Community Development Specialist

Pierce Transit is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of improving the quality of life in our community by providing safe, reliable, innovative, and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.

Are you energized by connecting people to opportunities and building strong, lasting community relationships? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where your work has visible impact every day? If so, we invite you to bring your passion for outreach and engagement to Pierce Transit.

Pierce Transit’s Community Development Division is seeking a dynamic Community Development Specialist to serve as a trusted ambassador for the Agency. In this highly visible role, you will plan, coordinate, and lead community outreach efforts that increase awareness of Pierce Transit’s services, programs, and initiatives. You’ll connect directly with residents, employers, schools, senior communities, and local organizations, ensuring they understand and can confidently access the transportation options that support their daily lives.

This position plays a key role in designing and delivering engaging education programs for students and seniors, hosting interactive in-person events, supporting digital learning initiatives, and creating meaningful touchpoints that strengthen trust and accessibility across our service area. From organizing community event booths to delivering presentations and facilitating hands‑on learning experiences, you will help bring Pierce Transit’s mission to life in impactful and memorable ways.

This position is based out of our Lakewood, WA office. During peak outreach season, the schedule shifts to Tuesday through Saturday to support increased community engagement activity, including some evening commitments. During non-peak season, the schedule is Monday through Friday. Flexibility is essential, as community presence is at the heart of this role.

• At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too!
• That’s why we offer three on-site employee fitness rooms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.
• If your career goals change while you are employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a job at Pierce Transit.
• All Pierce Transit employees are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation. (Employees who have participated in the Tacoma Employee's Retirement System (TERS) may elect to continue to participate in that system.)
• Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.
• Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.
• If you're not currently living in the Lakewood-area, that's not a problem! We may be able to help with reimbursing up to $2,500 in moving expenses for those who physically relocate their primary residence to the Pierce/King/Thurston County area (substantiated with receipts).
• Washington State was recently recognized as being number 1 in the nation for quality of life; read more about that here.

• Full-time Pierce Transit employees receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 6 days of…