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Local Government Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney II

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$4.7K - $6.4K/mo

Hiring Agency General Government Cabinet Department for Local Government Location 100 Airport Rd 3rd Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 USA Description Are you an attorney who would like the challenge of ...

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Local Government information

See Kentucky salary details

$39.5K

$97.8K

$135.9K

How much do local government jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for local government in Kentucky is $97,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,600.00 and $115,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in local government roles?

Professionals in local government often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse community groups, navigating limited budgets, and adapting to frequent policy changes. They may also face tight deadlines, high public expectations, and the need for close collaboration with other departments, elected officials, and external stakeholders. Successfully managing these challenges requires effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and a strong commitment to public service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Local Government role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Local Government role, you need a solid understanding of public administration, local laws, and policy implementation, typically supported by a relevant degree in public administration, political science, or a similar field. Familiarity with government management software, budgeting tools, and legal compliance systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and community engagement skills help build trust and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. These competencies are essential for effectively serving the public, ensuring transparent operations, and meeting community needs.

What is the difference between Local Government vs City Planner?

AspectLocal GovernmentCity Planner
Required CredentialsVaries; often includes degrees in public administration, political science, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, community centers, public meetingsUrban areas, planning departments, public consultations
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government agencies, municipalitiesCity or regional planning departments, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on governance, policy, and administration at the local levelFocuses on designing and developing urban spaces and land use

While both roles operate within local government structures, Local Government professionals oversee broader administrative functions, policies, and community services. City Planners specialize in land use, urban development, and spatial planning to shape city growth. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within local government sectors.

What are local government jobs?

Local government jobs are positions within city, county, or municipal organizations responsible for providing various public services and managing community resources. These jobs range from administrative roles, such as city clerks and finance officers, to public service positions like police officers, public works employees, and librarians. Local government employees help maintain infrastructure, enforce local laws, and support community development, playing a vital role in the daily functioning of towns and cities. Working in local government often involves serving the public and contributing to the well-being and growth of the local area.

What Types of Jobs Are Available in Local Government?

There are a wide variety of local government jobs available. Regardless of whether you want to get involved in local politics, you can find government jobs that involve any number of tasks. Towns need people to issue permits, handle paperwork, maintain buildings and lawns, and more. There are many departments within the local government that help a town run including parks and recreation, sewage, and city planning. If you are interested in politics, you can find jobs as a secretary or even run for your town’s city council. Regardless of your job preferences, chances are you can find a job that helps out your local community at the same time.

More about Local Government jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Government jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Government jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Government jobs in Kentucky? For Local Government jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Government jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Local Government jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Local Government jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Local Government job openings:
Local Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Government job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,750 per year, or $47 per hour.

Local Government Advisor

Gateway Area Development District

Morehead, KY • On-site

$21.54/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Local Government Advisor is responsible for supporting regional planning and community development initiatives through research, data analysis, and strategic planning. Key duties include preparing comprehensive and long-range plans, managing grant-funded projects, and providing guidance to local communities to advance growth and development goals.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning Development and Implementation:
Involves preparing comprehensive and long-range plans, managing grant-funded projects, and providing guidance to local communities. This duty will consist of:
  • Conduct research and analyze data to support regional planning and community development initiatives within the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) region.
  • Prepare strategic and long-range plans related to multi-disciplinary regional planning for communities within the GADD region, including, but not limited to, comprehensive planning, water, wastewater and stormwater management, and economic development.
  • Organize and administer federal, state, and local grant-funded programs, including, but not limited to, Community Development Block Grant, Appalachian Regional Commission, Rural Development, and Economic Development Administration projects.
  • Provide guidance, technical assistance, and support to local governments, utilities, and special districts.
  • Identify and pursue new initiatives, funding, and grant opportunities aligned with regional development goals.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure effective project implementation.
  • Monitor and evaluate projects to ensure compliance with regulations, timelines, and objectives; and.
  • Draft reports, presentations, and recommendations for regional planning efforts.

Other Duties: Involves any other tasks and technical assistance needed to support the planning and project development needs of the Gateway counties and cities.

Qualifications:

Education: 
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in government, history, geography, business administration, public administration, or other related field required.
  • Certification and Trainings: Valid Driver’s License required. CDBG Project Administrator Certification must be acquired and maintained after hiring.
  • The employee will be expected to attend professional development trainings related to specialties.

Experience: Entry Level Position. One (1) year of related experience and/or related internship preferred.

Physical Requirements:
Sit for extended periods of time; stand and walk for extended periods of time; reach, stoop, crouch, and bend; fine motor skills; operate a vehicle; ability to lift and carry 30 pounds; and GPS field collection in urban and rural areas.

Sensory Requirements:
Sight; Hearing; Speaking.

Working Conditions:
Indoor office conditions; outdoor data collection or project site visits during various weather conditions and on various terrains; and possible wildlife/animal encounters during outdoor data collection or project site visits; requires intermittent standing, sitting, or stooping; work requires consistent use of computer and phone systems as well as other general office equipment; and frequent interruptions.

Availability and Travel:
Normal business hours; nights/weekends (special events/training/local meetings); regular travel within region and state; occasional travel outside of the state; and able to travel multiple days at a time.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicle Use:
Standard office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, phones, etc.); fleet/personal vehicle(s); cellular/tablet device; and Trimble Geo7X / Trimble R2 GPS collection equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:
  • National Environmental Policy Act.
  • Professional Services Procurement.
  • State and federal funding programs.
  • Grant writing and project administration processes; and.
  • Local government and non-profit operations, organization, functions, and challenges.

Skills:
  • Oral and written communication.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
  • Attention to detail.
  • Meeting organization and facilitation.
  • Project and budget management; and.
  • Data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis.

Abilities:
  • Be present and punctual.
  • Prioritize work and meet deadlines.
  • Work under stressful situations with patience and tact.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, officials, and the public.
  • Teamwork.
  • Exercise initiative and judgment; and.
  • Initiate, organize, and manage planning initiatives and projects.

This position will remain open until filled.

Gateway Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.