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Rural Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IIRR

Project Officer - Intern

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$33K - $38K/yr

IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR's programs have ... Project Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations. This is ...

IIRR

Project Officer - Intern

New York, NY · On-site

$32K - $38K/yr

IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR's programs have ... Project Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations. This is ...

IIRR

Fundraising Officer - Intern

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR's programs have ... Fundraising Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations.

IIRR

Operations Officer - Intern

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR's programs have ... Operations Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations. This ...

IIRR

Advocacy & Communications Officer - Intern

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR's programs have ... Advocacy & Communications Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global ...

Consumers Credit Union

Mortgage Loan Officer

Jackson, MI · On-site

Description Mortgage Loan Officer The Consumers Credit Union team is looking to hire a passionate ... Originate mortgage applications that are eligible for sale to FNMA/FHLBI/USDA-Rural Development or ...

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Rural Development Officer information

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$39K

$74.4K

$119K

How much do rural development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural development officer in the United States is $74,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Rural Development Officers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Rural Development Officers often encounter challenges such as limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and resistance to change within local communities. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a collaborative approach with local leaders and stakeholders. Building trust, understanding community needs, and leveraging available government programs or partnerships can help overcome obstacles and ensure project success. Regular field visits and consistent feedback loops are also key to making a positive impact.

What degree do you need to work for the USDA?

A Rural Development Officer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as agriculture, public administration, or related areas. Relevant experience and knowledge of rural issues can also be important, and some positions may require advanced degrees or certifications depending on the level of responsibility.

What are Rural Development Officers?

Rural Development Officers are professionals who work to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. They plan, implement, and monitor development projects such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agricultural initiatives. By collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, they help to identify needs, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable rural growth. Their work is essential for reducing poverty and creating opportunities in rural regions.

What is the difference between Rural Development Officer vs Community Development Worker?

AspectRural Development OfficerCommunity Development Worker
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, rural studies, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in social work, community development, or related fields
Work EnvironmentRural areas, government agencies, NGOsCommunity centers, local organizations, NGOs
Employer & IndustryGovernment, NGOs, development agenciesNonprofits, local government, community organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Rural Development Officer and Community Development Worker roles both focus on improving local communities, often in rural settings. While they share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Rural Development Officers typically work within government or large NGOs focusing on broader rural initiatives, whereas Community Development Workers often engage directly with local residents through grassroots efforts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the best fit for their skills and career goals.

How to become rdo officer?

To become a Rural Development Officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in agriculture, rural development, or related fields, along with relevant work experience. They must pass competitive exams or recruitment processes conducted by government agencies and may require knowledge of local development schemes and skills in project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rural Development Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rural Development Officer, you need a background in agriculture, social sciences, or rural development, often with a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with project management tools, data analysis software, and government schemes or funding mechanisms is typically required. Strong communication, community engagement, and problem-solving skills help build trust and facilitate successful program implementation. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving sustainable rural development and effectively addressing the unique challenges of rural communities.

How do you qualify for rural development?

To qualify as a Rural Development Officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as social work, rural development, or public administration. Relevant experience in community development, strong communication skills, and knowledge of rural issues are also important; some positions may require certification or training in development programs.

Which agriculture job has the highest salary?

In agriculture, senior roles such as Agricultural Managers, Farm Owners, and Agribusiness Executives tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong management skills, and they can offer six-figure incomes depending on the size and profitability of the operation.
More about Rural Development Officer jobs
What states have the most Rural Development Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rural Development Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rural Development Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rural Development Officer jobs are:
Rural Development Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rural Development Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,448 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Project Officer - Intern

IIRR

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$33K - $38K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

IIRR is one of the world’s leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR’s programs have impacted more than 68 million rural lives across five continents. The organization’s programs address the health, education, and environmental conditions of rural communities and prioritizes the delivery of sustainable and scalable solutions that empower people to improve their lives and livelihoods. IIRR maintains offices in Africa, Asia, and North America.    

IIRR is looking for intelligent, strategic, and resourceful thinkers to help build varied projects organized by the organization’s country and regional units. Project Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations.  

This is an unpaid internship but available for class credits. We have two internship models:  

(i) full-time - requires a 5 days (40 hours) a week commitment of 3 months   

(ii) part-time - required 3 to 4 days (20 hours) a week commitment of 6 months. 

Please note that internship hours must be scheduled during regular New York/East Coast business hours. 

 

Responsibilities may include one or more of the following:  

  • Assist with new project initiatives in IIRR focus areas: health, education, food systems, economic empowerment, and the environment in IIRR country and regional offices 
  • Support the identification of literature for relevant project initiatives  
  • Support in the identification/recording of key analytic tools for measuring the impacts of IIRR rural development programs 
  • Develop new program concepts in partnership with staff around the world. 
  • Support in grant proposals through research and/or writing 

Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (completed prior to internship start date)
  • Well-organized, reliable, and self-motivated  
  • Helpful and responsive (e.g., when dealing with ad-hoc requests for providing support)
  • Resourceful, creative, who enjoys problem-solving 
  • Impeccable writing skills with meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills 
  • Curiosity, creativity, and fearlessness in contributing new and bold ideas 
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to meet deadlines and effectively multi-task 
  • A willingness to fail fast and forward while respecting and valuing input from a global and diverse team 
  • Ability and willingness to work in a startup culture that may require fluidity in roles from week to week  
  • Intermediate experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Applications 
  • Responsive to manager’s feedback, ability to take direction and execute work independently with minimal oversight in a remote working environment
  • Passionate about making a positive difference


Application Instructions:

Submit resume/CV, cover letter (indicating preference for part-time or full-time placement), and contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

No calls, please. If you have not received a response from us in two weeks, you should assume that your application was not successful on this occasion. 

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