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County Commission Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

County of Newaygo

Van Driver

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$15.57 - $17.96/hr

Description The Newaygo County Commission on Aging is seeking an individual who has a passion for helping others to fill the Van Driver position. The selected candidate will be responsible for ...

County of Newaygo, MI

Van Driver

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$15.57 - $17.96/hr

Commission on Aging Opening Date: 06/29/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description The Newaygo County Commission on Aging is seeking an individual who has a passion for helping others to fill the Van ...

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How much do county commission jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for county commission in Michigan is $68,496.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,700.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between County Commission vs County Clerk?

AspectCounty CommissionCounty Clerk
Primary RoleLegislative body overseeing county policies and budgetsMaintains official records, issues licenses, and manages elections
Required CredentialsVaries; often no specific certification, but political experience helpfulTypically high school diploma or equivalent; some positions require certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, meetings, public hearingsClerical offices, public service settings
Industry UsageLocal government, public administrationLocal government, administrative services

The County Commission and County Clerk roles are both essential in local government but serve different functions. The County Commission acts as the legislative body, making policies and overseeing budgets, while the County Clerk handles record-keeping, licensing, and elections. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within county government.

What is a county commissioner?

County commissioners are elected officials who serve as part of the governing body for a county. Their primary responsibilities include setting county policies, adopting budgets, overseeing county services such as roads, public safety, and health programs, and making decisions on land use and development. They often represent specific districts within the county and work to address the needs and concerns of their constituents. The structure and authority of county commissions can vary depending on the state and local laws.

What are some common challenges faced by county commissioners in balancing the needs of diverse communities within their jurisdiction?

County commissioners often face the challenge of representing and balancing the interests of various communities, which can differ greatly in terms of economic background, population density, and local priorities. Commissioners must navigate limited budgets while addressing issues like infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. Effective communication, consensus-building, and transparency are essential for ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of all residents. Working collaboratively with other commissioners, local officials, and the public is key to finding equitable solutions to complex county-wide issues.

What are the jobs of a county commissioner?

A county commissioner is responsible for overseeing local government functions, including setting policies, approving budgets, and making decisions on public services such as roads, law enforcement, and zoning. They typically attend meetings, collaborate with other officials, and represent community interests to ensure effective governance.

Are county government jobs hard to get?

County government jobs can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, education, and sometimes examinations or certifications. The difficulty of obtaining such positions depends on the specific role, qualifications, and the number of applicants, but many jobs are accessible to qualified candidates who meet the requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county commissioner?

To thrive as a County Commissioner, you need a deep understanding of public administration, budgeting, and local government operations, often supported by relevant experience or a background in political science or public policy. Familiarity with government software, budgeting tools, and regulatory frameworks is essential for effective decision-making. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help build consensus and engage effectively with constituents and stakeholders. These abilities are vital for ensuring responsive governance, fiscal responsibility, and the successful implementation of community initiatives.
What are the most commonly searched types of County jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of County jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to County Commission jobs in Michigan? For County Commission jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Michigan are hiring for County Commission jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most County Commission job openings:
County Commission jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Commission job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,496 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Director -Indigent Defense Services-099600

Wayne County

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description


Purpose/Description
Wayne County's Indigent Defense Services Department (IDSD) is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in trial-level criminal defense representation for indigent defendants and ensuring equal access to justice. The Department is funded through annual grants from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and is responsible for the administration of the county's entire indigent defense system. Approximately 50% of felony case assignments are managed by a roster of more than 200 private assigned counsels who have been qualified by the IDSD Attorney Assignment Committee and categorized into four tiers based on case complexity. The remaining 50% of assignments are handled by Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), the County's public defense vendor.
The Director of Indigent Defense Services provides leadership and oversight of the Department, which serves as a central component of Wayne County's administrative framework for indigent defense services. The Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Department, including supervision of Department personnel, administration and management of funding, policy development, and leadership of a comprehensive county-wide criminal defense system designed to ensure the effective assistance of counsel for indigent individuals charged with felony offenses.
The Director leads and oversees policies and procedures (development, implementation and adherence) to ensure compliance with MIDC Standards and applicable law, as well as collaborates closely with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and its staff; the Wayne County Commission; other County departments; Third Circuit Court, 25 district and municipal courts within Wayne County.
Workday Activities
Responsibilities
Required Tasks
  • Leads development and administration of a comprehensive compensation system for all public defense vendors, including assigned counsel, investigators, experts, and training providers, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
  • Directs grant strategy and administration supporting the IDSD, Public Defender Office (PDO), and assigned counsel system, aligning funding with operational and policy objectives.
  • Collaborates with justice system stakeholders to advance funding strategies and policy initiatives that strengthen the administration of justice and ensure compliance with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards.
  • Prepares and/or oversees preparation and submission of all required reports and funding requests, including those to the MIDC, Wayne County, and the Third Circuit Court.
  • Provides strategic oversight of training, professional development, and community engagement initiatives for the indigent defense system, in partnership with the PDO.
  • Negotiates and manages contractual relationships with Wayne County's Public Defender Office, ensuring performance, accountability, and alignment with system goals.
  • Sets and drives organizational vision and culture, fostering a high-performing, mission-driven workforce.
  • Continuously evaluates and optimizes organizational structure, aligning resources and personnel with evolving indigent defense reform priorities.
  • Partners with the Wayne County Office of Corporation Counsel to advance strategic initiatives, manage legal risk, and support organizational objectives.
  • Leads and represents the department in internal and external workgroups, serving as a key liaison on indigent defense reform efforts at the local, state, and national levels.

Qualifications
Educational/ Experience Requirements
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Licensed Attorney in good standing in the State of Michigan.
  • At least 8 years of experience practicing law, with at least 3 years of experience in criminal law.
  • Preferred: 10 years of practicing law, with at least 5 years in criminal law.
  • Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership experience overseeing and directing multiple staff members, or experience leading a team within the criminal justice system.
  • Proven leadership experience overseeing and managing budgets, and data-driven operations, including performance metrics.
  • Strong proficiency in public policy advocacy preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of various stakeholders, in public or non-public arenas.
  • Public sector administrative experience preferred.

Apply