Principal Legislative Analyst (Land Use) -King County Council

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a Principal Legislative Analyst to perform objective legislative, policy, fiscal, and operations analysis across growth management, land use, comprehensive and regional planning, zoning current planning, and development regulations. The role includes preparing staff reports, drafting legislation, reviewing annual budgets, and mentoring assigned mentees.

This is a hybrid role with a strong commitment to equal opportunity and nonpartisan analysis in

Qualifications

• Extensive specialized knowledge of GMA/SEPA and land use codes.
• Experience interpreting local, regional, state, and federal mandates.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills.
• Experience working with elected officials and in legislative processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct objective analysis of legislation, plans and proposals.
• Prepare GIS maps and basic GIS analysis for land use and transportation policies.
• Draft staff reports and briefings for elected officials and the public.
• Review budget proposals and develop policy options.

Skills

Growth management

Land use planning

Policy analysis

Communication

Education

Master's degree in public administration or related field

Tools

GIS mapping software

Job description

Summary

Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews may begin the first week of December. We encourage you to apply early. UPDATE 11/3/2026: Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews may begin the first week of December. We encourage you to apply early. The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a Principal Legislative Analyst with primary policy areas of growth management, land use, comprehensive and regional planning, zoning current planning, and development regulations. This position is a member of a team responsible for leading or conducting objective and non-biased legislative, policy, fiscal, and operations analysis for the Metropolitan King County Council and its committees.

The policy team's goal is to provide high-quality, nonpartisan and objective analyses of policy proposals for councilmembers to consider when making policy decisions--maintaining personal neutrality is a must for this position.

King County is becoming a global leader whose continued excellence and diverse population is a driving force in the Pacific Northwest. As the legislative branch of county government, the King County Council represents nine geographical regions of the county, sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services.

At King County Council, we are committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. The Council encourages people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. A diverse workforce is a strong workforce.

Job Duties

The Principal Legislative Analyst will perform the duties and responsibilities of lower-level classifications within the Legislative Analyst Series and will also:

• Conduct objective, non-biased qualitative and quantitative analysis of legislation, plans and proposals in order to identify legislative and executive intent, anticipated direct and indirect results, and alternatives. Work with legal staff to identify legal issues, impacts and risks.
• Prepare GIS maps and conduct basic GIS analysis for land use, transportation, financial, and/or equity and social justice policies.
• Provide analysis and counsel on complex subject-specific matter involving strategic direction, policy, organizational, and operational issues.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings in a clear, concise, logical and objective manner, both orally and in writing – summarizing and clearly articulating analytic findings, issues, and alternatives for elected officials and the public.
• Initiate, coordinate, and conduct research and analysis of legislation referred to the Council on specific policy and fiscal matters, including new ideas and legislation. Identify legislative and executive intent on highly complex proposals.
• Specify research design and outcomes.
• Participate in external committees such as those comprised of departmental staff, interdepartmental staff, and interagency staff, to stay up-to-date on proceedings, performance, trends, and issues.
• Meet with assigned mentee(s) on a regular basis providing mentorship and coaching

Listed Are a Few Responsibilities From The Preceding Classification

• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings for council committees. Summarize intent, outline background information, analyze important issues, identify legal issues, impacts and risks. Prepare pertinent attachments and illustrations.
• Draft legislation and amendments as required for council consideration. Review for compliance with professional and technical standards.
• Review annual budget proposals, engage in discussions about policy intent and expected outcomes, analyze issues, and develop options.

A full description of the job duties can be found here:

Position: Principal Legislative Analyst

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

The most successful applicants will possess the following experience, knowledge, and skills:

• Extensive specialized professional knowledge of the Growth Management Act (GMA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), comprehensive plans, land use codes, permitting and GIS mapping software.
• Long-range land use planning, policy interpretation, and zoning and development regulations knowledge.
• Deep knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant sections of local, regional, state, and federal mandates and programs related to planning, housing, land use, development, and the environment. Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates and functions and familiarity with the regional and local policy issues and challenges that affect King County is a plus.
• Passion for the legislative process; have experience working for elected officials; are creative and intellectually curious; have strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills; and have a desire to collaboratively work as part of a team.
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative process and Council and committee parliamentary rules and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of project management, research design and sequencing of project steps.
• Interpret and apply relevant sections of the King County Code, and local, regional, state and federal mandates and programs.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of proposals, alternatives, and conclusions, as well as whether proposals comply with policy. Identify issues for legal review.

Education Qualifications

The Principal Legislative Analyst position typically requires a master's degree in public administration, finance, accounting, transportation planning, behavioral or social science, political science, business, economics, or equivalent discipline that will enable job performance AND at least eight years of experience performing professional level work in an analytical, evaluative, and planning capacity and/or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.

Supplemental Information

The King County Council strives to create an inclusive, anti-racist workplace and seeks team members who will thrive in this type of working environment.

With a commitment to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment and valuing lived experiences, we endeavor to hire a workforce which reflects the County we serve. People of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions are encouraged to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.

Together with leadership and our employees, we are changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work, and play.

KING COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.

About The Position

This position is open to all qualified applicants. Acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States are required by federal immigration law. This is a salaried, at-will, overtime-exempt position that is not eligible for the county Career Service system. The standard workweek is 40 hours. Non-traditional work hours and travel throughout King County may occasionally be required.

Full benefits are available, some of which include the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System; county health insurance, dental, and vision plans; parental leave; local transit pass and other local alternative transportation incentives; and deferred compensation plan. To see all benefits, visit Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement at https://kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/benefits.aspx

Updated Recruitment Schedule

• Nov. 2- Dec. 4: Position open, review, writing exercise
• Dec. 7-11: Interviews

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

An online employment application, resume, cover letter and answers to the supplemental questions are required. Applicants will be screened for completeness, competitiveness, and writing accuracy. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a writing exercise and one or more panel interviews. Final offer will be contingent upon a completed reference check.

UNION REPRESENTATION

The Principal Legislative Analyst position is represented by a bargaining unit and is the third classification in a four-part series. A $1.50 per hour contribution to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund is mandatory for all represented employees in this union. The pension contribution is reflected in the stated wage rates on this announcement.

TELEWORK

The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment, working in the office and at home. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. If selected for this position, you must be available for periodic in-person work.

You must have a secure and reliable internet connection for remote work-a minimum of 30 megabits per second download speed to accommodate video meetings. All staff must commit to standards related to team engagement, telework, and the KCC code of conduct.

Please contact Arlecier West, Sr. HR Business Partner at [e-mail] if you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you would like to have a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

JOB CODE

246201 Principal Legislative Analyst

This position is represented by the Teamsters Local 117.

Benefits

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.