one year required experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.)
Must have RN license in Kentucky or compact state.
POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: EMPLOYEES IN THIS CLASS WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN CREDENTIALS OUTLINED BELOW WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, OR IF EMPLOYEES POSSESS SUCH CREDENTIALS AT THE TIME OF HIRE THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THOSE CREDENTIALS SO LONG AS THEY ARE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAPACITY.
Must maintain current RN licensure in Kentucky or compact state. Must complete required annual updates.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLASSIFICATION: EXAMPLES OF DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS DESCRIBING WHAT THE DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES OF ANY POSITION SHALL BE AND ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LIMITING THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY'S ABILITY TO ADD TO, OR OTHERWISE ALTER THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A POSITION.
Performs work with increasing independence and may assume minimal mentoring of LHN I nurses; conducts nursing assessment, as appropriate using CCSG service guidelines; develops and implements a plan of care based upon identified health risks; provides basic nursing care to the client consistent with the CCSG, Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, established policies, procedures and licensing laws; documents services provided to the client according to standards of the CCSG and Administrative Reference (AR); maintains confidentiality and privacy according to guidelines; understands the team process and applies problem-solving strategies to accomplish job tasks; participates in specialized or program specific clinics; develops and conducts educational counseling and teaching activities for individual clients and families; may serve as a coordinator of a specific program. Assesses the health status of individuals groups and populations through analysis of data collected from clients, families, medical practitioners, community service agencies, schools, and appropriate surveys to identify at-risk populations; analyzes health status assessments and participates in the development of policies and continuous review of plans to prioritize and address the health services and program needs of the targeted population; serves as advocate for at-risk or high-risk population groups; provides or assists in providing a variety of nursing services to particular at-risk or high-risk populations or populations with limited access to care; assists with problem-solving skills; instructs/advises and mentors new staff in the policies, practices and procedures of the agency, as related to public health nursing.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS AND UNIQUE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: INCUMBENTS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL TYPICALLY PERFORM THEIR PRIMARY JOB DUTIES UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS MAY CHANGE ON OCCASION IN PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF AN INDIVIDUAL POSITION.
Work typically is spent inside the clinic, school or a community setting.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
May be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check according to the agency’s policies
DATE CLASS ESTABLISHED: 07-01-2007
DATE OF LAST REVISION: 10-03-2022
THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS DO NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, ANCESTRY OR VETERAN STATUS. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST.
Probationary Period:
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
See All 16 Public Health Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Public Health JobsPublic Health Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Public Health Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- KENTUCKY PUBLIC HEALTH10K
- Purchase District Health Dept2
- Bellarmine University1

- University of Kentucky1

- Green River District Health Department1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in public health jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a closely related field
- Active Kentucky state credential or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification where required
- Experience with public health data analysis, surveillance systems, or community needs assessments
- Proficiency in epidemiological software, database management, or GIS mapping tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for community outreach and stakeholder reporting
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to community sites across Kentucky counties
Public Health Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a public health in Kentucky?
Most public health positions in Kentucky require at minimum a bachelor's degree in public health or a related field, with many roles at state agencies requiring a master's in public health. Health educators seeking to strengthen their candidacy should pursue the Certified Health Education Specialist credential, recognized by Kentucky employers. Environmental health specialists may need registration through the Kentucky Environmental Health Association. The Kentucky Department for Public Health and local health departments are the primary hiring bodies for credentialed professionals.
Which companies hire public healths in Kentucky?
Companies currently hiring public healths in Kentucky include KENTUCKY PUBLIC HEALTH, Purchase District Health Dept, and Bellarmine University, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Beyond large systems, Kentucky's network of local health departments, federally qualified health centers, and research programs at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville generate consistent public health demand across the state.
Which Kentucky cities have the most public health jobs?
Bullitt County, Paducah, and Madison County have the most public health job openings in Kentucky. Louisville leads because of its concentration of hospital systems, nonprofit community health organizations, and regional public health infrastructure, while Lexington's openings are driven by the University of Kentucky's research and clinical programs and Frankfort's by state government agencies headquartered in the capital.
Are there remote public health jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're limited. Public health work often involves community site visits, fieldwork, and in-person outreach that cannot be done remotely. About 0% of public health openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those roles tend to concentrate in data-heavy functions like epidemiological surveillance, health informatics, grant writing, and policy analysis rather than direct community health work.
How can I get hired as a public health in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through Kentucky's local health department network, which regularly hires community health workers and public health technician trainees without extensive experience. The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville both run graduate practicum and field placement programs that serve as direct pipelines into state and county agencies. Candidates with backgrounds in social work, nursing, or health administration often transition laterally into public health roles, and earning the Certified Health Education Specialist credential early strengthens any application.
Where can I find and apply to public health jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to public health jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location preference, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 16 Public Health Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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