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Community Studies Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

$70.84 - $86.11/hr

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College Districthonors a diverse academic community and fosters ... Master's degree in the Ethnic Studies field. * OR * a Master's in American Studies/Ethnicity ...

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Community Studies information

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$13

$30

$52

How much do community studies jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for community studies in California is $30.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in community studies roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Studies often encounter challenges such as building trust with diverse community members, navigating limited resources, and balancing multiple stakeholder interests. Effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability are vital for overcoming these obstacles. Collaborating closely with local organizations and continually seeking community input can help ensure programs are impactful and inclusive. Ongoing professional development and peer support also play a key role in addressing these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community studies specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Studies Specialist, you need a strong background in social sciences, research methods, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as sociology or community development. Familiarity with statistical software, survey tools, and community engagement platforms is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and foster effective collaboration with diverse groups. These skills are crucial for accurately assessing community needs, designing impactful programs, and driving positive social change.

What are important jobs in a community?

Community studies involve roles such as community organizers, social workers, urban planners, and public health officials. These jobs focus on improving community well-being, planning development, and addressing social issues, often requiring skills in communication, analysis, and collaboration.

What is a community studies degree?

A community studies degree is an academic program that focuses on understanding and addressing social issues within communities. It often includes coursework in sociology, public policy, and community development, preparing graduates for roles in social services, nonprofit organizations, or local government.

What is the difference between Community Studies vs Community Development?

AspectCommunity StudiesCommunity Development
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, community studies, or related fieldsBachelor's degree often in social work, urban planning, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, research institutions, non-profitsNon-profits, government agencies, community organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research centers, advocacy groupsLocal governments, NGOs, community programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic and research roles in community issuesPractical roles focused on community improvement projects

Community Studies primarily involves research, analysis, and academic work related to community issues, while Community Development focuses on implementing projects and programs to improve communities. Both fields often require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus—one on study and analysis, the other on action and development.

What is community studies?

Community studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding the structure, dynamics, and issues within communities. It examines how individuals and groups interact, how communities are organized, and the social, economic, and cultural factors that shape them. Professionals in this field often work in research, social services, urban planning, and policy development, aiming to improve quality of life and foster community well-being. Community studies draws on sociology, anthropology, public health, and other disciplines to analyze and address community challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Community Studies jobs in California? For Community Studies jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Studies jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Community Studies jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Community Studies jobs? Cities in California with the most Community Studies job openings:
Community Studies jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Studies job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,488 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

2026-27 Urban Planning and Public Policy Lecturer

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position overview
Salary range: 70,977
Application Window

Open date: March 1, 2026

Most recent review date: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Sunday, Feb 28, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy in the School of Social Ecology invites applications for a pool of qualified lecturers to teach courses in its undergraduate program. The department offers a B.A. in Urban Studies and a B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed. The number of positions varies from quarter to quarter, depending on the needs of the program. We seek applicants with expertise to teach courses in the following topic areas: introduction to urban studies, environmental sustainability, environmental policy, urban inequalities, urban planning, transportation and housing, and environmental racism and justice. In addition to teaching responsibilities, general duties include preparing course materials (syllabus, assignments, etc.), maintaining a course website, holding office hours, assigning grades, and advising students. The campus is currently offering most of its courses in person. However, there are several courses that may be taught online.

Required: M.A., M.S. or doctoral students who are advanced to candidacy in a field appropriate to the course (e.g., Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Sociology, Community Studies, Public Policy).\

Desired: A Ph.D. in a field appropriate to the course (e.g., Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Community Studies, and Public Policy). Experience teaching courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Candidates should apply online by submitting a cover letter detailing relevant professional and teaching experience, a curriculum vitae, the names and contact information for three professional and/or academic references (please do not solicit letters) and a brief statement (500 words) of teaching interests and capabilities.

For more information, please contact the search committee chair, Associate Professor, Nicholas Marantz at nmarantz@uci.edu

Applications received by March 31, 2026 will receive priority review.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

M.A., M.S. or doctoral students who are advanced to candidacy in a field appropriate to the course (e.g., Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Sociology, Community Studies, Public Policy).

Application Requirements
Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Teaching Statement and Interests - Please provide a brief statement (500 words) of teaching interests and capabilities

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10057
About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Irvine, CA

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