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Rural Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IIRR

MEL Officer - Intern

New York, NY · On-site +1

$16.50 - $22/hr

About the role IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR ... MEL Officer interns will work under the direction of the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation ...

Council of Foundations

Chief Executive Officer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

We have grown to be a Rural Development Hub: strengthening: communities, building systems, and ... The ideal CEO is an entrepreneurial, relational, and systems-oriented leader who understands that ...

International Institute of Rural Reconstruction

$14 - $18.50/hr

Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern 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 ...

International Institute of Rural Reconstruction

$14 - $18.50/hr

Advocacy & Communications Officer Intern 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 ...

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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 Aug 29, 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 is a rural development officer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rural development officer?

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.

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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,448 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Agriculture, Rural Development

Columbus, OH • On-site, Remote

$64K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Summary
This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Ohio State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of Rural Development (RD).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Ohio State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD.
  • Designs, convenes and conducts public involvement programs and meetings to gather information on: Community needs, stakeholder viewpoints and local community development activities. Also provides in depth information on Rural Development programs.
  • Prepares and coordinates responses to inquiries and concerns from: The general public, public officials, stakeholders, community and special interest groups regarding Rural Development programs, policies and activities.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with representatives of the media, state legislative delegations and state and local governments to ensure broad dissemination of information about Rural Development programs and services.
  • Coordinates and develops a newsletter as well as articles for other non-Rural Development publications, journals, magazines and newsletters providing information about the nature and purpose of State RD programs and activities.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
For the GS-9 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: supporting public awareness campaigns by performing tasks such as monitoring the status of planned media events or conference, developing proposed brochures, flyers, etc., developing information used by more senior staff to brief members of the general public; or developing and disseminating factual information concerning an organization's programs or projects. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LLB. or J.D., if related OR a
combination of education as described and specialized experience.
For the GS-11 grade level: Applicants must possess (1) year of specialized experience which is equivalent to at least the GS-09 or its non-federal equivalent that demonstrates: writing, editing, and reviewing news advisories, releases, government/professional correspondence, talking points, or questions and answers; implementing communication plans for an organization; developing written communication material concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; or analyzing information program materials and making recommendations for improving the delivery of program information OR PhD. Or equivalent doctoral degree OR three (3) full years of progressively higher
level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M if related. Equivalent combination of experience and
education are qualifying at this grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education
Additional information
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
  • Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).
  • Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period.
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Refer to PUBLIC LAW 114-47-AUG. 7, 2015 for more information.
  • If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
  • Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. If needed, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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