Pierce College District, often referred to as Pierce College, is a public community college district in Washington state, serving the educational needs of Pierce County residents. Established in 1967, the district operates two main campuses: Pierce College Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood and Pierce College Puyallup. With a mission to provide affordable, high-quality education, it enrolls over 40,000 students annually, offering associate degrees, certificates, and select bachelor's degrees in applied fields like nursing and teaching. The district is known for its transfer programs to four-year universities, workforce training, and commitment to student success, boasting high completion rates and strong community ties.
Located in Lakewood, Washington, near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Fort Steilacoom campus specializes in health sciences, business, and STEM programs. Puyallup campus focuses on arts, humanities, and technical trades. This strategic positioning in the Pacific Northwest makes jobs at Pierce College District attractive for educators and professionals seeking to impact local communities while enjoying the region's natural beauty and proximity to Seattle.
Careers here span teaching, administration, and support services, contributing to an institution ranked among top community colleges for student outcomes. Whether you're interested in community college jobs or higher education roles, Pierce College offers stable employment with opportunities for growth.
Pierce College District employs a diverse workforce to support its educational mission. Common positions include full-time tenure-track faculty, adjunct professors, department chairs, deans, counselors, librarians, and classified staff such as lab technicians, IT specialists, and administrative assistants. Faculty jobs dominate, covering disciplines like nursing, computer science, English, math, and automotive technology.
Administrative roles involve student services, HR, finance, and facilities management. Support positions ensure smooth operations, from maintenance to marketing. For a full breakdown, explore university job types available across higher ed institutions. Recent openings have included biology instructors, welding faculty, and executive directors, reflecting the district's emphasis on vocational and transfer education.
With ongoing expansion, jobs at Pierce College District are ideal for those passionate about accessible education.
To secure jobs at Pierce College District, candidates must meet specific academic and professional standards. Required academic qualifications typically include a master's degree for faculty positions, with a PhD preferred in academic fields. For vocational roles, industry certifications or a bachelor's degree plus equivalent experience suffice.
Research focus or expertise needed varies by department. STEM faculty may require lab experience or grants, while humanities roles emphasize pedagogical innovation. Preferred experience includes publications, prior teaching at community colleges, and student mentoring. Skills and competencies prized are cultural competency, technology integration in teaching (e.g., Canvas LMS), data-driven decision-making, and collaboration.
For example, a nursing instructor needs an MSN and RN license, with clinical experience essential. IT roles demand certifications like CompTIA. Salaries are competitive, with full-time faculty earning $70,000-$110,000 based on step placement.
To help understand key terms in jobs at Pierce College District:
The application process for jobs at Pierce College District is online through their NEOGOV portal. Steps include:
Actionable tips: Customize your cover letter to the job description, highlighting community college experience. Use free resume template and free cover letter template from AcademicJobs.com. Prepare for interviews with teaching demonstrations. Network via LinkedIn or attend local education events. Track applications and follow up politely.
Learn more from how to write a winning academic CV or employer branding secrets.
Pierce College District prioritizes diversity through the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) office. Initiatives include mandatory bias training, Hispanic-Serving Institution designation efforts, and the Pathways to Equity program supporting underrepresented faculty. They track hiring demographics, aiming for parity, and offer scholarships for diverse students. Employee affinity groups for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and veterans foster belonging. In 2023, 45% of new hires were from underrepresented groups.
Pierce College promotes work-life balance with flexible schedules, generous PTO (up to 25 days vacation), and wellness programs including gym access and EAP counseling. Campuses feature modern facilities, cafes, and events like cultural festivals. Lakewood's location offers outdoor activities at nearby lakes and mountains, while proximity to Tacoma provides urban amenities. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals, professional development funds ($2,000/year), and tuition remission. The supportive culture emphasizes collaboration over competition.
Joining Pierce College means contributing to student success in a dynamic environment. With strong unions, retirement via TRS, and growth opportunities, it's rewarding. Current trends show demand for adjuncts in high-enrollment programs like healthcare.
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