ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Community Development Jobs in Bakersfield, CA (NOW HIRING)

Key Staffing, Inc

Be Seen First

Community Health Outreach Coordinator

Taft, CA · On-site

$26.45/hr

Up to 40% throughout Kern County We are seeking a personable, community-focused Member Engagement Representative I to support outreach efforts for a local healthcare organization. This position will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

Community Development information

See Bakersfield, CA salary details

$36.7K

$78.8K

$122.5K

How much do community development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development in Bakersfield, CA is $78,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $94,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a community development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Community Development, you need a background in urban planning, social work, or a related field, along with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and community needs assessments is often expected, and relevant certifications in community planning or public administration can be beneficial. Excellent communication, cultural competency, and conflict resolution abilities are vital for building trust and fostering collaboration among diverse groups. These skills are crucial for successfully designing, implementing, and sustaining community-driven initiatives that create tangible positive impact.

What is a community development?

A Community Development job focuses on improving the well-being of communities by promoting economic, social, and environmental initiatives. Professionals in this field work with local organizations, government agencies, and residents to address issues such as affordable housing, education, public health, and economic opportunities. Their role often involves planning programs, securing funding, and fostering partnerships to drive sustainable growth and positive change.

What are the primary challenges faced in a community development role?

Professionals in Community Development often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs and interests of diverse community stakeholders, addressing limited resources or funding, and overcoming resistance to change within communities. Navigating complex regulations and coordinating with various government agencies or nonprofit partners can also add layers of complexity. However, these challenges are opportunities to develop creative solutions, advocate for underrepresented populations, and make meaningful improvements in quality of life. The role typically requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain adaptable and resilient in dynamic environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Bakersfield, CA? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Bakersfield, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development jobs in Bakersfield, CA? For Community Development jobs in Bakersfield, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development jobs in Bakersfield, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development jobs in Bakersfield, CA are:
What cities near Bakersfield, CA are hiring for Community Development jobs? Cities near Bakersfield, CA with the most Community Development job openings:
Community Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development job openings in Bakersfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,776 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Community Development Specialist

Kern Regional Center

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$25.37 - $27.97/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Description

Kern Regional Center is one of 21 private, non-profit regional centers contracted by the State of California through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate community-based services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Kern Regional Center services over 10,000 individuals in Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties. Our counties cover approximately 22,000 square miles with a population of over 945,000 people.


Kern Regional Center is looking for dedicated individual to identify barriers and develop strategies to reduce disparity in the purchase of services with various ethnic populations in Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties, and to increase the number of referrals to Kern Regional Center to simultaneously identify needed resources and facilitate development of identified resources.


Requirements

The ideal candidate is someone who has:

  • Bachelor's degree in social work, political science, psychology, sociology, business administration, public administration or related human services field from an accredited school. Or any combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • 2 years of experience in report writing or working with community-based organizations or outreach is highly preferred or any equivalent combination of relevant work and educational experience
  • Knowledge of basic needs and approaches in working with individual who have developmental disabilities.
  • Bilingual in Spanish highly desired. 
  • Convey complex information and ideas (including policies, procedures, regulations and expectations) to diverse groups clearly, concisely, verbally and in writing
  • Communicate in front of vendors and community partners with a broad spectrum of business and professional expertise
  • Interpret guidelines and standards applying them in a consistent manner
  • Evaluate and develop programs
  • Identify and analyze problems
  • Demonstrate excellent customer service
  • Demonstrate empathy, respect and support cultural awareness
  • Maintain strict adherence to all confidential laws related to client information
  • Adapt to new initiatives and project tasks as assigned 
  • Must have reliable transportation and be able to work outside of normal business hours.
  • Valid driver's license and DMV record

Top Perks and Benefits:

As part of the Kern Regional Center team, you will be able to enjoy:

  • Generous health, dental and vision plan for employee and their dependents
  • Paid time off increasing with length of service
  • Paid holidays
  • Life, AD&D, Long Term Disability Plans
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Various voluntary insurance and retirement plans

Salary range for this position $25.37 to $35.70 per hour

Starting salary range $25.37 to $27.97 per hour


For full job description, please email hr@kernrc.org


Kern Regional Center is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team.


Apply