I am a retired environmental consultant, with an MS in forestry from the U of WA. Seattle is a great choice in the center of "ecotopia." People there have a highly developed sense of the outdoors and natural resources in general. Plus it is a large urban population that provides opportunity.

You are on the right track. You will need CPR, first aid, even EMT training. People skills are really important. Outdoor experiences push people and can make them uncomfortable and therefore stressed. Any new skills will help ie. canoes, rafts, pack horses, dog sledding, x-c skiing, mountaineering, etc.