WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Job Description:

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A PORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (PORT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST III-IV)

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $ 33.42 - $ 50.84 (Hourly)

ABOUT US:

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the country.

THE TEAM:

The Government Relations Division leads the charge in building powerful connections between the Port of Long Beach and key decision-makers, whether elected officials, legislative staff, agency leaders, or appointed officials at the local, state, and federal levels. The Division also oversees the Port’s education and workforce development programming to connect students and workers with a number of training and job opportunities in the supply chain. With a sharp focus on shaping the future, the Government Relations Division goes beyond just outreach, offering expert legislative analysis and advocacy to push the Port's initiatives forward. Their mission? To champion the Port's vital programs and secure the funding needed to keep it thriving and ahead of the curve!

THE ROLE:

Under the supervision of the Manager of Workforce Development and the Director of Government Relations, the Port Workforce Development Specialist supports the Port’s education and workforce development initiatives. Assists in promoting the Port’s mission, goals, and objectives to external audiences and helps carry out educational and workforce development activities across various school programs, public agencies, labor organizations, and community-based outreach efforts. Aids in building partnerships with educational institutions, unions, and employers to support the development and implementation of training programs. Additionally, they collaborate with leadership on resource planning, handle financial and procurement issues, and represent the Port at public events.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Support industry-leading educational and workforce development programs and tracking of outcomes, promote a positive image of the Port, build support for the Port’s goals and initiatives, and develop community pride in the Port.
• Support Port participation in state and federal workforce boards by attending meetings and providing input as appropriate.
• Assist in the development and coordination of K-12 education programs.
• Support school engagement activities for pathway, scholarship, and internship programs in coordination with department staff.
• Participate in the scholarship program review panel and provide input on applicant evaluation.
• Coordinate logistics and provide administrative support for the Summer High School Internship Program; works closely with school district staff and workforce board representatives.
• Assists in identifying and supporting grant opportunities and deliverables under the guidance of senior staff.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, consultants, and educators to support initiatives that enhance understanding of Port operations and improve the educational experience.
• Support the Port’s involvement with the Goods Movement Workforce Training Facility Planning Committee for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
• Provide assistance to Government Relations staff in tracking workforce development and labor-related legislation.
• Help maintain collaborative relationships with government and educational institutions, labor organizations, training providers, and industry partners.
• Support workforce development and education initiatives such as Career Technical Education (CTE), pre-apprenticeships, and internships under the direction of senior staff.
• Assists in the planning and coordinating of Port special events related to education and workforce development.
• Monitor program expenses and provide input for budget tracking related to education and workforce programs.
• Collect and track program metrics to support evaluation of education and workforce initiatives.
• Provide input on communication materials and strategies related to workforce and education programs, ensuring alignment with Port messaging.
• Ensure consistency with the Port’s brand across assigned education and workforce development activities.
• Assist in organizing special events, workshops, and meetings by managing logistics and coordinating with participants.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and documentation.
• Support analysis of program information and assist in identifying and recommending potential solutions.
• Coordinate project activities with Port staff, community partners, vendors, consultants, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Participate in task forces, committees, and working groups as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business, Communications, Public Relations, Education, Marketing, Social Sciences, or a related field is required
• Two years of experience in Public Education, Workforce Development, or Education Policy.
• Experience in working with and developing grant-funded programs, as well as familiarity with grant seeking.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, along with extended hours

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• A broad-based knowledge of public affairs and government relations is required.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, with expertise in business communication (spelling, grammar, punctuation).
• Experience in administrative methods, budgeting, procurement, and brand management strategies.
• Must be comfortable speaking clearly and knowledgeably about the Port in public and to a crowd
• Ability to correspond and handle inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, representing the Port professionally in diverse situations.

DESIRABLE:

• A Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field is desirable.
• Local government experience is highly desired.
• Second language speaking ability is desirable but not required.
• Knowledge of the political and community issues affecting the Port is a plus.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

To thrive, you will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relations skills, and exceptional public speaking/presentation skills. You must also establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.

If you require accommodation because of a disability to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please call (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/ .

The final filing date for this recruitment is Monday, July 7, 2025 @ 11:59 pm PDT.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application in PDF format . Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related video interview assessment to further evaluate candidate qualifications. We will conduct Sparkhire video interviews the week of July 11 - 16, 2025 (asynchronous video interviews) and final round interviews on Thursday, July 24, 2025 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check. The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an hourly range of $ 33.42 - $ 50.84 (placement depends on qualifications).

An attractive package of benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university - or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. www.polb.com

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 7/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$33.42 - $50.84 Hourly