Assistant State Auditor - Use of Deadly Force Investigations (Non-Permanent - Internal Only)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Washington State Auditor is hiring an Assistant State Auditor 1 for the Use of Deadly Force Investigations Team in Olympia, WA. This non-permanent role supports UDFI audits through review of investigation files, staff collaboration, and drafting audit reports. Potential for in-training progression toward ASA3. Travel to audit sites may be required.

Internal candidates only; salary range reflects ASA1–ASA3 levels, with travel flexibility and remote work options.

Qualifications

• A functional understanding of the justice system or the ability to learn about it.
• Excels at preparing clear and convincing written documents and reports.
• Effectively communicates verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences, including colleagues, law enforcement agencies and the public
• Demonstrates the ability to think critically and make logical conclusions
• The above qualifications may be demonstrated by those who have completed a bachelor's or master’s degree program in an applicable field (e.g., business, public administration, accounting/auditing, public policy, political science, law, criminal justice, sociology or related field) at an accredited college or university
• OR those who have one year of work experience in a related field

Responsibilities

• ASA 1 will be part of the team responsible for conducting UDFI audits.
• ASA 1’s work with audit staff to review investigation case files to evaluate whether law enforcement agencies complied with all applicable laws and rules governing independent investigations of police use of deadly force.
• The team also develops recommendations to improve compliance.
• ASA 1’s will also interview investigators and draft audit reports.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Critical thinking

Learning-oriented

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree in applicable field

Job description

Use of Deadly Force Investigations - Assistant State Auditor 1 (Non-Permanent - Internal Only)

This is for an Assistant State Auditor 1 position on our Use of Deadly Force Investigations Team. This is a non-permanent position, slated to last through July of 2027 and is only open to current employees of the Office of the Washington State Auditor.

The Office of the Washington State Auditor offers a chance to make a difference in how government operates. Our staff come from a variety of professional backgrounds. We work in a collaborative manner with intelligent, creative and supportive colleagues. We continue to look for new ideas to ensure our audits provide value to the government and the public. To learn more about our agency and the work that we perform, visit our website at www.sao.wa.gov.

Use of Deadly Force Investigation (UDFI) Audit Program

SAO’s UDFI Audit Program reviews police use of deadly force investigations for compliance with state laws and rules designed to ensure law enforcement agencies conduct objective and independent investigations. UDFI auditors examine the actions of those involved in the immediate aftermath of the use of deadly force incident and with the ensuing investigation, including involved officers and witness officers and the investigation team. Washington Administrative Code 139-12-030 outlines the process for independent investigations of police use of deadly force and the qualifications for investigators. To learn more about these audits, visit https://sao.wa.gov/about-audits/about-use-deadly-force-audits.

We are looking to hire a non-permanent Assistant State Auditor 1 (ASA 1) to work with our UDFI audit team until July 2027. Our team is based in Olympia, WA, and often makes use of working remotely. However, travel to audit sites might be required.

While this role is listed as a non-permanent position, it has to potential to be rolled into a permanent role. This would be an in-training position with the goal class of an ASA 3. While the non-permanent role will be hiring at the ASA 1 level, the salary range listed reflects the range of the in-training and goal class of an ASA 1 - ASA3.

The ASA 1 will be part of the team responsible for conducting UDFI audits. ASA 1’s work with audit staff to review investigation case files to evaluate whether law enforcement agencies complied with all applicable laws and rules governing independent investigations of police use of deadly force. The team also develops recommendations to improve compliance. ASA 1’s will also interview investigators and draft audit reports.

Our office is seeking an internal employee who has or is in the process of acquiring the following qualifications and skills:

• A functional understanding of the justice system or the ability to learn about it
• Excels at preparing clear and convincing written documents and reports
• Effectively communicates verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences, including colleagues, law enforcement agencies and the public
• Demonstrates the ability to think critically and make logical conclusions
• The above qualifications may be demonstrated by those who have completed a bachelor's or master’s degree program in an applicable field (e.g., business, public administration, accounting/auditing, public policy, political science, law, criminal justice, sociology or related field) at an accredited college or university
• OR those who have one year of work experience in a related field

Questions may be directed to the applications unit of our Office by calling or by emailing [e-mail].

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and ideas in order to carry out the agency’s mission today and in the future. This includes ensuring every member of our team feels valued and supported. We encourage you to join us.

The Office of the Washington State Auditor is an equal opportunity employer.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance in the application or testing process, or who need this announcement in an alternative format, may call [phone] or via the telecommunications relay service by dialing 7-1-1.