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Rural Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Farm Bureau

VAFAIRS Specialist

Richmond, VA

$50K - $80K/yr

VAFAIRS Specialist STATUS: Exempt COMPENSATION RANGE: $50,000-80,000 Annually LOCATION: Richmond ... Experience in agriculture commodities/marketing and/or rural development MINIMUM SKILL ...

Virginia Farm Bureau

VAFAIRS Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

VAFAIRS Specialist STATUS: Exempt COMPENSATION RANGE: $50,000-80,000 Annually LOCATION: Richmond ... Experience in agriculture commodities/marketing and/or rural development MINIMUM SKILL ...

Virginia Farm Bureau

VAFAIRS Specialist

Henrico, VA

$50K - $80K/yr

VAFAIRS Specialist STATUS: Exempt COMPENSATION RANGE: $50,000-80,000 Annually LOCATION: Richmond ... Experience in agriculture commodities/marketing and/or rural development MINIMUM SKILL ...

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Rural Development Specialist information

See salary details

$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do rural development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural development specialist in the United States is $81,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Rural Development Specialist job?

A Rural Development Specialist works to improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions of rural communities. They assess community needs, develop programs, and collaborate with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to promote sustainable growth. Their responsibilities may include project management, policy advocacy, and securing funding for development initiatives. This role often requires knowledge of agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rural Development Specialist position, and why are they important?

A Rural Development Specialist requires expertise in community development, project management, and socioeconomic analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as rural development, agriculture, or social sciences. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis software, and development grant management platforms is often necessary, as is knowledge of local government procedures. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills help build stakeholder trust and adapt solutions to diverse rural contexts. These competencies are essential for designing effective development programs and ensuring sustainable positive change in rural communities.

What are some typical projects that Rural Development Specialists work on, and how do they collaborate with local communities?

Rural Development Specialists often work on projects such as infrastructure improvements, agricultural extension programs, economic diversification initiatives, and capacity-building workshops. They typically collaborate closely with local community leaders, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to assess needs, design solutions, and implement programs tailored to the area's unique challenges. Open communication and active stakeholder engagement are key aspects of the role, as specialists facilitate meetings, gather feedback, and ensure that initiatives are both sustainable and community-driven. This collaborative approach not only strengthens project outcomes but also builds lasting relationships that support ongoing rural development.

More about Rural Development Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Rural Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Rural Development Specialist job openings:
What job categories do people searching Rural Development Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rural Development Specialist jobs are:
Rural Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rural Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Senior Rural Development Specialist

Senior Rural Development Specialist

GREAT LAKES COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP

Fremont, OH • On-site, Remote

$65K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
Senior Rural Development Specialist
Location: Remote - Ohio
Schedule: Monday - Thursday
Weekly Hours: 34 hours per week
Employment Type: Year-Round Full-Time
Are you interested in working with a great team of technical assistance providers who help communities safeguard drinking water and local environments, improve economic opportunity and the quality of life for rural Americans?
GLCAP Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) delivers technical assistance, project development, training, and other professional services to small public water and wastewater systems and local governments. We help them improve their infrastructure and local economies.
We are seeking professionals with a broad range of skills and experience, particularly those who have worked in water/wastewater industries, local government, grant writing/administration, accounting/finance, land conservation, environmental compliance, and related fields. Priority competency areas that we are looking for include grant writing and funding development, project planning, water/sewer system management, utility rate-setting, training, facilitation, and NEPA environmental assessments.
Why Work for GLCAP?
When you work for Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), you are part of a non-profit organization that helps individuals, families, and communities thrive. We are driven by integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and adaptability-the values that fuel our passion for making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. If you are looking for meaningful work where you make an impact every day, you will find it here at GLCAP.
Benefits and Perks:
  • Work-Life Balance: 34-hour full-time workweek with three-day weekends
  • Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance available from day one
  • Health Savings: Health Savings and Flexible Savings Accounts with employer contributions
  • Retirement: 403(b) plan with 4% employer match plus a 3% employer contribution
  • Paid Time Off: Up to 6 weeks of combined vacation, personal, and sick leave accrued per year
  • Paid Holidays: 12 observed holidays per year
  • Income Protection: Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program and wellness incentives
  • Professional Development: Education assistance and training opportunities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge on the latest development in federal and state regulations, funding source regulations, new technologies relating to water and wastewater, and developing trends.
  • Provide technical assistance and training to community groups, local government officials/agencies, and/or individual system owners on community development concerns relating to program planning, facility development, management and finance, operation and maintenance, and capacity development.
  • Conduct on-site visits with community officials, agencies or individuals; conduct needs assessments; complete the enrollment process; and prepare and provide progress reports and updates regarding the status of projects.
  • Maintain necessary communication with potential and existing funding sources.
  • Serve as the department contact in one or more priority competency area
  • Serve as trainer/mentor for new staff.
  • Assist the State RCAP Director with program development which may include participating in the development of funding strategies, initiating contacts, identifying opportunities, coordinating, writing, developing and submitting small proposals, and working as a team member on large proposals.
  • Research, analyze and publish comments on the impact of proposed regulations and policies; participate on policy-setting or advisory groups; analyze rural development issues and needs; develop policy, technical papers, articles, and manuals for RCAP and other publications; develop training curricula.
  • Conduct outreach and networking for the RCAP program by forming, coordinating, and/or participating in rural development networks and associations, forming and maintaining links between agencies and/or other networks, and marketing department programs.

Education:
Required bachelor's degree in an area of study related to environmental resources, planning, finance/accounting, business management or equivalent experience; or certified as a water or wastewater operator.
Experience:
Experience in community development, water or waste water management, or infrastructure development, to include experience in one of the following areas: NEPA related environmental reviews, CDBG administration, municipal finance, utility certified operations and management, operation and maintenance of private drinking water wells, geographic information systems, land use and economic planning, finance and grant writing, facilitation and negotiation, or training communities; and experience working with word processing, spreadsheet, internet, and database software.
As a condition of employment, the following are additional requirements:
  • Initial and periodic Motor Vehicle Records checks, maintain a valid driver's license, and maintain a safe driving record.
  • Must have insured, dependable transportation available for daily use.
  • Must submit to initial and/or periodic state and/or federal criminal checks.
  • Must submit to initial and periodic drug and alcohol testing.
  • Ability to be reached by cellular phone during business hours and after hours.

Join us in Helping Communities Thrive, One Neighbor at a Time.
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