JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Committee Counsel

Washington State House of Representatives
Office of Program Research

POSITION: The Washington State House of Representatives’ Office of Program Research (OPR) is seeking candidates for the position of COMMITTEE COUNSEL. The person selected to fill this position will provide staff support to one or more committees of the Washington State House of Representatives. This is a full-time, nonpartisan position and is exempt from civil service.

DUTIES: OPR provides nonpartisan staff support to the members and committees of the Washington State House of Representatives in Olympia. Duties include:

  • Conducting policy and legal research and analysis.
  • Analyzing proposed legislation and/or policy options.
  • Drafting bills, amendments, and bill reports.
  • Developing and evaluating policy options to assist House members in meeting their goals.
  • Presenting and explaining proposed legislation and staff reports to committee members.
  • Managing agendas, scheduling, and meetings of the committee at the direction of committee leadership.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience with or knowledge of any of the following: commercial law, torts, probate, guardianships, civil commitment, drunk driving, courts and judicial administration, landlord/tenant law, consumer protection, family law, crime prevention, criminal penalties and sentencing, registration and civil commitment of sex offenders, mentally ill offenders, and state and local government preparedness to respond to public emergencies.
  • Knowledge of the legislative process.
  • Proven ability to perform high quality, objective research and analysis in a position requiring high levels of self direction.
  • Excellent analytical, written, oral presentation, and organizational skills.
  • A proactive, creative, flexible, and service-oriented approach to work.
  • Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with the complex, difficult situations that are common in the fast-paced, high pressure legislative environment.
  • Willing to work the long, irregular hours that are common during a legislative session.

EDUCATION: A Juris Doctorate and membership in a state bar association.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Employee benefits include: vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.

SALARY: Salaries for professional legislative staff are competitive. The specific salary will depend on the candidate's education and experience.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, current resume, and examples of your writing. Applicants are encouraged to submit application materials as soon as possible as screening will begin before the application deadline. Please submit application materials by November 10, 2011, to director.opr@leg.wa.gov or the following address:

Staff Director
Office of Program Research
Joel Pritchard Building P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

The Washington State House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or needing this job announcement in an alternative format, should call (360) 786-7101 or TDD: 1-800-833-6388.