Washington State House of Representatives
Exempt Recruitment Announcement
Committee Counsel or Research Analyst | Office of Program Research
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.
How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:
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Meeting office standards for nonpartisanship, objectivity, and confidentiality.
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Conduct legal and/or policy research and analysis.
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Analyze proposed legislation and/or policy options.
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Draft bills, amendments, and bill reports.
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Develop and evaluate policy options to assist House members in meeting their goals.
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Present and explain proposed legislation and staff reports to committee members at public meetings.
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Administer committee agendas and meetings at the direction of committee leadership.
The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:
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Counsel - Law degree and membership as an attorney in a state bar association.
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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:
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The ability to perform high quality, objective research and analysis.
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Effective analytical, writing, oral presentation, and organizational skills.
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An understanding of the functions and operations of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, including legislative process.
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A proactive, creative, flexible, collaborative, and service-oriented approach to work.
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The ability to work independently and within a team with high levels of self-direction.
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The ability to multi-task, prioritize, and provide excellent customer service.
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The ability to deal effectively with the complex, difficult situations that are common in the fast-paced, high pressure legislative environment.
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The ability to develop and maintain cordial, effective working relationships.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
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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.
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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 document to 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
[email protected] 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.
