Specialized Transportation Administrator in Lakewood, Washington at Pierce Transit

Pierce Transit is an independent municipal organization dedicated to fulfilling the mission of improving people's quality of life by providing safe, reliable, innovative and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.

Pierce Transit is seeking a skilled and innovative transportation professional to serve as our Specialized Transportation Administrator. This position provides leadership in the development, administration, and expansion of specialized transportation services, with a focus on ADA Paratransit services that enhance access to transit throughout our community. The Administrator also leads and supports a team of professional staff, providing day-to-day supervision, coaching, performance management, and professional development to ensure high-quality service delivery and operational excellence.

As the Specialized Transportation Administrator, you will manage key partnerships with public agencies, community organizations, and service providers while overseeing and developing a team of direct reports. You will lead projects that support paratransit, microtransit, and other innovative transportation solutions, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. You will play a critical role in identifying new service opportunities, developing agreements, evaluating program performance, and advancing initiatives that align with Pierce Transit’s strategic goals and commitment to customer-focused mobility.

If you are a collaborative leader with strong people management and relationship-building skills, a track record of developing high-performing teams, and a passion for improving transportation access, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities of the Specialized Transportation Administrator:

• Develop and manage partnerships, service agreements, and collaborative initiatives that support specialized transportation services and community mobility needs.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned programs, building and maintaining effective relationships with local agencies, community partners, and regional stakeholders.

• Lead, supervise, and develop assigned staff through coaching, performance management, goal setting, and ongoing professional development, fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performing team.

• Prepare and coordinate intergovernmental agreements and other partnership documents, working closely with internal departments and legal counsel.

• Analyze program performance and financial data, developing reports and tools that support informed decision-making by Agency leadership, the Board of Commissioners, and the public.

• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure projects, programs, and partnerships align with Agency priorities, operational objectives, and strategic goals.

BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too! That’s why we offer two 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 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.

PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 6 days of major sick leave, 22 days of paid time off (PTO) per year, and the ability to earn up to 2 Wellness Days by participating in a qualifying wellness activity and the annual survey. PTO accrual rates increase per policy.

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.

• May supervise the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Coordinates work plans with Specialized Transportation management team to assure the integration of work programs and consistent application of Agency strategic goals.
• Prepares draft agreements, identifies initial terms and conditions of partnerships, and works with Counsel in finalizing intergovernmental agreements and any other necessary documents.
• Designs and generates effective reporting tools to aid the Agency, Board of Commissioners, and the public understand the financial advantages of proposed and ongoing programs/projects.
• Serves as regional point of contact for assigned program. Builds and maintains relationships with other agencies and leadership groups.
• Develops, plans, and manages innovative projects to expand Pierce Transit's portfolio of services, explore new technologies, and meet community need.
• Identifies potential new markets and business opportunities with the goal of enhancing transportation services to and from and in the Public Transportation Benefit Area.
• Develops specifications, scope of services, equipment needs, and other support work that is needed to ensure quick and effective solutions are implemented by the agency.
• Conducts research for operational and innovative service enhancements.
• Displays regular and consistent attendance.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's Degree in Public Administration, Business, Marketing, Transportation or related field and
• Three (3) years of experience in progressively responsible customer service, operational support and relationship management in support of a transportation program.
• Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Public sector experience desired.
One (1) year of experience leading, coordinating or guiding the work of others.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Individuals must pass a background check. Must possess and maintain a valid driver license.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Senior and disabled transportation principles and practices.
• Business and strategic planning
• Market research principles
• Financial and business management and analysis
• Project management principles
• Community or economic development
• Data analytics, statistics, or performance data analysis
• Applicable local, state and federal laws, codes and FTA regulations
• Principles and practices of employee supervision
• Business English
• Standard office procedures
• Microsoft Office products

SKILL IN:

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature (multi-tasking)
• Communications (verbal and written)
• Conflict management and resolution
• Organizational/time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Computer and database skills

ABILITY TO:

• Manage and administer projects, programs, or operational activities
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Conduct research on best practices and industry standards
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Follow verbal and written instructions

COMPETENCIES

• Aligns own behavior and decisions with the needs and goals of the organization to increase productivity and efficiency.
• Pursues new directions and drives needed change
• Working effectively and productively with others, sometimes in a team setting. Working cooperatively, effectively and productively with internal and external customers.
• Clearly assigns responsibilities for tasks and decisions; sets clear objectives and measures, monitors process, progress, and results; provides feedback to employees and management.
• Independently performing and accomplishing assignments and serving as a source of supply and support for the department, customers, and/or the organization.
• Ensures that all involved in a program or project has a common understanding of issues, and expectations; keeps everyone informed of progress and issues.