Session Staff Counsel

Position for the 2027 Legislative Session:

SENATE PROFILE

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and legislative members. The Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diversity through equitable policies and practices.

About Senate Committee Services

Senate Committee Services (SCS) is a nonpartisan workgroup assisting senators in developing and evaluating policy and fiscal alternatives to achieve policy and budgetary objectives. This is accomplished by ensuring committee meetings and other legislative processes operate efficiently and effectively and are accessible to the public. The nonpartisan mission of SCS is achieved by providing the same high-quality service and level of effort for all senators, regardless of political belief, affiliation, or rank.

For more information on SCS, please visit our website at https://leg.wa.gov/about-the-legislature/senate/senate-committee-services/

Position Profile

SCS seeks an analytical, collaborative, and creative research analyst or counsel. This position will perform legal and policy research and analysis. At the request of members of the Senate, the position drafts bills and other legislative documents and assists members with the development of policy options. The position also provides presentations summarizing legislation to legislators in public hearings.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting the legislative process by providing high quality, objective, nonpartisan service to the members of the Washington State Senate. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented, high-pressure legislative environment.

Position Responsibilities

SCS provides nonpartisan staff support to the members and committees of the Washington State Senate in Olympia, Washington. Duties include:

• Performing legal and policy research and analysis.
• Drafting bills, amendments, and other legislative documents
• Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist Senators in meeting their goals.
• Presenting legislation and other policy matters before committees.
• Monitoring and analyzing implementation efforts by state and local government agencies.
• Responding to inquiries on pertinent policy issues.
• Developing appropriate professional relationships with Senators, other legislative staff, state agency staff, and interest groups.

Requirements

Critical Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively interact with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, veteran statuses,
• geographical backgrounds, educational backgrounds, and disability statuses to promote trust.
• Knowledge of or interest in learning the legislative process. Service-based and team-oriented approach to work.
• Proven ability to perform high-quality, objective research and analysis in a position requiring high levels of self-direction.
• Excellent analytical, writing, problem solving, and oral communication skills.

Requirements

·       A creative, flexible, cooperative, service based and team-oriented approach to work.

• Capability to handle the complex, difficult situations that are common in the fast-paced, results-oriented, high-pressure legislative environment.
• Proficiency in multiple computer applications, including word-processing software, presentation applications, and on-line research.
• COVID-19 Alert__: Due to operational changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the functions of this position may be performed virtually.

Desired Qualifications

A law degree or master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field is desired, however diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered.

Additional Requirements

• Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work. When the Legislature is not in session, flexible schedule options are available.
• This position works in-person in Olympia during the legislative session. When the Legislature is not in session, in-state remote work is supported, except when needed to be in-person for training or legislative meetings.

Benefits

Salary

Salary is $7,157- $10,445 per month. These are temporary positions lasting approximately 20 weeks and would start mid-November. The Legislature is currently scheduled to convene on January 11, 2027.

Benefits

This is a temporary position eligible for paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and access to the Employee Assistance Program.

Application Procedure

These positions are open until filled. Friday, September 25th is the priority deadline. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible as screening, interviewing, and selection will begin immediately. For general questions regarding the review, interview and hiring process, please contact: Espen Shackelford at espen.shackelford@leg.wa.gov or leave a voicemail at (360) 786-7458.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Office at Senate.HRO@leg.wa.gov.

The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.