Career Opportunities

The Hopkinsville-Christian County Planning Commission, dba Community and Development Services (CDS) is seeking qualified Planners to fill vacancies. Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky is a community of approximately 32,000 residents in the city and over 73,000 residents in the county. Located in Western Kentucky, Christian County is the home of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky which is located on the Tennessee/Kentucky state line. Only a twenty five (25) minute drive to Lake Barkley and a little over an hour from Nashville, Tennessee, Hopkinsville offers a wide variety of opportunities for individuals wanting a career in Community Development and/or Planning. Community and Development Services is a diverse organization responsible for Planning, Community Development, Building and Construction, Downtown Revitalization, GIS, Stormwater Management, etc. CDS has vacancies for the following positions:

Planner II

Community and Development Services, an agency of the City of Hopkinsville and the County of Christian, Kentucky, has an opening for an intermediate level planning position. The position requires: (a) A Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or related field with at least three (3) years of experience in Planning or Community Development; or (b) a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or related field, with at least five (5) years of experience in Planning or Community Development; and acquiring of an AICP certification within five (5) years of employment.

The position will be responsible for a combination of administrative, intermediate and long-range planning activities. The salary is based upon both education and experience with a salary range from $64,000 to $70,000. There is a competitive fringe package available. Interested applicants should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and three (3) references addressed to Community and Development Services, P.O. Box 1125, Hopkinsville, KY 42241-1125, Attention: Planner II or email mmccarty@comdev-services.com Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. M/F EEO.

Commercial Building Inspector

Location
Hopkinsville, KY

Job Type
Full-time Regular

Opening Date
10/17/2025

Closing Date
Until position is filled

Salary
Non-Certified $45,423.00
Certified $59,482.50

DESCRIPTION AND BENEFITS

Description
Under the direction of the chief building inspector and the CDS director, inspects all phases of residential, commercial, and industrial construction within City and County jurisdiction to ensure conformance with applicable codes.

Illustrative Duties

Inspects residential and commercial construction to enforce applicable building codes and ensure compliance with approved plans (e.g., foundation, structure, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fireplaces, chimneys, etc.)
Meets with contractors and homeowners to discuss building code violations; makes recommendations for correcting violations; and serves as a liaison between departments and other local agencies.
Investigates complaints; serves violation notices and orders; and files charges.
Performs routine office work; answers phones; handles public inquiries regarding code interpretations; assists the public in making applications for permits; utilizes radio in the performance of duties.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

B.S. degree in Planning, Industrial Arts, Engineering, or related construction field, or
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent plus three (3) years’ experience in construction, management, or planning.
Must obtain State of Kentucky Building Inspector certification(s). Certification requirements: ICC test modules B1+B2+M1 (level 1) and M2 (level 2). 1C+3C+4C (level 3) and M3 (level 3). *Be level 1 Inspector within 18 months of employment.
Valid Kentucky driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of state and local building codes and other related legislation; fire safety codes; construction practices and procedures; building inspection techniques and procedures; plan reading; maintain records. Ability to efficiently conduct code inspections; read and interpret drawings and specifications; communicate effectively; develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other City employees, contractors and general public. Skill in research techniques; oral and written communication. Ability to successfully use the computer, demonstrate competence in Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to tolerate various indoor/outdoor temperatures, climates, and terrains. Must be able to climb a ladder, crawl, work at heights, in confined spaces, and navigate rough uneven terrain. Ability to handle large printouts or files (up to 40 pounds); and bend and stoop.

Community and Development Services offers a competitive fringe package.
CDS is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Interested applicants should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and three (3) references addressed to: Community and Development Services, P.O. Box 1125, Hopkinsville, KY 42241-1125, Attention: Building Inspector or emailed to mmccarty@comdev-services.com. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

Residential Building Inspector

Location
Hopkinsville, KY

Job Type
Full-time Regular

Opening Date
10/17/2025

Closing Date
Until position is filled

Salary
Non-Certified $45,423
Certified $59,482.50

DESCRIPTION AND BENEFITS

Description
Under the direction of the chief building inspector and the CDS director, inspects all phases of residential construction, within City and County jurisdiction to ensure conformance with applicable codes.

Illustrative Duties

Inspects residential construction to enforce applicable residential building codes and ensure compliance with approved plans (e.g., foundation, structure, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fireplaces, chimneys, etc.).
Meets with contractors and homeowners to discuss building code violations; makes recommendations for correcting violations; and serves as a liaison between departments and other local agencies.
Investigates complaints; serves violation notices and orders; and files charges.
Performs routine office work; answers phones; handles public inquiries regarding code interpretations, assists the public in making applications for permits.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

B.S. degree in Planning, Industrial Arts, Engineering, or related construction field, or
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent plus three (3) years’ experience in construction, management, or planning.
Must obtain State of Kentucky Residential Inspector certification. Certification requirements: * Residential Inspector within 18 months of employment.
Valid Kentucky driver’s license.

Community and Development Services offers a competitive fringe package.
CDS is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Principal Planner

Community and Development Services, an agency of the City of Hopkinsville and the County of Christian, Kentucky, has an opening for a Principal Planner. The position requires: (a) A Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or related field with at least four (4) years of experience in Planning or Community Development; or (b) a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or related field, with at least six (6) years of experience in Planning or Community Development; or (c) an Associate’s Degree with at least eight (8) years of experience in Planning or Community Development; and acquiring an AICP certification within two (2) years of employment.

The position will be responsible for a combination of administrative, intermediate, and long-range community planning and development activities. This position requires a high level of proficiency in data collection and analysis, technical writing, program administration, and public speaking. The position may also be responsible for supervising, mentoring, and evaluating planning staff, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development to support the department’s planning initiatives and organizational goals. The salary is based upon both education and experience with an anticipated hiring range from $75,705 to $83,816. There is a competitive fringe package available. Interested applicants should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and three (3) references addressed to Community and Development Services, P.O. Box 1125, Hopkinsville, KY 42241-1125, Attention: Principal Planner or email mmccarty@comdev-services.com Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. M/F EEO.

Manager of Planning

Community and Development Services, an agency of the City of Hopkinsville and the County of Christian, Kentucky, has an opening for a Manager of Planning. The position requires: (a) A Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or related field with at least five (5) years of experience in Planning or Community Development; or (b) a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or related field, with at least seven (7) years of experience in Planning or Community Development; and acquiring an AICP certification within two (2) years of employment.

The position will be responsible for participating in planning, coordinating, implementing, and promoting all aspects of the planning department. Also leads and oversees the more complex assigned programs, projects, and/or initiatives; ensures program compliance with pertinent federal, state, local, and community-driven priorities, mandates, objectives, laws, guidelines, and regulations; directs, coordinates, and monitors the work of assigned staff; and performs a variety of advanced level technical, administrative, and programmatic work in support of assigned programs including serving as a liaison to, coordinating with, and providing administrative support and staff assistance to City and County staff, boards, committees, commissions and outside agencies. This position requires a high level of proficiency in data collection and analysis, technical writing, program administration, and public speaking. The salary is based upon both education and experience with an anticipated hiring range from $86,520 to $94,631. There is a competitive fringe package available. Interested applicants should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and three (3) references addressed to Community and Development Services, P.O. Box 1125, Hopkinsville, KY 42241-1125, Attention: Manager of Planning or email mmccarty@comdev-services.com Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. M/F EEO.