Workforce Development Specialist

Job Overview and Requirements: KAEE is seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for our mission to work with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works (EQPW) on their K-12 environmental education program.

The Workforce Development Specialist will work closely with the Environmental Education Coordinator and Community Outreach Coordinator to facilitate civic engagement opportunities for youth and to build and coordinate a K-12 shadowship, apprenticeship, and internship program for the Lexington-Fayette County Department of EQPW. Waste management, water quality (stormwater and sanitary sewers), and transportation are the focal topics for the program. The specialist will be involved in direct outreach to students and school district workforce development professionals. The selected applicant will have professional development opportunities, along with the ability to network with professionals throughout the service area and state of Kentucky.

The position will be based in the EQPW office in Lexington, KY. If you would like to have a significant impact and work with an amazing team, we encourage you to apply!

Summary of Essential Job Functions:

• School-based workforce development: work with EE staff to connect K-12 units to careers (with a focus on middle and high school units), especially careers related to city jobs; work with EE staff to coordinate career panels for middle and high school students; work with Fayette County Public Schools on career days and similar opportunities
• Relationship building: build relationships with FCPS, local colleges and local universities to facilitation the connection of students to EQPW-related careers; build relationships within EQPW to deeply understand the work done, skills needed, workforce development opportunities, and advancement paths available
• Civic Engagement: promote student engagement with city government; work with Middle/High Environmental Educator and Environmental Education Coordinator on the Youth Environmental Academy program; assist educators in facilitating community-based learning efforts
• Job shadow program: develop opportunities for middle school, high school and college students (particularly from underserved populations) to job shadow within the department; recruit and train other city staff members as partners in the shadow program, providing connections to the full spectrum of jobs within the EQPW; develop and implement guidelines for student and staff participants;
• Internship program: develop opportunities for high school and college students (particularly from underserved populations) to intern within the department; recruit and train other city staff members as partners in the internship program, providing connections to the full spectrum of jobs within the EQPW; develop and implement guidelines for student and staff participants; oversee intern training and regular check-ins
• Apprenticeship program: develop opportunities for high school graduates and college students (particularly from underserved populations) to secure an apprenticeship position within the department; develop and implement guidelines for each type of apprenticeship pathway
• Tracking and assessment: provide feedback opportunities for both students and host site staff; make program adjustments accordingly

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR 5 years of workforce development experience OR 3 years of workforce development experience and a relevant workforce development certification from an accredited institution

• Minimum 1 year of workforce development experience

• Self-directed team player who gets things done
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to work with and effectively communicate with a wide range of people including staff (administrative and operational), teachers, community partners, students, volunteers, and elected officials
• Dedication to equity 
• Knowledge of culturally relevant strategies for working with youth
• Ability to work outdoors and complete physically demanding tasks
• Comfortable with standard software and programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook as well as Google Drive, Dropbox
• Ability to work some evenings, weekends and holidays to meet work objectives
• Willingness to undergo a background check
• A valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of stormwater, waste management and/or transportation issues
• Experience teaching in K- 5th grade settings in a formal and/or non-formal setting
• Teaching credentials, either formal or non-formal (e.g., certified Environmental Educator)
• Experience seeking, writing, and administrating grants
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating diversity and equity in the workforce and to enacting best practices in youth education and development
• Bilingual

To Apply: 
Please send a resume and cover letter to Danny Woolums, dwoolums@lexingtonky.gov. The position will close January 23, 2023.

KAEE is an equal opportunity employer.  Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.