Visitor Services Program Assistant (Program Assistant) - SEASONAL POSITION

State-of-Washington-Dept.-of-Enterprise-Service; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) invites applications for a Visitor Services Program Assistant position in Olympia, WA. This seasonal role delivers front-line customer service, assists visitors, supports the civic education program, and helps with school tours and campus events.

Responsibilities include responding to inquiries, managing reservations, and coordinating accessibility needs, while upholding campus policies.

Qualifications

• 1 year of progressive experience in community, youth or public engagement.
• Knowledge of civics, the legislative process and/or Washington State history.
• Customer Service experience.
• Leading tours or presenting information to an audience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver welcoming front-line customer service to visitors.
• Assist visitors and support the civic education program and events.
• Manage reservations, lost-and-found, and accessibility/lactation room access.
• Direct or escort visitors and support campus event logistics.
• Coordinate school tour arrivals and bus zone management.
• Support planning, setup, and execution of campus events.

Skills

Customer Service

Public engagement

Civics / Washington history

Education

Public Administration / Social Sciences / Communications

Job description

Visitor Services Program Assistant - SEASONAL POSITION (Program Assistant)

Monday - Friday | 8AM - 5PM | ON-SITE
*Occasional Weekends and Holidays as needed

NOTE:

A rapid recruitment process is expected to fill this position prior to Legislative Session. Candidates should be prepared to have interviews scheduled as early as the week following the posting period and a start date to quickly follow for the selected candidate. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. We invite you to check out our DES Jobs Page for similar roles that may interest you like our Visitor Services Manager, Tour & Visitor Experience Coordinator, and Civic Education Supervisor positions. Additionally, this is a seasonal position.

Who We Are:

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES’ mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future. Learn more about DES.

About the Opportunity:

As a Visitor Services Program Assistant, you will deliver welcoming front-line customer service, assist visitors, and support the civic education program and events across campus. Day-to-day responsibilities include responding to public inquiries, facilitating reservation and lost-and-found requests, assisting with school tour arrivals, and helping with event logistics. Working in close collaboration with agency partners, Capitol Security, and DES Buildings & Grounds, you will ensure proper campus policy compliance (WACs), support accessibility accommodations, and foster a smooth, safe, and positive experience for all Capitol guests.

Some of What You’ll Enjoy Doing Includes:

• Provide front-line customer service and build positive relationships with visitors, event attendees, and employees across the Capitol campus.
• Monitor tour and event inbox and phone lines, answering routine inquiries and routing complex requests to appropriate staff.
• Assist customers with the reservation system, lost-and-found intake and reunification, and accessibility or lactation room access.
• Direct or escort visitors throughout campus buildings and assist with the creation, posting, and removal of temporary signage.
• Coordinate school tour arrivals and departures, including bus zone management, and support civic education lunch programs.
• Support the planning, setup, and execution of campus events.
• Serve as a DES representative by explaining rules, policies, and WACs to visitors and employees, escalating issues as needed.
• Collaborate with Capitol Security, DES Buildings & Grounds, and stakeholders to manage public space usage and resolve conflicts.
• Support the overall Visitor Services Program to ensure a positive and seamless experience for all Capitol guests.
• Other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• One (1) year of progressive experience in any combination of the following areas:
  • Community, youth and public engagement.
  • Knowledge of civics, the legislative process and/or Washington State history.
  • Customer Service.
  • Leading tours or presenting information to an audience.
• NOTE: Education in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Communications or related field may be considered for experience, on a year-for-year basis.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies

Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Take action to learn and grow: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and approaches to work.
• Take action to meet the needs of others: Seek to understand the needs and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities. Identify barriers to access and participation and address them before they become obstacles for the people we serve, providing support that is respectful, timely, and effective.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.

Background Check Notice:

Prior to any new appointment into The Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Union Inclusion:

This position is in a bargaining unit and falls under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the state of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Opportunity for All:

The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Follow DES on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook | Subscribe to DES job alerts