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Community Development Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Community Assistant

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$19.13/hr

Community Assistant Position Type: Part-time / Hourly /On-Site Compensation: $19.13 per hour The Community Assistant (CA) role is a tremendous leadership and career development opportunity that goes ...

Building Official

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$121K - $147K/yr

Planning and Community Development Opening Date: 04/17/2026 FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: 231 Nature of Work The City of Bellingham is looking for its next Building Official to join our Planning and ...

Employment Specialist

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$23.32 - $28.43/hr

Responsible for job and community development efforts, including identifying employment opportunities and building relationships with employers. * Work closely with employers, community partners, and ...

Employment Specialist

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$23.32 - $28.43/hr

Responsible for job and community development efforts, including identifying employment opportunities and building relationships with employers. * Work closely with employers, community partners, and ...

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Community Development information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$36.9K

$79.2K

$123.2K

How much do community development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development in Bellingham, WA is $79,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $95,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 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 job?

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 Bellingham, WA? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development jobs in Bellingham, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Community Development jobs? Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Community Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development job openings in Bellingham, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, and 39% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,174 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Community Development Planner / Assistant Emergency Manager

Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

Sedro Woolley, WA • On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE: Community Development Planner / Assistant Emergency Manager

DEPARTMENT: Planning & Community Development

SUPERVISOR: Routine Matters: Environmental Planner/Administration Executive Assistant

Policy Matters: General Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Salary/Exempt

HOURS: Full time

PAY RANGE: $85,000 - $95,000 per year, depending on qualifications

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The primary function of this on-site position is to provide emergency management and planning, long range planning, grant writing, and community development project management expertise to the Planning Department to implement the long-range planning and community development goals of the Tribal Council. The community development planning functions (0.70 FTE) consist of both long-range community development planning and project implementation. The position will prepare grant applications to support community development projects and programs, manage ongoing grants including agency reporting and grant compliance, monitor work done by consultants and contractors, and provide compliance support for projects. In coordination with other Planning staff and the General Manager, the position will develop and write long-range planning documents such as, but not limited to: utility plans, land use plans, capital facilities plans, records management plans, renewable energy plans, natural hazard mitigation plans, emergency operations plans, and transportation plans. The emergency management functions (0.30 FTE) consist of: preparing and distributing public communication materials related to emergency preparedness, coordinating emergency planning and preparedness functions with other Tribal departments and local governments at the direction of the General Manager, developing policies and standard procedures as well as training for emergency responses, providing administrative and management functions during an emergency, and other duties as assigned. This position will work closely and collaboratively with the other Planning Department staff, and when appropriate with staff from the Facilities, Public Works, Natural Resources and Housing Departments and other Tribal programs.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please submit letter of interest, resume, and tribal employment application to hr@upperskagit.com with the subject line “Community Development Planner”, or mail “Attn: HR Recruiter” at Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, 25944 Community Plaza Way, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, or hand-deliver to reception at the above address, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm. Applications can be downloaded from the Tribe’s website: https://upperskagittribe-nsn.gov/content/Employment-Application-USIT-fillable.pdf.

Applicant must meet minimum qualifications to be considered.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must have bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration or related field with five (5) years of comparable work experience demonstrating progressive responsibility.

2. Comparable work experience with local or tribal government preferred.

3. Familiarity with emergency program planning and emergency management functions.

4. Familiarity with utility systems including water, wastewater, telecommunications, transportation services, and renewable energy systems and their applications, operations and distribution systems.

5. Familiarity with infrastructure assessments, plan development, and asset management.

6. Must demonstrate ability and experience reading, understanding and applying regulatory documents pertaining to program areas, including Federal codes and statutes.

7. Must have experience reading and interpreting Tribal/local/state/federal regulations.

8. Familiarity with implementing federal regulations and programs relating to development, environmental compliance, NEPA requirements, and grant compliance.

9. Experience preparing code revisions and updates. Experience with land use planning.

10. Skill in grant budget preparation and fiscal management. Able to monitor project expenditures for compliance with cost principles. Demonstrate familiarity with federal procurement requirements.

11. Must have experience in preparing state and federal grants or contract applications to secure project funding.

12. Must have experience managing and implementing state and federal grants.

13. Demonstrate excellent record-keeping and organizational skills and attention to detail.

14. Must have excellent college-level written and verbal communication skills and be able to communicate information verbally and in written form in a clear, concise, accurate and professional manner. Must have experience preparing technical reports and presentations.

15. Familiarity with ArcGIS and/or CAD desirable.

16. Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, databases and online programs.

17. Be able to multi-task, and accomplish tasks on-time and correctly.

18. Be able to work independently with little supervision within the scope of delegated authority consistent with established policies and guidelines and in cooperation with other staff. Able to work collaboratively with other Planning department staff.

19. Must be able to successfully resolve conflicts in the conduct of work activities with coworkers and stakeholders.

20. Must have a valid unrestricted Washington State Driver's License and be insurable under the Tribe’s motor vehicle insurance policy.

21. Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information and be willing to sign a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement.

22. Must pass a background check including a criminal background check.

23. Must pass a pre-employment drug test and comply with the Tribe’s Substance Abuse Policy including random drug screening.

The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe has the right to change this description at any time. This position is subject to the Preference Policy of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. The statements contained herein provided general details as necessary to describe the principal function of the job, the level of knowledge, and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. However, these should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in functional equivalent areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise balance the work load. This is an at-will position.