Description

The County of Tuolumne is seeking an experienced community development leader who is will serve our historic and beautifully rural community.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department provides quality, accurate, and responsible building, planning, environmental health, and code enforcement services to the community under direction of and collaboration with the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, County Counsel, and stakeholders in a manner which is cost-effective and promotes excellence in the delivery of government services to the public while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. The Director oversees an office with 28 allocated FTEs supplemented by contractors. 

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and adaptable leader with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and will be expected to excel in fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders, while maintaining a customer-focused approach. This individual is a strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex issues, anticipate trends, and implement effective solutions that align with organizational goals, and regulatory requirements. They are skilled in mentoring and advising county staff and stakeholders, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a commitment to professional development. The successful candidate will be a highly capable project manager, skilled at maintaining momentum and balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. They will bring a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects from concept through completion, demonstrating the ability to deliver results across a wide range of initiatives. Their strong organizational skills, coupled with a proactive and innovative mindset, enable them to ensure compliance, promote sustainability, and lead the department toward operational excellence.

The Community Development Director serves as the Planning/Land Use Director, Environmental Coordinator, Historic Preservation Officer, and Airport Land Use Commission Secretary.

ABOUT THE COUNTY & COMMUNITY

Tuolumne County, with a population of 55,365 in an area of approximately 2,221 square miles of land and 54 square miles of water, offers its residents and visitors a rural setting with quaint gold-rush towns steeped in Native American, mining, and farming history in some of the most beautiful scenery in California. Encompassing over a million acres the county is located on the west side of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is a favorite destination of visitors who spent hundreds of millions of dollars in the community.

Tuolumne County is easily accessible year-round for all-season fun and adventures. Endless sight-seeing and photography opportunities are found here. Travel scenic highway 120 through Tuolumne County to Yosemite National Park. There you will find breathtaking vistas, towering giant sequoias, Half Dome, El Capitan, waterfalls, and Tuolumne Meadows. Throughout Tuolumne County you will find opportunities for festivals and events, star-gazing, exploring historic gold rush towns, learning about our Mi-Wuk community, shopping, wine and cider tasting, restaurants and quaint theatre houses. Endless opportunities abound for camping, hiking, biking, boating, rafting, fishing, horseback riding and water and snow sports. Experience the Gold Rush first hand with a trip to Columbia State Historic Park where you can pan for gold and take a ride on an authentic stagecoach. 

The County’s beloved original residents, the Tuolumne Band of Mi-Wuk Indians and the Chicken Ranch Rancheria Tribe of Mi-Wuk Indians, are an integral part of our thriving community.

The historic beauty of our county has attracted movie producers and production companies for many years. We caught the eye of Hollywood in 1920 when The Virginian was filmed here and have entertained a steady stream of movie and television producers since then, including Back to the Future 3, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, Petticoat Junction, Bonanza, The A Team, and many more. Most recently Tuolumne County was the scene for urban legend horror movie, Lantern’s Lane.

THE RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

Qualified candidates will will be invited to participate in the interview process, which will include a peer screening interview and a Board interview.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. 

Final Filing Date:  Sunday, February 15, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.

For more information and to apply online:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tuolumnecounty  

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, environmental studies, natural resource management, watershed management, forestry, environmental health, building and construction, or a closely related field; and five (5) years of increasingly responsible management experience as a professional planner or professional in a closely related field. A Master’s degree in city and regional planning, public administration, business administration or related field is highly desirable.

•  Must possess a California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Certification as a professional planner from the American Institute of Certified Planners.
• ICC Certifications desirable.