Budget Fellows

WASHINGTON STATE SENATE

EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

BUDGET FELLOWS

Senate Fiscal Committees

Senate Committee Services (SCS) provides professional nonpartisan research, fiscal and policy analysis, and administrative support services to each member of the Washington State Senate and its committees.  For more information on SCS, please visit our website at:  

https://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/Pages/default.aspx.

SCS is seeking candidates for a BUDGET FELLOWSHIP position with the Senate Ways & Means Committee.  Fellows must be either a 2023 or 2024 graduate of a Master or Ph.D. program in economics, business, public administration, or an allied field.

As Budget Fellow, you will gain valuable insight and experience in Washington State's operating budget formulation process, legislative research, and bill drafting. Fellows serve as a a Fiscal Analyst and receive specialized training in budget analysis, legislative process, bill management, and policy development with mentoring available throughout the legislative

This is a full-time, temporary position lasting approximately one year.  This position is nonpartisan and exempt from civil service. 

DUTIES

The duties of the Budget Fellow include:

·       Conducting fiscal and policy analysis.

·       Reviewing and evaluating budget requests submitted by state agencies and the Governor.

·       Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist Senators in meeting their goals.

·       Drafting bills, amendments, and other legislative documents.

·       Analyzing legislation with fiscal impact and following the progress of bills through the legislative process.

·       Presenting legislation and other budgetary matters to decision makers.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications include:

·       Excellent analytical, quantitative, writing, problem solving, and oral communication skills. 

·       A creative, flexible, and service-oriented approach to work.

·       Proficiency in multiple computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, as well as online research.

·       Proven ability to perform high-quality, objective research and analysis in a position requiring high levels of self-direction.

·       Capability to handle the fast-paced, results-oriented, high-pressure legislative environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the Capital 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 its members.

·       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, remote work is supported, except when needed to be in-person for training or legislative meetings.  

Benefits

The current salary is $6,615 per month.  An additional 3% legislatively approved cost of living adjustment will be applied effective July 1, 2024.  The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave; ten paid holidays per year; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; healthcare flexible spending account; dependent care assistance; infant at work policy, optional credit unions and savings bonds; and tuition reimbursement.

All application materials should be submitted by Monday, May 27th.  Screening, interviewing, and selection will begin the week of May 27th.  Applicants will be required to complete a brief writing and Excel exercise after the interview.  Start date is anticipated to be early September but is subject to negotiation.

Phone contact: Liza Weeks at (360) 786-7716.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Officer at (360) 786-7583 or [email protected].

The Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.