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Rural Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Responsibilities: · Manage a portfolio of approximately 15 assets, including Tax Credit, HUD, Bond, HOME, and Rural Development properties, serving as the primary point of contact for the ...

Principles, practices, techniques and quantative methods of county, rural, and local planning to include social, economic and environmental principles and their application to rural development.

Business Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Experience with affordable properties, HUD, Low Income Tax Credit (LIHTC), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Section 8, Senior, Rural Development (RD) is required. * You have a strong understanding ...

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Rural Development information

See California salary details

$40K

$83K

$158.4K

How much do rural development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural development in California is $83,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in rural development projects?

Professionals in rural development often encounter challenges such as limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and difficulties in gaining community trust. Adapting solutions to local needs and effectively collaborating with local stakeholders are crucial for success. Additionally, balancing project goals with sustainable practices and navigating regulatory or funding hurdles are common aspects of the role. Strong communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and making a positive impact.

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

AspectRural DevelopmentCommunity Development Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public administration, social sciences, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in social work, community planning, or related fields
Work EnvironmentRural areas, government agencies, non-profitsUrban and rural communities, non-profits, government agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, non-profits focused on rural areasLocal government, non-profits, community organizations

While both roles focus on community improvement, Rural Development primarily targets rural areas with a focus on economic growth and infrastructure, whereas Community Development Officers work across diverse settings to enhance community well-being and social services. Understanding these differences helps job seekers align their skills and interests with the appropriate career path.

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

To thrive in Rural Development, you need a background in community planning, project management, and a relevant degree such as agriculture, economics, or public administration. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and knowledge of grant application processes or certifications in project management are often required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively address the unique needs of rural communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing and implementing sustainable projects that improve the quality of life in rural areas.

What is rural development?

Rural development refers to initiatives and strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, often outside of cities and large towns. This field focuses on enhancing infrastructure, access to basic services such as healthcare and education, agricultural productivity, and employment opportunities. Rural development professionals work with local communities, governments, and organizations to address challenges like poverty, limited resources, and migration to urban centers. Their goal is to create sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits rural populations.
What are popular job titles related to Rural Development jobs in California? For Rural Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rural Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rural Development jobs in California are:

LOAN SPECIALIST (COMMERCIAL)

Agriculture, Rural Development

Davis, CA • On-site, Remote

$62K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is located in a State or Area Office in USDA/Rural Development (RD). The incumbent has responsibility for providing State-wide leadership, guidance and review in Community and/or Business Programs for the making and servicing of loans and grants for community facilities, public utilities, and/or businesses.
Two position will be fill from this vacancy, one in each location listed.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Reviews loan applications for completeness and conformance with RD statutory regulations, policies, procedures and practices; analyzes and inputs data into appropriate automated database systems.
  • Prepares written loan approval determinations or recommendations for loan approval and submits to approving official as appropriate.
  • Reviews file for completeness and compliance with all prescribed regulations and practices before loan closing; prepares draft loan closing documents for review as appropriate.
  • Develops, implements and coordinates a broad and aggressive outreach and marketing program for assigned loan portfolio(s).

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/.
  • Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to Next Steps section for more information.

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 the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
GS-09 level: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Basic knowledge in performing loan making and/or loan servicing duties such as regularly examining loan applications, supporting documents, credit reports, and maintaining servicing activities of somewhat complex loans and/or grants. Experience assisting higher level loan specialists by performing assigned portions of financial credit analysis in connection with more complex loans as a way of acquiring training and competency for more difficult loan examining and servicing assignments OR Masters or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LLB or JD if related. Equivalent combination of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
GS-11 level: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of complex mortgage, commercial loan making/servicing, and credit principles and practices in order to assess the fundamental soundness of business, corporate or municipal loans. Experience independently examining applications, reviewing corporate financial documents, and servicing activities on a variety of mortgage and commercial loans. Experience may have been gained in work equivalent to analyzing financial information provided by loan applicants; determining eligibility for loans, appraising real estate, repayment ability; reviewing, performing financial analysis of commercial concerns for investment purposes; servicing the loan portfolio of a bank and other loan association and approving applications for agricultural, commercial, and bank loans. . OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree if related OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study finance, business administration, economics, accounting, insurance, engineering, mathematics, banking and credit, law, real estate operations, statistics, or other fields related to the position, such as agriculture, agricultural economics, farm, livestock or ranch management, or rural sociology.
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.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL). : Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report.
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.
This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
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. To determine if you need a RA, 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.