Workforce Development Specialist in Wailuku, Hawaii at Pacific Whale Foundation

About Pacific Whale Foundation & PacWhale Eco-Tours

Pacific Whale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to protecting the ocean through science and advocacy. Since 1980, we have made a significant impact on marine environments and wildlife across the Pacific region, including Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship and promote ocean conservation.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay with potential earnings through commission sales (role dependent)
• Comprehensive benefits including PTO, health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and much more for eligible employees
• Free Eco-Tours and discounted friends & family rates

About the role:

Position: Workforce Development Specialist, Full Time, Exempt
Location: Hybrid, based at PWF Headquarters in Māʻalaea, Maui, with occasional remote days
Pay: $60,000 to $65,000 a year, based on skills and experience

Role Overview

Help shape Maui’s next generation of ocean professionals. The Workforce Development Specialist leads Pacific Whale Foundation’s youth workforce programs, mainly Ocean Career Quest, our career program for middle school students and high school interns. You’ll plan and run the program, mentor interns, and build partnerships with schools, employers, and the community. You’ll also support our education programs, such as Ocean Camps and Keiki Whale Watch.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Ocean Career Quest, including the middle school cohort and high school internship program
• Design and teach career-readiness lessons on job skills and career paths
• Help recruit, select, and place high school interns, then supervise them in safe, professional work settings
• Build relationships with schools, families, mentors, employers, and community partners
• Track program results and help prepare grant reports
• Support Ocean Camps, Keiki Whale Watch, outreach events, and shared department duties
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• At least 3 years of teaching, youth development, or career-readiness experience
• At least 1 to 2 years of experience coordinating internships, work-based learning, or career pathway programs
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills
• Comfort with public speaking and working with youth
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in Education, Marine or Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Human Resources, or a related field preferred
  
  

Bonus Points

• Experience supervising high school interns or managing mentor partnerships
• Grant reporting experience
• Environmental education experience in Hawaiʻi and knowledge of Hawaiian culture and place-based learning
  
  

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license (any state), clean driving abstract, and ability to drive a 15-passenger van
• CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding certifications, or ability to obtain them within 3 months of hire
• Ability to pass background checks required to work with minors
• Strong swimmer, comfortable on large vessels, in the ocean, and outdoors in all weather
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Flexibility for early mornings, long days, and weekends during peak season (January through July)