Community Development Director

Post Date: July 23, 2026   Closing Date: August 31, 2026

About the role

Join Colusa County as the Community Development Director and lead community and economic development initiatives while fostering responsible growth and exceptional public service. This role involves transforming the County’s separate building and planning functions into a full-service, one-stop development services department, integrating building, planning, and environmental health. The position is ideal for both experienced professionals and emerging leaders who can apply innovative, common-sense solutions to complex challenges.

Colusa County values candidates with backgrounds in planning, building, environmental health, engineering, economic development, or public administration, and who demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, collaboration, and a commitment to public service. The role offers the opportunity to shape the future of community development in a close-knit county, working closely with leadership, stakeholders, and partners to drive sustainable growth and organizational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead land use planning, development services, environmental health, and economic development initiatives.
• Oversee the integration of building, planning, and environmental health functions into a unified development services department.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to County leadership, community stakeholders, and development partners.
• Drive process improvement and organizational excellence in development services.
• Foster collaboration with elected officials, county departments, community organizations, businesses, and regional partners.
• Apply innovative solutions to complex community development challenges.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental land use planning, current or advanced planning, or community development work.
• Two (2) years of experience in a lead, supervisory, or management capacity.
• Experience overseeing or coordinating with building, code compliance, environmental health, or water resources functions is desirable but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Urban, Rural or Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Valid State of California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Certified membership as an AICP member is desirable.

Pay

$133,668.00 – $219,120.00 annually

Benefits

• 3% at 60 Classic Retirement formula for existing members.
• 2% at 62 retirement formula for new members.
• Excellent benefits package.