Current Vacancies

AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 
1 Vacancy – 4-year terms position can be filled by either an agricultural producer, or an agricultural processor. This committee assists in the implementation of numerous policies and tasks relating to protecting and enhancing the long-term viability of agriculture. The thirteen members of the AAC meet monthly from October through April and serve a 4-year term.  Executive-appointed.

BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies – The committee assists the county in the planning, funding, development and implementation of facilities and programs that will result in the increased safety and use of bicycle and pedestrian travel as a significant and beneficial mode of transportation and recreation. Members meet monthly and serve a 4-year term. Executive-appointed. 

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
1 Vacancy for an alternate member, partial term ending 1/31/2028. Applicants must reside in County Council District 2, 3, or 5. The Board ensures that all properties are valued at 100% of market value. The Board may equalize property values by either lowering or raising land/building assessments. The Board generally meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with occasional Tuesday meetings as the caseload requires. Members receive $150 per diem for attending hearings. County Council appointed. Deadline for applications to this position is 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

CHILD AND FAMILY WELL-BEING TASK FORCE
1 Vacancy, partial term ending 1/31/2027. Applicants must represent at least one of the following experiences: community members from under-represented communities (Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, immigrant, rural); community action agency, non-profit housing organization or social service agency; faith community; private school, home school, higher education or child care provider; medical and behavioral health care provider serving young children and families; community members with experience caring for children such as parent, foster parent, grandparent, or guardian; private business, corporation, or philanthropic organization. The Task Force will continually review Whatcom governmental impacts on children and families, and make specific recommendations for improvements for all departments. The Task Force will consider input from diverse families throughout Whatcom County and evidence-based and promising practices and report on and make recommendations to County Council, Executive, and other appropriate officials regarding implementation of recommendations in the Whatcom Working Toward Well-being: An Action Plan for County Government (Action Plan) as adopted on February 4, 2020. Council-appointed. Deadline for applications to this position is 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM (CEP) OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy - The open position is reserved for a farmer or forester. This committee provides oversight and evaluation of the Conservation Easement Program for Whatcom County. The program enhances the protection of the County's farmland, forestland, and ecological areas, enhances the long-term viability of agricultural and forestry enterprises within the County and provides public benefit by retaining properties in permanent resource use. Members meet monthly, as needed and serve a 4-year term. Executive-appointed.

DRAYTON HARBOR SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT
2 vacancies, one 4-year term and one partial term ending 1/31/2029. Meets quarterly. Members must have a direct interest in the shellfish protection district. Duties are to advise the County Council on the proposed actions and operations relating to the restoration of water quality in the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Council-appointed.

FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• 2 Vacancies for geographic area representative. One partial term ending 1/31/2026 and one 4-year term
• Any person interested in serving on the advisory committee may be appointed as an alternate for a term of six years. Alternate members shall be notified of each meeting and are encouraged to attend.

Meets the second Thursday of the month or as needed. Committee assists and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors in performing flood damage repairs, maintenance and improvements, and minimizing future flood damage through prevention and management on the Nooksack River, its watershed, and the other watersheds within Whatcom County.  Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors-appointed

FOOD SYSTEM COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies – Positions are for fishing industry, food processing/distributing, and food access representative. The county adopted a countywide food system plan to strengthen our local food system. The committee is tasked with implementing, providing oversight for, and regularly updating it.   Nine members meet monthly and serve a 4-year terms. Executive-appointed.

FOREST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies - two positions for a harvester or silviculturist, partial terms ending 1/31/2026 and 1/31/2028. The forest advisory committee provides review and recommendations to the county council on issues that affect forest lands within Whatcom County, including those related to the timber economy, forest ecosystems, climate impacts, and recreation. The forest advisory committee also provides a forum for all sectors of the forest community to contribute to discussions on the future of forest lands in Whatcom County. The forest advisory committee reports directly to the county council and collaborates with other appropriate advisory groups as necessary to carry out its functions. Meets monthly. Council-appointed. 

FOREST RESILIENCE TASK FORCE
1 vacancy. Must be a community member with expertise in relevant science disciplines. Term ends when Task Force sunsets on December 31, 2025, or no longer than four years if extended. The Task Force is created to develop a comprehensive Whatcom County Forest Resilience Plan, which will include a framework for engagement with local, state, federal, and tribal governments and relevant stakeholders on issues relating to forest management and resilience. The Task Force will report to the Whatcom County Council and Executive. Meets on various Monday or Thursdays, see website for meeting schedule. Council-appointed

HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF WHATCOM COUNTY
1 Vacancy - tribal representative, un-restricted term. The Housing Advisory Committee guides the county's Housing and Homelessness program, providing oversight and recommendations on emerging trends, funding, and programmatic strategies to end homelessness. The committee assists in implementing the Plan to End Homelessness and advises on policies and funding related to affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Executive-appointed

HORTICULTURE PEST AND DISEASE BOARD
4 Vacancies. 2-year terms. The Board is created to enable Whatcom County to more effectively control and prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases. One member shall have at least a practical knowledge of horticultural pests and diseases and the other members shall be residents of the county, shall own land within the county and shall be engaged in the primary and commercial production of a horticultural product or products, one of whom shall be engaged in the production of certified organic produce, if available. Two-year terms. The Board shall: 1. Receive complaints, 2. Inspect 3. Enforce 4. Employ persons and purchase goods and equipment as necessary, 5. Educate the public, and 6. Administrate. Meeting schedule is to be determined. Council-appointed

