Natural resources career socials aim to build Union County workforce

Communities across Northeast Oregon are launching a series of Natural Resources Career Pathways Socials to address a growing shortage of skilled workers in forestry, fire response, fisheries, agriculture and watershed management. The events, hosted by Wallowa Resources with partner agencies, will take place across Baker, Union, Umatilla and Wallowa counties Jan. 27–29 and are intended to expand the local pipeline into land and water stewardship careers.

Organizers emphasize that the socials are not traditional job fairs. Instead they are designed to spark interest and awareness, showing how people begin these careers and how skills from other industries can transfer into natural-resource work. Activities will include short informational talks, employer and training-program booths, informal conversations with current workers, and information about educational pathways and local hiring practices.

For Union County residents, the initiative touches several practical concerns. Strengthening the local workforce in forestry and fuels reduction can reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires and related smoke events that harm respiratory health. Expanded capacity in watershed management supports safe drinking water and irrigation systems relied on by farmers. Fisheries and agricultural careers sustain local food systems and seasonal employment that many families depend on.

The events aim to reach youth, people looking to re-career later in life, and others who have had little exposure to natural-resources professions. Rural communities here face an aging workforce and gaps in training pipelines; the socials seek to make entry points and credential pathways more visible and achievable for residents who cannot relocate for work. By highlighting local hiring practices and transferable skills, organizers hope to lower barriers for people from diverse backgrounds, including those without formal degree pathways.

Public agencies and local employers participating in the socials will be able to explain seasonal and permanent roles, certification requirements, and training opportunities that may include short courses, apprenticeships and community college programs. That mix of options matters in Union County, where travel, childcare and cost can limit access to traditional four-year programs.

This outreach is part of a broader shift toward community-centered workforce development that links environmental stewardship with economic resilience and public health protection. Residents interested in exploring natural-resources work can look for the Union County stop in the Jan. 27–29 series and follow organizers’ event pages for specific times and locations. For many in the county, these socials offer a practical route into careers that help safeguard local landscapes, bolster livelihoods and strengthen public health for the whole community.