Manager/Instructor - Stimson Technical Institute

Stimson Lumber Company; Gaston (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Stimson Lumber Company seeks a Manager for the Stimson Technical Institute to design, launch, and lead a workforce development program that prepares early-career individuals for careers in the wood products industry. You will architect the learning system, coordinate internal expertise, and oversee curriculum, partnerships, and participant success.

The role emphasizes building a sustainable talent pipeline, coordinating with mill leadership, SMEs, HR, and educational partners, and ensuring the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related field
• Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, or educational materials
• Strong project management, organization, planning, and follow-through
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities
• Experience working with students, early-career employees, apprentices, or similar developing populations

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the Stimson Technical Institute, including launch planning, ongoing operations, and continuous improvement.
• Establish program goals, learning outcomes, policies, procedures, schedules, and annual operating rhythms.
• Develop annual program plans, budgets, reporting tools, and performance metrics.
• Maintain participant records, program documentation, attendance tracking, and other administrative requirements.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on participant outcomes, supervisor feedback, and business needs.

Skills

Project management

Organization

Planning

Communication

Facilitation

Relationship-building

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Forest Grove Mill and Resource Office - Gaston, OR 97119

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary

Job Shift: Day

The Manager, Stimson Technical Institute is responsible for developing, launching, and leading Stimson Lumber Company's workforce development program designed to prepare early-career individuals for successful careers in the wood products industry. The position serves as the architect and administrator of the Institute, overseeing program design, curriculum development, student recruitment, educational partnerships, program operations, and participant success.

Working closely with mill leadership, technical subject matter experts, Human Resources, and local educational partners, the Manager will create a structured learning experience that connects classroom learning, hands-on exposure, mentorship, and real-world work experience. The role is not intended to be the primary technical instructor; instead, it is responsible for building the learning system, coordinating Stimson's internal expertise, and ensuring the program operates effectively.

This position will play a critical role in building a sustainable talent pipeline for Stimson's future workforce.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Administration

• Lead all aspects of the Stimson Technical Institute, including launch planning, ongoing operations, and continuous improvement.
• Establish program goals, learning outcomes, policies, procedures, schedules, and annual operating rhythms.
• Develop annual program plans, budgets, reporting tools, and performance metrics.
• Maintain participant records, program documentation, attendance tracking, and other administrative requirements.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on participant outcomes, supervisor feedback, and business needs.

Curriculum & Educational Development

• Design and oversee the Institute's educational framework, learning pathways, and overall participant experience.
• Develop curriculum outlines, lesson plans, learning objectives, assessments, and program materials in partnership with operational leaders and subject matter experts.
• Ensure classroom content and mill-based learning experiences align with Stimson's workforce needs, safety expectations, values, and ways of working.
• Coordinate updates to curriculum as equipment, technology, processes, and business needs evolve.
• Translate technical knowledge from internal experts into a practical, organized learning sequence for early-career participants.

Recruitment & Community Partnerships

• Build strong partnerships with high schools, career and technical education programs, community colleges, workforce development organizations, and other relevant community partners.
• Represent Stimson at career fairs, school events, community meetings, and workforce outreach activities.
• Develop strategies to attract, recruit, assess, and select high- potential program participants.
• Promote awareness of career opportunities in manufacturing, skilled trades, and the forest products industry.
• Help students and families understand the expectations, schedule, work environment, and career opportunities associated with sawmill and wood products work.

Participant Development & Mentorship

• Serve as the primary teacher, advisor, coach, and point of contact for Institute participants.
• Monitor participant progress, engagement, attendance, professionalism, and readiness for continued employment.
• Provide coaching and support related to communication, accountability, workplace expectations, teamwork, and career development.
• Partner with supervisors, mentors, and HR to address participant concerns or performance issues in a timely and constructive manner.
• Support successful transition from program participation into long-term employment opportunities with Stimson.

Program Coordination

• Coordinate instruction and learning activities delivered by internal and external subject matter experts.
• Prepare and support instructors, facilitators, mentors, and supervisors who contribute to the participant learning experience.
• Work with mill leadership to align participant rotations, work assignments, and learning objectives.
• Ensure participant activities support safety, operational priorities, and meaningful skill development.
• Foster collaboration among instructors, supervisors, mentors, HR, and program participants.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Workforce Development, Training and Development, Organizational Leadership, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, learning objectives, assessments, or educational program materials.
• Strong project management, organization, planning, and follow-through skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience working with students, early-career employees, apprentices, or similar developing populations.

Preferred

• Experience in career and technical education, vocational training, apprenticeship programs, workforce development, community college programs, or industrial training environments.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, industrial operations, skilled trades, forestry, wood products, or related industries.
• Experience building partnerships with schools, colleges, workforce organizations, community partners, or employers.
• Experience coordinating instructors, facilitators, mentors, or subject matter experts.
• Familiarity with technical instruction or hands-on training environments; direct technical teaching experience is helpful but not required.