What are the responsibilities and job description for the Session Committee Assistant | Office of Program Research position at State of Washington House of Representatives?
Description
Washington State House of Representatives
Exempt Recruitment Announcement
Session Committee Assistant | Office of Program Research
OPENS:
October 5, 2026
CLOSES:
Open until filled. For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit materials by October 23, 2026. Screening, interviewing, and selection will begin immediately.
REPORTS TO:
Director, Office of Program Research
LOCATION:
Thurston County – Olympia, Washington
SALARY:
$4,385 – $4,697 monthly based on experience and qualifications. This position does not include benefits.
Position Profile:
The Washington State House of Representatives’ Office of Program Research (OPR) is currently seeking candidates for positions as nonpartisan Session Committee Assistants. These positions are full-time, temporary, and exempt from civil service laws.
About 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.
About the House of Representatives:
The House of Representatives is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms. Regular legislative sessions begin on the second Monday in January and continue for 105 days in odd-numbered years and for 60 days in even-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. The House holds its members and staff to the Legislative Code of Conduct.
Duties
How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:
- Prepare, proofread, and/or edit documents.
- Provide clerical and administrative support to OPR research staff and House committees.
- Prepare and maintain official committee meeting materials and files.
- Assist with the planning and organizing of committee meetings.
- Operate hearing room equipment for committee meetings.
- Facilitate in-person and remote participation in committee meetings.
- Track the progress of bills.
- Provide information to legislators, staff, lobbyists, media, and the general public.
- Work independently as well as collaboratively with OPR research staff and other legislative and agency staff.
- Meet office standards for nonpartisanship, objectivity, and confidentiality.
Qualifications
The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:
- Knowledgeable in clerical and administrative procedures.
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite, Adobe, Zoom, and other relevant computer applications.
- Ability to quickly learn specialized computer applications designed for committee support.
- Excellent proofreading skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing high-quality documents.
- Proven ability to multi-task and use organizational and planning skills to prioritize tasks within competing deadlines.
- A proactive, creative, flexible, collaborative, and service-oriented approach to work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences and deal with the complex situations found in the fast-paced, high pressure legislative environment.
- Ability to work the long, irregular hours that are common during a legislative session.
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
- An undergraduate degree is preferred, but not required.
Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.
Supplemental Information
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
These positions require an onsite/in-person presence on the Capitol Campus in Olympia during the legislative session. Some telework outside of normal business hours may be authorized in limited circumstances. Regular work hours for the House are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, and may also include evenings, weekends, and holidays. These positions frequently require more than 40 hours of work per week.
Benefits:
These positions are temporary and not eligible for benefits.
How to Apply:
Intrigued? If so, please submit the below items combined in one document to https://form.jotform.com/262736439212155
(1) a letter of interest (1 page) specifically addressing the qualifications;
(2) a current resume (1 page); and
(3) a list of professional references (1 page) with current contact information, including email addresses.
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:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement PlanSalary : $4,385 - $4,697