JOB DESCRIPTION

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments

Resiliency Planner

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) is seeking a motivated and collaborative Resiliency Planner to help municipalities prepare for and adapt to natural hazards, climate change, economic disruptions, and other challenges affecting community well-being.

The Resiliency Planner will support KVCOG's resilience initiatives through vulnerability assessments, hazard mitigation planning, climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, and recovery planning. This position will primarily be responsible for acting as KVCOG's Regional Coordinator through the State of Maine's Community Resilience Partnership (CRP).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting research and data analysis, developing planning documents, facilitating public engagement, identifying funding opportunities, and managing projects from development through completion. The successful candidate will work closely with municipal officials, state and regional partners, and KVCOG staff to develop practical, locally driven solutions that strengthen Maine communities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Resilience and Municipal Planning

• Develop and support resilience plans, vulnerability assessments, hazard mitigation strategies, and emergency preparedness and recovery initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance on comprehensive plans, land use regulations, transportation, infrastructure, environmental protection, and related municipal planning issues.
• Research and apply relevant federal and state programs, regulations, standards, and best practices.

Grant Management and Administration

• Identify strategies and funding opportunities to address community vulnerabilities and support resilience projects.
• Assist communities seeking and applying for funding opportunities to support municipal projects.
• Assist with project proposals, scopes of work, grant applications, and funding strategies as needed.
• Submit all CRP quarterly and annual reports and workplans in accordance with state and federal requirements.

Project Management and Public Engagement

• Manage assigned projects, including work plans, schedules, budgets, coordination, documentation, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with municipal clients, KVCOG staff, consultants, and regional, state, and federal partners.
• Plan and facilitate public meetings, workshops, surveys, and stakeholder discussions.
• Present technical information clearly and incorporate community input into planning recommendations.

Teamwork and Professional Development

• Maintain knowledge of resilience planning, emergency management, municipal planning, and related funding programs and regulations.
• Participate in relevant meetings, training, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to KVCOG's multidisciplinary planning team and perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in planning, public policy, emergency management, environmental studies, geography, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of professional planning or related experience preferred.
• Experience with or knowledge of comprehensive plans, hazard mitigation plans, vulnerability assessments, land use regulations, or resilience initiatives preferred.
• Experience working with municipalities, state agencies, regional organizations, or community groups strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Maine's Community Resilience Partnership, Maine Won't Wait climate action initiatives, or similar municipal resilience programs preferred.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of resilience planning, hazard mitigation, climate adaptation, land use planning, or related fields.
• Familiarity with federal and state laws, regulations, programs, and guidance related to emergency management, floodplain management, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness and recovery.
• Knowledge of federal and state grant programs supporting resilience, hazard mitigation, and infrastructure improvements preferred.
• GIS proficiency preferred, including experience developing maps and conducting spatial analysis.
• Strong research, analytical, problem-solving, technical writing, and graphic design skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products, Adobe, and other common workplace programs.

Communication and Project Management

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, collaborate with project partners, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines independently.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while contributing effectively to a team.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to helping communities address natural hazards, climate change, and other challenges.

Travel and Meeting Requirements

• Willingness to travel primarily throughout central Maine and KVCOG's service area.
• Attend occasional evening meetings and public engagement events.
• Use of a personal vehicle for business travel is required; mileage is reimbursed in accordance with KVCOG policy which currently follows federal standards.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position offering a comprehensive benefits package, including company paid health, dental, vision insurance, life and disability (there are additional fees to add family members); paid time off; 13 paid holidays annually; a 403(b) retirement plan with agency match; participation in the Maine State Retirement system and flexible work schedules.

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is: $60,000 - $64,000

KVCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references by email to the search committee at info@kvcog.org.