**This is a non-permanent appointment through March 2018 with a possible extension subject to funding. This recruitment may be used to establish a qualified pool of applicants to fill future vacancies.

This position will remain open until filled. First review of applications is scheduled for December 4, 2017. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision any time after the initial 7 days posting. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. 
How would you like to:

Work in an applied research shop that gives you a ring-side seat in the legislative process. This position will primarily produce local government fiscal notes, which provide objective analysis of the revenue and expenditure impacts of legislative proposals on counties, cities, and special districts. As time allows, the position will also assist other municipal finance programs within the Research Services section, such as the Bond Users Clearinghouse.

As a fiscal note analyst, you will learn something new every day because we address almost every policy area that can impact local governments, such as criminal justice, taxes, land use, energy, public works, housing, public health, and economic development. Analysts exercise their analytical skills in parsing legislative text, surveying local officials, and drafting their findings under tight deadlines. This is a great way to build your professional network, hone your writing skills, and learn the intricacies of how government runs. Junior analysts work under senior Research Services staff who have a commitment to mentoring.

Research Services draws to its ranks people who are collaborative, inquisitive, adaptive, and public spirited. Working with us can be a stepping stone to a wide range of research, policy, and fiscal positions within local and state government.

This is a non permanent position that runs through the middle of March; an extension is possible subject to funding. Hours range from 75-percent to full time depending upon unit workload and the needs of the staff member.

Who we are:

At Commerce, we’re a little different. But for you, it might be the perfect fit. Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available). Our parking is free but many of our employees bike year round and we have an active bicycle loaner program. Washington State also offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives.  There are 315 of us, but our executive staff knows us on a first-name basis. We are committed to our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We hire people for a position, but encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit and you meet the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply today!

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor’s priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.

• Research and write fiscal notes, usually in the policy areas such as transportation, energy, economic development, land-use resources, environmental protection, agriculture, water policy and/or municipal finance and/or other policy areas to be determined.
• Respond to fiscal notes requests within a specified turn-around time, using a variety of analysis tools to meet guidelines established by the Office of Financial Management, the Legislature, and the unit.
• Collect and present data from local governments in an accurate, objective, and through manner that informs policymakers on key revenue and/or expenditure aspects of proposed legislation.
• With the guidance of the unit manager, negotiate with lead agencies to resolve any disagreements on analytical assumptions.

Assist in the research for the Bond Users Clearinghouse:

• Assist in collecting, managing, and interpreting information regarding general obligation bonds and other forms of municipal indebtedness.
• Assist in developing appropriately rigorous statistical and analytical strategies.
• Produce or assist in the production of deliverables that achieve professional standards of writing, editing, and visual presentation of legislatively mandated reports and other communication materials.

AND the ability to:

1) Interpret the technical and political implications of legislation; 2) write concisely, clearly, accurately, objectively, and with appropriate analytical rigor about policy issues that may be technically complex and politically controversial; 3) interact effectively with a diversity of section staff, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials; and 4) function effectively in a consulting shop environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines.

Nice to Haves:

• Master’s-level coursework in public administration, political science, planning, environmental studies, or related field; working knowledge of the legislative process and the structure of local governments (cities, counties, and special districts). Familiarity with one or more policy areas such as transportation, energy, economic development, land-use, natural resources, environmental protection, agriculture, water policy and/or municipal finance  is a plus.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.

I want to work for Commerce!  How do I apply?

Click the green “Apply” button near the top of this announcement to get started.  Include the following attachments with your completed application:

• A letter of interest with a detailed description of your experience as it pertains to the qualifications listed;
• A current resume;
• A list of at least three professional references.
• Include two writing samples that display your policy research and writing skills and experience.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and application materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Steve Salmi at (360)725-5034 or email him at Steve.Salmi@Commerce.wa.gov.

Additional Information:

The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. 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.