Long Range Senior Planner & Outreach and Strategic Planning Senior Planner (Division of Planning - 2 positions)

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government is hiring two Senior Planners for its Division of Planning. These positions focus on long-range planning and public outreach to shape the city's growth and sustainability initiatives. Responsibilities include data analysis, public engagement, and collaboration with community stakeholders. A bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience are required. The minimum salary is $30.812 per hour, with an application deadline of May 26, 2025.
SALARY

The minimum salary is $30.812 per hour

This position is eligible for overtime (non-exempt), if applicable.

Pay Grade 523

FILING DEADLINE DATE

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 26, 2025

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Join Lexington's Planning Team!

Lexington is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong legacy of innovative planning. As the first U.S. city to establish an Urban Service Area, we've long championed forward-thinking land use strategies. In 2024, Lexington expanded this boundary for the first time in nearly 30 years, creating a rare and exciting opportunity to shape growth in new areas while reinforcing our commitment to infill development and sustainable practices.

We are looking for two talented Senior Planners to join our dynamic planning team passionate about building a more sustainable, equitable, vibrant Lexington. These positions will play key roles in shaping Lexington's future by analyzing data to guide land use policy, engaging the public through innovative outreach strategies, and advancing sustainable growth initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a city that values innovation and public service.

While there are two distinct positions, both are part of the Office of Growth Management and work collaboratively to support Lexington's community planning efforts.

Position 1: Senior Planner - Long-Range Planning

This position focuses on developing Lexington's long-term planning vision. Responsibilities include:
• Assisting in the creation of community goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Conducting research and data analysis to support the city's Comprehensive Plan, growth management strategies, and related policies.
• Managing internal teams and/or consultants in the development of small area plans, master plans, and corridor plans

Position 2: Senior Planner - Outreach & Strategic Planning

This role centers on implementing the Comprehensive Plan and related policy initiatives. Key responsibilities include:
• Building partnerships and collaborating with residents, government agencies, community organizations, and elected/appointed officials.
• Leading the development of creative, inclusive public engagement strategies.
• Supporting programs and regulatory updates that align with the city's strategic planning goals.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's degree in urban studies, political science, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental science, public administration, public policy, urban and regional planning, or other related field
• Two (2) years of related planning experience; while a formal urban planning background is not required, candidates should demonstrate relevant skills and a commitment to the mission of community planning and public engagement
• Years of related education may substitute for years of related experience
• Years of related experience may substitute for years of education

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Develops, designs, and implements plans for a specified project or program
• Gathers, researches, and analyzes data to make valid conclusions and use for the decision making, planning, implementation of ordinances, and improvements to the development process
• Prepares written reports and presentations that detail critical elements of plans
• Formulates, reviews, updates, and/or makes recommendations for changes to policies, plans, or other related legal documents as needed
• Represents the Division at meetings and events such as, but not limited to, Boards, Committees, Commissions, Council, and professional conferences
• Manages contracts, consultants, and grants
• Facilitates and leads public and stakeholder input and education meetings
• Responds to public and private inquiries related to various projects as they arise
• Performs related work as assigned

SPECIAL LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

AICP Certification is preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• All positions require drug testing and background check before employment and may require a post-job offer physical as stated in Ordinances 21-14(b), 22-13 and 23-16.
• In accordance with CAO Policy 23R "Acquisition of Real Property From Property Owners under Certain Notices and/or Orders", no employee who works in a Division with regulatory or civil enforcement authority over real property located in Fayette County shall acquire an interest in real property in Fayette County with any outstanding citation, notice or order from the Division in which he or she works regardless of whether the citation, notice, or order was issued by the employee or someone else in the Division. This policy extends to immediate family members and the Commissioner of the Department in which the identified employee is employed. Employees may be required to disclose all real property owned by the employee as well as his/her immediate family members. Property and business ownership exemptions may apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit LFUCG electronic application through lexingtonky.gov/jobs and attach/upload applicable documents to verify your education, training, certification/license(s), or DD214 (for military preference with appropriate discharge) by filing deadline date.

RESUMES CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE APPLICATION, but are highly encouraged to be attached/uploaded to the application.

Please note that the section titled "Application Questionnaire" has to be completed every time a new or revised application is submitted. Even if other information is pre-filled, the Questionnaire does not transfer.
• APPLICANTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLETE THE ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IN ITS ENTIRETY WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FURTHER*

CLOSING STATEMENT

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government offers an outstanding benefits package. Links to our most popular benefits are below:
• Health and wellness benefits: lexingtonky.gov/benefits
• Paid and unpaid time off benefits: lexingtonky.gov/working/employee-handbook#chapter-4-paid-and-unpaid-time-off-benefits
• Direct deposit is required of all employees.

The LFUCG is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, and as such is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay and other aspects of employment.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information, call, e-mail, or visit:

Division of Human Resources
200 East Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507

Phone: (859) 258-3030
Website: lexingtonky.gov/jobs
E-mail: jobs@lexingtonky.gov