Workforce Development Specialist Position Filled

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Update – October 2026: This position has been filled and WFCA is no longer accepting applications. Thank you to everyone who applied and shared the opportunity.

Workforce Development Specialist

Western Forestry & Conservation Association (WFCA)

Salary: $50,000–$80,000 depending on experience
Schedule: Part-time or full-time depending on the candidate
Travel: Regular travel throughout the I-5 corridor
Benefits: This position does not currently include benefits

WFCA is looking for a Workforce Development Specialist to help expand forestry and natural resource career opportunities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

This position will work directly with schools, forestry programs, businesses, industry partners, and communities to strengthen the connections between students, employers, and careers in natural resources.

Primary Responsibilities

Outreach

  • Build relationships with teachers, schools, colleges, industry partners, and community organizations interested in forestry and natural resource workforce development.
  • Represent WFCA and the Workforce Initiative at schools, conferences, workforce events, career fairs, and industry meetings.
  • Grow Future Natural Resource Leaders (FNRL) by helping establish programs in new schools, towns, regions, and states.
  • Assist communities and schools with the process of starting and strengthening FNRL programs.
  • Document attendance at events with photos, video, and in writing for use in WFCA communications.

Program Development & Administration

  • Manage and grow the WFCA Job Board as a resource for forestry and natural resource employers and job seekers.
  • Assist with the continued expansion of WFCA’s regional workforce development efforts through grant reporting and writing activities.
  • Track events, interactions, partnerships, and impact.

Recruitment

  • Connect students and entry-level workers directly with employment, internships, training, and career opportunities.
  • Recruit candidates for job openings with WFCA members and companies participating in the WFCA Workforce Initiative.

Who We’re Looking For

The right candidate is a self-starter who enjoys working with people and building programs from the ground up. This position requires someone who is comfortable traveling, communicating with a wide range of people, developing new relationships, and helping turn workforce ideas into working programs.

Qualifications

  • 2+ years’ experience in developing and delivering programming focused on education, community engagement, nonprofit management, volunteer engagement, or similar.
  • 3+ years’ experience working with K-12 youth.
  • Ability to travel and work irregular/flexible hours, including evening hours and weekends.
  • Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate auto insurance (mileage will be reimbursed at GSA rates).
  • Must be able to pass the criminal history check requirements.
  • Experience with budgets, data tracking, reporting, and program evaluation.
  • Proficient computer skills in current versions of office software/applications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education, training, or experience in natural resources, forestry, wildland fire, agriculture, workforce development, education, or a skilled trade.
  • Experience working with rural communities and/or underserved communities.
  • Experience in grant writing and reporting.
  • Bilingual (Spanish).

Physical Requirements

Work requires:

  • Frequent computer work for long periods of time.
  • Regular car travel for up to several hours at a time.
  • Standing or walking for up to a full day at events.
  • Packing and unpacking exhibit materials of up to 30 pounds.

Help Us Build the Next Generation of the Forestry Workforce

WFCA is working to create stronger pathways from classroom to career. This position will play a major role in expanding that work throughout the West.