Community & Economic Development/GIS Planner

• Develop, implement, maintain, and update GIS databases, applications, layers, datasets, metadata, and associated regional databases, including transportation, water/wastewater, emergency management, road centerline, addressing, demographic, and infrastructure data.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and integrate geographic, demographic, economic, and community data from various sources to support planning, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives.
• Perform spatial analysis, create maps and visual aids, and produce reports, presentations, and other materials to support decision-making, project development, and public engagement efforts.
• Conduct research, surveys, and analyses related to economic trends, community needs, infrastructure, demographics, and regional development opportunities.
• Develop and update comprehensive plans, strategic plans, economic development strategies, and other planning documents.
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications for community and economic development projects through programs such as the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and other state and federal funding sources.
• Administer and manage grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, reporting standards, project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate and manage community and economic development projects from inception to completion in collaboration with local governments, utility providers, businesses, community organizations, and regional stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance, troubleshooting, training, and policy recommendations to staff, member agencies, local governments, community groups, and stakeholders.
• Gather field data using Trimble or equivalent GPS equipment and ensure regional GIS databases remain accurate and current.
• Build and maintain relationships with local government officials, chambers of commerce, economic development professionals, community organizations, regional entities, and other stakeholders to support regional collaboration and project development.
• Serve as a liaison between communities, partner agencies, funding organizations, and governmental entities on planning and development initiatives.
• Collaborate with staff and external partners to identify community and economic development needs, develop solutions, and support regional planning efforts.
• Conduct workshops, training sessions, public presentations, and educational outreach related to planning, GIS, infrastructure, and economic development topics.
• Attend and participate in fiscal court, city council, board, stakeholder, and other public meetings as required.
• Become Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) certified and maintain certifications or training relevant to the position as required.
• Effectively communicate technical and planning-related information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in geography, urban planning, planning, public administration, or closely related field.
• Practical experience working with GIS preferred.
• Experience in community or economic development preferred.
• A combination of education and experience may be substituted when competency is demonstrated.
• Become a certified Community Development Block Grant Valid driver’s license in state of residence.
• May be required to become certified in operating drones.

• Knowledge of GIS software, mapping applications, spatial analysis techniques, and related databases.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills with the ability to compile, interpret, and present technical and statistical information.
• Ability to create, analyze, and interpret maps, datasets, reports, and planning documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other standard office and data management software.
• Professional and technical skills in planning, research, grant writing, project management, and community and economic development.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to conduct presentations and facilitate discussions in both small and large group settings.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently with minimal supervision, and exercise mature business judgment.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, local governments, stakeholders, and community organizations.
• Ability to perform detailed and accurate work while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Good listening skills and the ability to respond effectively to stakeholder and community needs.
• Ability to operate computers, GIS equipment, GPS equipment, drones (if certified), and other standard office equipment.

• Must be able to see, hear, and speak.
• Intermittent sitting, standing, stooping, fingering, sorting and reaching.
• Occasional light lifting may be required.

• Equipment typically used includes a personal computer, printer, copier, Trimble or equivalent GPS receiver and drones.
• The usage of Microsoft 365 products is a must.

• Competitive benefits package with fully paid employee health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• $25,000 life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance provided at no cost to employees. 
• Participation in the Kentucky County Employees Retirement System (CERS), including employer contributions toward retirement and retiree health benefits. 
• Optional Kentucky Deferred Compensation Plan to help supplement retirement savings. 
• Optional AFLAC and Colonial Life supplemental insurance plans, including short-term disability and critical illness coverage.
• Generous paid time off package including vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays. 
• Fourteen (14) paid holidays annually, plus additional holiday time during Presidential election years and two floating holidays.
• Vacation and sick leave accrued each pay period beginning on day one of employment.
• Optional one work from home day, post completion of job orientation.
• Monday–Friday work schedule with limited overnight travel depending on position responsibilities. 
• Paid lodging, per diem, and travel reimbursement for approved work-related travel.
• Mileage reimbursement when using a personal vehicle for work-related activities.
• Supportive work environment focused on public service, professional development, and regional impact.

This organization shall be known as the FIVCO Area Development District, a local agency created under the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS Chapter, 147A), with its purpose being to promote, develop and protect the economy, health, education, and general welfare and to implement projects in accordance with KRS 147A for the people of Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup and Lawrence Counties in Northeastern Kentucky, and to further act in conjunction with adjoining Area Development Districts to implement programs of benefit to the Northeastern Kentucky area. The FIVCO Area Development District was founded in 1968 and proudly serves its five-county region in many different capacities. The Board of Directors consists of 25 members from the five-county region. The purpose of the ADD is to assist in these areas: • Homecare • Regional Transportation • Revolving Loan Funds • Tourism & Recreation • Aging & Disability Services