NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2026

CONTACT: Eric Carlson, ecarlson@revcenter.org

Natural Resources Career Pathways Socials Being Held this Week

High school students, college students, career changers, and community members exploring meaningful, locally based work are invited to a series of free Natural Resources Career Pathways Socials happening January 27–29 across Northeast Oregon. The events are open to all, cost nothing to attend, and refreshments will be provided.

These informal, conversation-based gatherings are designed for anyone curious about careers connected to land, water, and working landscapes. Rather than a traditional job fair, the Career Pathways Socials focus on helping people understand what natural resource careers exist, how people get started, and how skills from other fields can transfer into this work.

Communities across Northeast Oregon are facing a growing need for skilled workers in forestry, fire, fisheries, agriculture, watershed management, conservation, and related fields. These events aim to expand the region’s workforce pipeline by connecting attendees directly with professionals working in both field-based and behind-the-scenes roles.

Each event will include opportunities to talk one-on-one with professionals, learn about training and certification pathways, and receive support identifying transferable skills. This approach helps lower barriers for those without a traditional natural resources background who are interested in purpose-driven, place-based careers.

Registration is needed to make sure there are enough food and drinks for attendees.

Event Schedule:

  • Baker County: Tuesday, January 27 | 5:00–8:00 PM – Baker County Event Center

  • Union County: Wednesday, January 28 | 5:00–8:00 PM – La Grande WorkSource Center

  • Umatilla County: Wednesday, January 28 | 5:00–8:00 PM – Pendleton WorkSource Center

  • Wallowa County: Thursday, January 29 | 5:00–8:00 PM – Wallowa County ESD Building

More details, locations, and optional registration links are available at northernblues.org/events.

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