JUSTICE PROJECT OVERSIGHT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy, partial term ends 1/31/2026. Applicants must be a young adult aged 18-24. The Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP) Committee is created by the Whatcom County Justice Project Implementation Plan as a subcommittee of the Incarceration Prevention & Reduction Task Force. The JPOP Committee will monitor Task Force and County progress toward Implementation Plan goals, contribute to the Task Force annual report to the County Council, and recommend periodic updates to the plan.  Additionally, the Committee will identify metrics for performance accountability related to each plan project. County Council-appointed

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee  
1 Vacancy,  - Open position is for a representative of an organization that collects lodging tax in unincorporated Whatcom County. The LTAC committee serves in an advisory capacity to the County Executive, advising on recommendations for use of this special fund as allowed in RCW 67.28.180. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee shall consist of at least five (5) members, appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council.  The committee membership shall include: (a) at least two members who are representatives of businesses required to collect tax under the RCW; and (b) at least two members who are persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under the RCW.

MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies – Applicant positions include a two positions for representatives of recreation interests, a Nooksack Tribe representative, and a Lummi Tribe representative. The Committee, guided by sound science and the needs of the Northwest Strait marine ecosystem, and consideration for the citizens of Whatcom County, will address local marine issues and recommend remedial action to local authorities. It will build awareness of issues, and gather support for remedies. Members meet monthly on the first Thursday and serve 4-year terms. Executive-appointed.

NORTHWEST SENIOR SERVICES BOARD
3 vacancies – The majority of the board should include senior citizen representatives of local government, minority groups, and citizen, professional, and community organizations.  The board serves as advisors to the Area Agency on Aging in order to develop and enhance a comprehensive service delivery system which meets the physical, social, and psychological needs of older people. 3-year terms. Executive-appointed. 

NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL BOARD
ALL APPLICATIONS For this Board Should be sent to the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board, 322 N. Commercial Street, Suite 110, Bellingham, Washington 98225.  
1 Vacancy, 4-year terms. Must reside in Noxious Weed District 1 and have ten signatures from registered voters in that district.  Current members eligible to reapply.  District No. 1 - North Boundary is the U.S./Canada Border; South Boundary follows along Birch-Bay Lynden, Polinder, Timon, Lindsay and Sorenson Rds.; East and West Boundaries are the same for Whatcom County. To view map of Noxious Weed Board districts visit our website. The Board promotes education on management of listed noxious weeds such as tansy ragwort, knapweed, purple loosestrife, knotweed and their impacts on natural resources.  Meets every other month.  Please call the Weed Board Coordinator at 360-778-6234 for more information. Council-appointed.

OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies, 4-year terms. Meets annually. The Open Space Advisory Committee represents the active farming community within the county to serve in an advisory capacity to the county assessor in implementing assessment guidelines as established by the department of revenue for the assessment of open space, farms and agricultural lands, and timber lands. Council-appointed.

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
1 Vacant Position, 4-year terms – The open position is designated as an At-large position, meaning residents of any district may apply. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The purpose of the Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission is to advise the Parks & Recreation Director on parks, recreation, and senior services issues. The commission provides recommendations in the development and review of acquisitions, plans, programs, policies and funding for parks and open space. The Commission serves as a liaison between the County and citizens and works to promote parks, recreation and senior services programs. 4-year terms. Executive-appointed.

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
1 Vacancy, partial term ending 1/31/2027. Applicants must have expertise and experience as a consumer of public health, community member with lived experience in one of the areas listed below, or community stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, the business community, and those regulated by public health Membership preference shall be given to tribal, racial, ethnic, and other minorities. The advisory board shall consist of a balance of persons with expertise, career experience, and consumer experience in areas impacting public health and with populations served by the health department, including healthcare access and quality; physical environment, including built and natural environments; social and economic sectors, including housing, basic needs, education, and employment; business and philanthropy; communities that experience health inequities; government, and; tribal communities and tribal government. Meets on the first Thursday of alternating months. Council-appointed

SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies, 3-year terms. Meets quarterly. Applicants must represent the agriculture industry or business/industry. The committee provides ongoing public input and advice to Whatcom County on solid waste management issues. Meets quarterly. Council-appointed. 

SURFACE MINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies, 4-year terms. Meets quarterly. No two representatives can be from the same company or public interest group. Applicant must meet one of the following requirements: Civil or geotechnical engineer with no direct or indirect financial business ties to the industry; ecologist; environmental consultant, or agriculture industry representative. The committee provides ongoing public input and advice to Whatcom County on issues related to surface mining in Whatcom County. Council-appointed. 

WHATCOM COUNTY FERRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy, partial term ending 1/31/2027, applicant must live in unincorporated Whatcom County and not live or own property on Lummi Island. Priority given to Lummi Nation member. The Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee provides review and recommendations to the Whatcom County Council and Executive on issues that affect the ongoing operations and infrastructure of ferry service to Lummi Island. The committee also provides a forum for those who depend upon Lummi Island ferry service to voice their ideas and concerns about the ferry service. Council-appointed.  

WILDLIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy, partial terms ending 1/31/2027. The committee will advise the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department staff and the Whatcom County Council on the value of wildlife and habitat management issues as they relate to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, with the goal of integrating wildlife management and protection into the community planning process. Council-appointed.