Committee Counsel or Research Analyst | Office of Program Research

Washington State House of Representatives

Exempt Recruitment Announcement

Committee Counsel or Research Analyst | Office of Program Research

OPENS:	August 18, 2026
CLOSES:	September 6, 2026
REPORTS TO:	Director, Office of Program Research
LOCATION:	Thurston County -- Olympia,Washington
SALARY:	The salaries and classifications for Counsels and Research Analysts are based on experience and qualifications. The following are the full salary ranges for the classifications as of July 1, 2026. The hiring salary will be less than the top of the range. Counsel I or Research Analyst I – $81,264-$140,820 annually + benefits Counsel II or Research Analyst II – $91,296-$158,256 annually + benefits

The Washington State House of Representatives’ Office of Program Research is currently seeking candidates for positions as nonpartisan Counsels or Research Analysts for House policy committees. These positions are full-time, permanent, and exempt from civil service laws.

The Office of Program Research (OPR) provides nonpartisan legal, policy, and fiscal services for House committees and members. Our work involves a wide range of issues relevant to the lives of Washingtonians. Our team consists of curious, creative, collaborative, and dedicated professionals. We share a commitment to public service, teamwork, and excellence.

The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members from 49 legislative districts. The Legislature convenes on the second Monday in January, with regular sessions continuing for 105 days in odd-numbered years and 60 days in even-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed.

The current House policy committees are listed on the House website. The specific committee assignments will be determined before the upcoming session.

Duties

How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:

• Meeting office standards for nonpartisanship, objectivity, and confidentiality.
• Conduct legal and/or policy research and analysis.
• Analyze proposed legislation and/or policy options.
• Draft bills, amendments, and bill reports.
• Develop and evaluate policy options to assist House members in meeting their goals.
• Present and explain proposed legislation and staff reports to committee members at public meetings.
• Administer committee agendas and meetings at the direction of committee leadership.

Salary

• $81,264 - $158,256/year

Qualifications

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

• Counsel - Law degree and membership as an attorney in a state bar association.
• Research Analyst – Master’s in public administration, public policy, or a related field, or experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• The ability to perform high quality, objective research and analysis.
• Effective analytical, writing, oral presentation, and organizational skills.
• An understanding of the functions and operations of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, including legislative process.
• A proactive, creative, flexible, collaborative, and service-oriented approach to work.
• The ability to work independently and within a team with high levels of self-direction.
• The ability to multi-task, prioritize, and provide excellent customer service.
• The ability to deal effectively with the complex, difficult situations that are common in the fast-paced, high pressure legislative environment.
• The ability to develop and maintain cordial, effective working relationships.

Other Information

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:

• Session - An on-site/in-person presence is required during session. Some telework outside of normal business hours may be authorized in limited circumstances. The hours typically exceed 40 hours weekly, are often irregular, and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays during sessions.
• Interim - Interim schedules allow for more flexibility. In-state telework is allowed during interim for up to five days per week with an expectation to have an on-site/in-person presence when requested.

Benefits:

Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.

How to Apply:

Please submit the below items combined in one documentto https://form.jotform.com/262287036767164:

(1) a letter of interest (1 page) specifically addressing your qualifications;

(2) a current resume (1 page); and

(3) a minimum of three professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers.

The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House HR Director at HouseHR@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7030, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026