Job Description

The Community & Economic Development/GIS Planner, under the general direction of the Director of Community and Economic Development, is responsible for supporting regional planning, community development, and economic development initiatives through the integration of geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis, research, project coordination, and technical assistance. This position assists in the operation and maintenance of GIS systems and maintains computerized regional transportation, water/wastewater, demographic, and emergency management databases to support organizational planning and regional decision-making. The Planner collects, analyzes, and integrates spatial and non-spatial data; develops maps, visualizations, reports, and analytical tools; and provides technical expertise and support to staff, stakeholders, local governments, businesses, community organizations, and the public. In addition, the position supports the development and implementation of community and economic development initiatives through planning, grant writing, surveys, research, infrastructure and project development, and coordination with internal staff and external partners. The Community & Economic Development/GIS Planner collaborates with local governments, utility providers, regional organizations, and community stakeholders to promote sustainable economic growth, improve infrastructure and public services, enhance community development efforts, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the region while assisting with special projects and other duties as assigned.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in geography, urban planning, planning, public administration, or closely related field.
• Three or more years of practical experience working with GIS.
• 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.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is typically performed in an office sitting at a desk. Long periods of time working at a computer with mapping software. May work under tight timelines. Travel within the five-county area is required. Some evening/weekend work may be required. Occasional over-night and out-of-state travel.

EFFORT:

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

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• 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.

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

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