Session Staff Counsel or Research Analyst
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Washington State Senate is seeking a Session Staff Counsel or Research Analyst for the 2027 legislative session in Olympia. This role performs legal and policy research, drafts bills, and supports Senators with policy options and presentations in hearings.
The ideal candidate has a strong research record, good writing and analytical skills, and a collaborative, service-oriented approach. The position requires long hours during session and in-person duties in Olympia, with some in-state
Qualifications
- A law degree or master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field is desired.
- Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session.
- In-person in Olympia during session; in-state remote work when not in session.
Responsibilities
- Performing legal and policy research and analysis.
- Drafting bills, amendments, and other legislative documents.
- Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist Senators in meeting their goals.
- Presenting legislation and other policy matters before committees.
- Monitoring and analyzing implementation by state and local government agencies.
- Responding to inquiries on pertinent policy issues.
- Developing professional relationships with Senators, other legislative staff, state agency staff, and interest groups.
Skills
Education
Job description
WASHINGTON STATE SENATE Position For The 2027 Legislative Session Session Staff Counsel or Research Analyst
The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and legislative members. The Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diversity through equitable policies and practices.
Senate Committee Services (SCS) is a nonpartisan workgroup assisting senators in developing and evaluating policy and fiscal alternatives to achieve policy and budgetary objectives. This is accomplished by ensuring committee meetings and other legislative processes operate efficiently and effectively and are accessible to the public. The nonpartisan mission of SCS is achieved by providing the same high-quality service and level of effort for all senators, regardless of political belief, affiliation, or rank.
For more information on SCS, please visit our website at https://leg.wa.gov/about-the-legislature/senate/senate-committee-services/
SCS seeks an analytical, collaborative, and creative research analyst or counsel. This position will perform legal and policy research and analysis. At the request of members of the Senate, the position drafts bills and other legislative documents and assists members with the development of policy options. The position also provides presentations summarizing legislation to legislators in public hearings.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting the legislative process by providing high quality, objective, nonpartisan service to the members of the Washington State Senate. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented, high-pressure legislative environment.
SCS provides nonpartisan staff support to the members and committees of the Washington State Senate in Olympia, Washington. Duties include:
- Performing legal and policy research and analysis.
- Drafting bills, amendments, and other legislative documents
- Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist Senators in meeting their goals.
- Presenting legislation and other policy matters before committees.
- Monitoring and analyzing implementation efforts by state and local government agencies.
- Responding to inquiries on pertinent policy issues.
- Developing appropriate professional relationships with Senators, other legislative staff, state agency staff, and interest groups.
- Ability to effectively interact with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, veteran statuses,
- geographical backgrounds, educational backgrounds, and disability statuses to promote trust.
- Knowledge of or interest in learning the legislative process. Service-based and team-oriented approach to work.
- Proven ability to perform high-quality, objective research and analysis in a position requiring high levels of self-direction.
- Excellent analytical, writing, problem solving, and oral communication skills.
- A creative, flexible, cooperative, service based and team-oriented approach to work.
- Capability to handle the complex, difficult situations that are common in the fast-paced, results-oriented, high-pressure legislative environment.
- Proficiency in multiple computer applications, including word-processing software, presentation applications, and on-line research.
- COVID-19 Alert: Due to operational changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the functions of this position may be performed virtually.
A law degree or master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field is desired, however diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered.
- Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work. When the Legislature is not in session, flexible schedule options are available.
- This position works in-person in Olympia during the legislative session. When the Legislature is not in session, in-state remote work is supported, except when needed to be in-person for training or legislative meetings.
Salary is $7,157- $10,445 per month. These are temporary positions lasting approximately 20 weeks and would start mid-November. The Legislature is currently scheduled to convene on January 11, 2027.
This is a temporary position eligible for paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and access to the Employee Assistance Program.
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.
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.
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement 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.
The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.
01-07-2026
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