Workforce Development Specialist

Position Summary

The Workforce Development Specialist serves as a field-facing support role helping implement programs that strengthen employee growth, skill advancement, promotion readiness, retention, and workforce stability. Reporting to the Workforce Development Manager, this role is responsible for supporting the day-to-day execution of workforce development initiatives across field operations in and around Knoxville.

This position plays a highly visible and hands-on role within an asphalt production and paving environment, requiring regular interaction with field employees, foremen, superintendents, plant managers, shop managers, project managers, and operations leadership. The Workforce Development Specialist helps employees understand career paths, supports training participation, tracks development progress, assists with promotion readiness efforts, and helps leadership identify employee development needs.

Key Responsibilities

Field Engagement & Employee Support

• Maintain regular visibility in field environments to strengthen trust, communication, and workforce engagement.
• Help employees understand career pathways, promotion criteria, training opportunities, and expectations for skill advancement.
• Share field-level observations and employee feedback with the Workforce Development Manager and local leadership as needed.

Workforce Development Program Support

• Support the implementation of workforce development programs created by Human Resources, operations, workforce development leadership, or senior leadership.
• Assist in gathering feedback on workforce development programs and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Support consistent program execution across job sites, plants, shops, and office locations.

Training Coordination & Participation Tracking

• Coordinate employee participation in training, development sessions, leadership programs, technical skills training, and other workforce initiatives in partnership with local leadership and the Workforce Development Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of training participation, completion status, certifications, skills development, and follow-up actions.
• Assist with training logistics including rosters, materials, attendance tracking, room setup, field coordination, and post-training follow-up.

Career Pathways, Promotion Readiness & Skill Advancement

• Support processes that track employee readiness for promotion, skill advancement, cross-training, or role expansion.
• Help identify high-potential employees and employees who may benefit from additional training, coaching, experience, or support.
• Assist employees in understanding what is required to progress into roles such as lead person, foreman, equipment operator, plant operator, quality control technician, mechanic, or other critical positions.
• Provide practical field-level insight regarding employee development needs and opportunities.

Performance Management & Supervisor Support

• Assist with the performance management and development processes, particularly for field employees and field leadership teams.
• Support supervisors and managers in preparing for meaningful performance and development conversations with employees.
• Help track whether performance conversations, development follow-up, and coaching actions are occurring consistently.
• Communicate observations regarding performance management consistency and employee feedback to the Workforce Development Manager.

Workforce Data, Reporting & Process Support

• Prepare reports and summaries related to training participation, employee readiness, program activity, field engagement, and development trends.
• Assist with tracking bench strength, skill gaps, promotion opportunities, and employee development needs as directed.
• Support continuous improvement of workforce development processes, tools, communication, and follow-up practices.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Education, Training, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience in workforce development, training coordination, human resources, employee development, construction operations support, or a related field preferred.
• Willingness to travel to local job sites, asphalt plants, and shops regularly with occasional travel to other locations within Tennessee.
• Experience supporting field-based operations such as construction, heavy civil, asphalt, paving, manufacturing, industrial, or other project-based industries strongly preferred.
• Ability to build relationships with employees, supervisors, foremen, superintendents, plant managers, shop managers, project managers, and operations leaders.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain programs, expectations, and next steps clearly to employees at all levels.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple programs, schedules, records, and follow-up items in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain accurate data, track employee progress, and prepare clear reports or summaries.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling employee information and development discussions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with Arcoro or similar LMS preferred.