Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

WS - INTERNSHIP - City of Pikeville - Economic Development & Tourism Assistant - FWS

Division: Support Services/Academic Affairs Department: Career Pathways

Experience: Entry Level

Job Code: FWSINTCOPECO Ellucian: FWS INT COP Eco Tour

Supervisor of Student Employee(s): Brad Slone (City of Pikeville) | Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)

FWS, IWS, or Grant Funded: FWS, IWS, Grant Funded

Avg. Hours/Week: 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20 21-40

Requested Start Date: 07/01/26 Term of Position: Summer, Fall, Spring

The City of Pikeville is seeking a motivated, tech-savvy college student for an internship focused on Economic Development and Tourism. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of data analytics and municipal growth. The primary focus will be leveraging Placer.ai, a cutting-edge location intelligence platform, to drive data-informed decisions for the city's future.

This internship is ideal for students majoring in Business, Marketing, Tourism, Data Analytics, or Public Administration who want to gain "real-world" experience in how data fuels community development.

Responsibilities and Career Competencies:

• Utilize the Placer.ai platform to monitor and analyze foot traffic patterns, visitor demographics, and consumer behavior at city events and key geographic areas (T, CT).
• Conduct comparative research between Pikeville's restaurants, retailers, and hotels and those in peer cities to identify market gaps and opportunities (CT, CTR).
• Track and report on past and present attendance trends for major city events to measure economic impact (T, C).
• Synthesize complex data into clear, professional information packets for the City Commission and prospective businesses looking to relocate to Pikeville (C, P).
• Assist in creating data-driven reports for existing local businesses to help them understand market trends and optimize their operations (C, TW).
• Provide on-site support during city-sponsored events, ensuring smooth execution and public engagement (TW, L).
• Assist with essential administrative tasks within the general office, utilities, or finance departments based on departmental needs and intern skill sets (P, CSD).

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications:

• Student currently enrolled at the University of Pikeville, preferably with a focus on Business, Tourism, or a related field.
• Student should be eligible for Federal Work Study.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and a high level of comfort learning new software platforms like Placer.ai.
• An interest in "solving the puzzle" of economic growth through data.
• Willingness to jump into various projects, from high-level data reporting to hands-on event support.

In the following sections check all boxes that apply to your job.

Computer Skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Social Media & New Technology, Other: ___Placer.ai_____

Other Skills: Attention to detail, Strong active listening abilities, Public speaking, Written & verbal communication, Customer focused, Willingness to learn new things

Work Schedule: Su ___ to ___; M ___ to ___; T ___ to ___; W ___ to ___; R ___ to ___; F ___ to ___; Sa ___ to ___; Hours vary depending on workload (Check days that apply, insert hours if set, otherwise, check "Hours vary depending on workload".)

Work Conditions: Heat, Cold, Odors/Smoke, Toxic Agents, Dust, Machinery, Light Intensity, Noise, Vibrations, Wetness, Humidity, Electrical Currents, Other: _________________________

Physical Demands: Keyboarding, Reaching/Handling, Stooping/Kneeling, Crouching/Crawling, Pushing up to ___ lbs., Pulling up to ___ lbs., Lifting up to ___ lbs., Carrying up to ___ lbs., Climbing, Balancing, Other: _________________________

Number of Positions: 1

Pay Rate: $8.75/hour

Location: 243 Main St | Pikeville, KY 41501

Additional Comments: Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.