1

Workforce Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Field Auditor

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$53K - $81K/yr

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking applicants for the position of Field Auditor. This position will be domiciled at one of the following IowaWORKS Centers: Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs ...

Career Planner

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$50K - $74K/yr

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is seeking a Career Planner to join our team at the IowaWORKS office in Waterloo, Iowa. Position Details Location: 3420 University Ave, Waterloo, IA Schedule ...

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is seeking a Title I Career Planner to join our team at the IowaWORKS office in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Position Details Location: 300 W Broadway 13, Council Bluffs, IA ...

Attorney Legal Secretary

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$26.85 - $32.59/hr

Keyboarding skill test from Iowa Workforce Development with a 40 WPM (net score), within the last 12 months A validated keyboard test with a minimum net speed of 40 words per minute is required.

Sr External Workforce Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Career Training & Development Opportunities Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits * Paid Time Off ... To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace ...

Sr External Workforce Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Career Training & Development Opportunities Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits * Paid Time Off ... To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Workforce Development information

See Iowa salary details

$27.2K

$62K

$122.6K

How much do workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development in Iowa is $61,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $80,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Workforce Development vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce DevelopmentCareer Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in workforce or employment servicesTypically requires a counseling or career development certification or degree
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, community organizations, training centersEducational institutions, private practices, career centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by public and nonprofit sectors to improve employment ratesUsed by schools, private firms, and counseling agencies to guide individual careers

While both roles focus on employment and career paths, Workforce Development primarily involves creating programs and policies to improve employment opportunities at a community or organizational level. Career Counselors work directly with individuals to help them identify career goals and develop personal strategies. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and organizations choose the right support for their needs.

What is workforce development?

Workforce development refers to a wide range of activities, policies, and programs designed to create, sustain, and retain a skilled workforce that meets the current and future needs of employers. This field focuses on improving workers’ skills, connecting people to employment opportunities, and supporting career advancement. Workforce development can include job training, education, career counseling, apprenticeships, and collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen both individuals’ employability and the overall economic health of communities.

How do Workforce Development professionals typically collaborate with local employers and educational institutions?

Workforce Development professionals often serve as a bridge between local employers, training providers, and educational institutions. They regularly coordinate with businesses to identify current and future hiring needs, then partner with schools and community colleges to develop or enhance training programs that align with those needs. This collaborative approach ensures that job seekers are equipped with relevant skills and that employers have access to a qualified talent pipeline. Effective communication and relationship-building are key parts of the role, making networking and stakeholder management essential daily activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Workforce Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Workforce Development, you need expertise in career counseling, labor market analysis, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as CWDP (Certified Workforce Development Professional). Familiarity with workforce information systems, job-matching platforms, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills help professionals connect with job seekers and employers effectively. These skills ensure successful program outcomes, foster community partnerships, and enable individuals to achieve employment and career growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development jobs in Iowa? For Workforce Development jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Workforce Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Workforce Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,990 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Career Navigator- Sioux City- Part Time

Career Navigator- Sioux City- Part Time

Goodwill of the Great Plains

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$21.26/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

We are seeking Career Navigator who supports individuals in identifying career goals, overcoming barriers to employment, and securing meaningful work. This role provides personalized career guidance, connects participants to training and community resources, and supports them throughout the job search and placement process. The Career Navigator acts as a trusted coach, advocate, and connector between job seekers, employers, and support services. Assisting with job search skills, career exploration, job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and connecting them with training, education, and employment opportunities.

Position Type: Full-Time

In accordance with the Goodwill of the Great Plains mission, we are committed to providing a competitive total compensation package, including salary and benefits, that will attract, retain, and reward high performing employees who share a passion for transforming lives through the dignity of work. Goodwill of the Great Plains strives to make employee compensation performance-based, competitive to organizations with similar missions, and commensurate for the individual’s level of responsibility.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Workforce Development, Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

• Experience in career coaching, case management, workforce development, or employment services preferred

Responsibilities:

  • Serves as primary point of contact and facilitator at Job Center.
  • Conduct individual career assessments to identify skills, interests, strengths, and realistic employment goals
  • Develop individualized employment and career plans in collaboration with job seekers, and when applicable care team members.
  • Provide job readiness support, including résumé development, interview preparation, job applications, and workplace expectations
  • Assist job seekers in identifying and addressing barriers to employment (e.g., transportation, childcare, housing, education, legal or financial challenges).
  • Connect individuals to training programs, educational opportunities, certifications, and community resources.
  • Coordinate with employers, workforce partners, and community agencies to identify job opportunities, experiences, and placement options.
  • Track job seeker progress, outcomes, and documentation in ETO database.
  • Provide post-placement support to help individuals retain employment and advance in their careers.
  • Report outcomes for weekly report.
  • Maintain ongoing awareness of the employment needs, of local employers and of community job fairs.
  • Monitor computer usage by each Job Center client for compliance with Visitor Code
  • of Conduct.
  • Complies with all CARF, CQL and Goodwill safety, vocational training requirements and policies and procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

While the benefits are great, Goodwill’s mission is really at the heart of all we do. When you join the Goodwill team you are not just joining the company, you are becoming part of our family. You could be eligible for a Personal Day, Birthday Day Off, and 6 Paid Holidays upon hire. With eligibility for Health Dental, and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment. See more benefit details on the careers tab at www.goodwillgreatplains.org. Apply today to become a part of something great!

Goodwill of the Great Plains provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.