What are the responsibilities and job description for the In Person Passenger Support Specialist (Direct Hire Temporary) position at Sound Transit?
Salary range is $21.63/hour to $54.32/hour with a midpoint of $37.02/hour. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.
Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:
General Purpose
Under general supervision, supports the planning, coordination, and operational execution of Sound Transit’s In-Person Passenger Support (IPPS) programs, including the Staff Ambassador Program and contracted in-person passenger support deployments. The Passenger Support Specialist serves as a key operational resource responsible for deployment scheduling, program logistics, training support, data tracking, and supply coordination to ensure effective passenger-facing support during service disruptions, system expansions, capital project activations, special events, and day-to-day operations.
This role supports cross-agency coordination by contributing to the integration of in-person passenger support strategies into operational planning efforts. The position collaborates with internal partners across Passenger Experience, Operations, Communications, Safety & Security, Accessibility Services, and Fare Engagement, while supporting coordination with external agencies and contracted in-person support providers to align deployment planning, field operations, and passenger-facing messaging to deliver consistent and coordinated service.
Essential Functions
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Business or Public Administration, Communications, Transportation, Operations, or closely related field; Three years of experience coordinating community outreach, customer service, community relations, or public relations programs and projects; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Knowledge And Skills
Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:
- Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 13 days of paid time off annually.
- ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
- Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.
General Purpose
Under general supervision, supports the planning, coordination, and operational execution of Sound Transit’s In-Person Passenger Support (IPPS) programs, including the Staff Ambassador Program and contracted in-person passenger support deployments. The Passenger Support Specialist serves as a key operational resource responsible for deployment scheduling, program logistics, training support, data tracking, and supply coordination to ensure effective passenger-facing support during service disruptions, system expansions, capital project activations, special events, and day-to-day operations.
This role supports cross-agency coordination by contributing to the integration of in-person passenger support strategies into operational planning efforts. The position collaborates with internal partners across Passenger Experience, Operations, Communications, Safety & Security, Accessibility Services, and Fare Engagement, while supporting coordination with external agencies and contracted in-person support providers to align deployment planning, field operations, and passenger-facing messaging to deliver consistent and coordinated service.
Essential Functions
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
- Supports operational coordination of the agency’s In-Person Passenger Support (IPPS) programs, including scheduling, deployment tracking, and resource alignment for Staff Ambassadors and contracted in-person support across disruptions, service changes, system expansions, passenger education initiatives, safety engagement, and special events.
- Maintains deployment rosters and tracking tools aligned with participation goals and recognition frameworks; improves processes to increase efficiency and reduce barriers to participation.
- Recruits and trains Staff Ambassadors as assigned; maintains onboarding materials, standard operating procedures, and program documentation to ensure consistent in-person passenger support delivery.
- Supports coordination with contracted in-person support vendors, including deployment communication and field supervision of contracted staff to ensure consistent operational expectations and passenger-facing delivery.
- Serves as a field or virtual deployment lead, coordinating with operations, security, Station Agents, Fare Ambassadors, Passenger Information Coordinators, and other partners while providing real-time passenger assistance.
- Serves as a subject matter resource for IPPS planning, scheduling, and reporting tools; supports implementation of workflow improvements and technology solutions.
- Supports program data collection and reporting, including participation tracking, deployment coverage, and operational effectiveness.
- Coordinates development and maintenance of planning materials and public-facing informational resources in collaboration with internal partners.
- Provides IPPS subject matter expertise to project teams during service changes, capital projects, maintenance activities, and other passenger-impacting initiatives to improve accessibility, passenger flow, and wayfinding.
- Manages IPPS supply operations, including inventory tracking, deployment preparation, organization of supply areas, and coordination of field logistics.
- Supports budget tracking and resource coordination for assigned activities.
- Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
- Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
- It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
- It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Business or Public Administration, Communications, Transportation, Operations, or closely related field; Three years of experience coordinating community outreach, customer service, community relations, or public relations programs and projects; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Knowledge And Skills
- Principles and practices of customer service, in-person engagement, and public involvement.
- Public speaking and presentation skills to represent the agency at events, trainings, or operational deployments.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, scheduling systems, and data tracking tools.
- Principles of data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse work groups and individuals including other agency staff, management, contracted staff, outside agencies, community groups, businesses, and the general public.
- Coordinating external facing support activities, tracking deliverables and deadlines, compiling and analyzing program metrics, and preparing clear and concise reports.
- Strong communication skills, including presenting ideas orally and in writing.
- Skill to facilitate effective meetings and assist with training sessions.
- Working effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to changing priorities in dynamic operational environments.
- Experience supporting transit operations deployments or transportation service programs preferred.
- Fluency in a language other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL), preferred.
- Work is performed in a hybrid field, transit vehicles and office environment.
- Most work is done during the typical work week with frequent flexing to work weekends and off-hours.
- This position is responsible for signage and supplies; may be subject to: bending, sitting, standing, seeing, talking, walking and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.
- Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
- The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
Salary : $22 - $54