Website Benton County
Benton County, Oregon, is seeking a strategic problem-solver who has a passion for public service, expertise in community development and an aptitude for building relationships!
Job Summary
The Community Development Director is responsible for the operations, strategic direction, and personnel of the Community Development Department. The department is comprised of the County’s land use planning, building permitting, code compliance, solid waste management and water quality programs. The Director oversees policy initiatives, program development and outcomes of assigned programs while ensuring program outcomes, advancement of Board of Commissioners priorities, and accountability to the public. This position is responsible for decisions that significantly impact individual property owners, environmental quality, and community livability. Additionally, the Director will oversee the activities of both the County’s Planning Official and Building Official, to ensure compliance with state standards, rules, and regulations.
This position collaborates and works closely with other County Directors in assuring delivery of integrated services. The Community Development Department Director is an at-will position and serves at the pleasure of the County Administrator and reports directly to the Assistant County Administrator.
Community Development builds on a history of developing innovative programs and initiatives, and this position is critical in continuing that effort by leading key initiatives such as:
- Shifting from a solid waste management approach to one that focuses and prioritizes full life cycle materials management;
- Evolving the code compliance program into a pro-active, community-based problem-solving program; and
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Re-evaluating and improving critical community development business and program functions to meet the needs of the community more efficiently and effectively.
Click here (Download PDF reader) for a complete list of the duties, responsibilities and physical requirements of this position.
Your Total Compensation/Benefits
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our employees and their families. Competitive benefits and an active employee wellness program are a top priorities for the County. See the “Benefits” tab for details.
- Annual salary range of:
- $142,700.06 – $204,968.61.
- This position is eligible for up to two salary raises within your first year. Increases may be given at the end of the 6 month probationary period, depending on starting salary and at the 1 year anniversary, as long as your performance is in good standing! Increases are given until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in planning, geography, public administration, or a closely related field.; AND
- 10 years of experience in land use planning and/or building code regulation, including both
- 5 years of government experience, with a preference for those that have worked at the local jurisdictional level, in areas such as land use planning, solid waste management, economic development, or building code regulation/enforcement. AND
- 5 years of experience supervising staff that have managed, lead, or performed functions related to land use planning, water quality programs, solid waste and/or full cycles material management, regulating/enforcing building code regulations, or other governmental programs or activities that are focus on community development type activities. (Supervisory experience includes the authority to hire, terminate, assign, reward and discipline other employees)
Special Requirements
- A cover letter is required to be submitted with your application. It should be no more than two pages in length and describe your experience related to the minimum qualifications listed above, and experience establishing and maintaining positive, professional, collaborative relationships with a variety of internal and external partners, stakeholders and community members.
- Significant knowledge of Oregon’s land use planning system.
- Public Speaking Experience.
Ideal Candidate
Benton County’s next Community Development Director will be an adaptable, strategic, service-oriented, unconditional team player, and an open communicator. The ideal candidate must be collaborative, inclusive, consistent, fair, and thoughtful but decisive in decision-making and problem resolution as well as committed to stewardship of County resources.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess experience in the following areas:
- Certification from American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
- Master’s Degree in planning, geography, public administration or another related field.
- Strategic planning, program development and administration.
- Municipal budget preparation and administration.
- Economic development and small business development and retention.
- Real estate finance and development.
- Oregon Building Codes and Construction.
- Pertinent Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations.
Salary Placement:
Questions regarding this position can be directed to
Rick Crager, Assistant County Administrator
Benton County Board of Commissioners
Telephone: (541) 766-6246
rick.crager@bentoncountyor.gov
How to Apply
- To apply for this position, click on the “Apply” button to fill out all information in the online application and complete the questionnaire. Failure to do so may result in your application being removed from consideration.
- Only complete applications received by the posted application deadline date, or the first review date will be considered.
- Answer all supplemental questions and attach a cover letter.
After you Apply
- You will get an email stating your application has been submitted. Log in to your Neo Gov account before the job announcement closes to see if you have any pending tasks or notifications, and make sure to complete these tasks before the job announcement closes. These can be found under the “My Applications” section.
- Be sure to check both your email and NeoGov account for updates regarding this recruitment.
- Tentative Interview Schedule:
- First interviews will be November 12th, 2024.
- Second Interviews will be November 19th, 2024
Working & Living in Benton County
Established in 1847, nearly 12 years before Oregon became a state in 1859. Benton County (pop. 93,053; 679 sq. mi.) is in the middle of the Willamette Valley, with Corvallis (pop. 61,027) as the county seat. The County is the state’s fourth smallest in terms of area and medium-sized with respect to population. Corvallis is home to Oregon State University (OSU), the city’s largest employer. Most of the rest of the county is farm and forest land, reflecting a much treasured rural heritage.
The quality of life here is very high, a perfect blend of rural, urban, and small town living, with unlimited access to Oregon’s coveted outdoor lifestyle. Corvallis is dynamic, safe, and friendly, a thriving college town with many cultural offerings. Portland’s world-class urban amenities, major sports venues, and Portland International Airport are 90 minutes to the north, and Eugene and its airport are less than an hour south.
The area offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities year-round, with easy access to the mountains, ocean, rivers, streams, and wilderness. The Oregon Coast is an hour away. Corvallis is a gold-level Bike Friendly Community with bike lanes on 98 percent of the collector and arterial roadways and eighteen miles of multi-use paths. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranks Benton County as one of the top three healthiest counties in Oregon.
Additional information
- This is a FLSA exempt position.
- Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.
- Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans’ preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to attach your DD214 or Disability letter from the VA.
- Benton County does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Benton County will review these documents to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
- If you wish to identify yourself as an individual with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and will be requesting accommodation, please contact the Benton County Human Resources Department by calling 541-766-6081.
Helpful links and contact information
Learn more about Benton County
Understanding the County Application Process
Job Interest Cards webpage
For more information you may contact us by e-mail at recruiting@bentoncountyor.gov or by phone at 541-766-6081.