Job Overview

What would you do as a JLARC analyst?

• Collaborate with your team to answer legislative questions about a wide variety of policy areas. We’re generalists so you might research education one year and transportation the next. If it happens in state government, JLARC staff can review it.
• Use different research and analytical techniques including legal research, statistical and economic analysis, interviewing, performance measurement, and organizational assessment.
• Follow professional auditing standards to provide independent, objective, and accurate information that informs legislative decisions.
• Present findings and recommendations to legislators.
• Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and amazing coworkers. 
• Staff enjoy flexible schedules including the option to do most of our work remotely, with requirements to report in person for meeting, hearings, or other business-related needs.
• JLARC offers a rare opportunity to work in a legislative environment and provide decisionmakers with information that leads to improvements in state government while having an even paced schedule year-round.

Intrigued? Read our reports to see if this kind of work is right for you. https://leg.wa.gov/jlarc/Pages/default.aspx

What makes a good research analyst?

• You’re nonpartisan. You appreciate how objective analysis contributes to the Legislature’s policymaking and oversight responsibilities.
• You like numbers. You’re able to work with and interpret quantitative data using tools like Excel or R. 
• You like people too. You’re comfortable interviewing interested parties and using other qualitative research methods.
• You’re flexible. You enjoy working both independently and as a member of a team. You know how to give and receive constructive feedback on the work.
• You’re respectful. You embrace a workplace that is safe and supportive for all employees. You use good judgment when working on sensitive issues or with stakeholder who hold strong opinions.
• You keep it simple. You’re able analyze the data, reach conclusions, and clearly communicate your results to others.
• You care.

See full announcement on our website leg.wa.gov/jlarc

Pay

• At JLARC, research analysts one and two generally earn a monthly salary of between $6,500 and $13,500. This position will be hired at a salary between $6,500 and $11,000 depending on the experience and expertise you will bring to JLARC. We typically reserve the high end of the salary range for growth and advancement steps. This position is exempt from civil service law.
• Compensation also includes the comprehensive benefits package afforded to all Washington State employees, including annual leave, sick leave, medical and dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, and retirement.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with your team to answer legislative questions about a wide variety of policy areas. We’re generalists so you might research education one year and transportation the next. If it happens in state government, JLARC staff can review it.
• Use different research and analytical techniques including legal research, statistical and economic analysis, interviewing, performance measurement, and organizational assessment.
• Follow professional auditing standards to provide independent, objective, and accurate information that informs legislative decisions.
• Present findings and recommendations to legislators.

Qualifications

• A workforce that includes people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and attributes improves our work and makes it more representative of our state’s residents. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. 
• Research analysts must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field applicable to analyzing government programs. This could include, for example, public administration, public policy, economics, political science, many social sciences, and demography. 
• Advanced degrees, government experience, or a history of applied research experience are valued.

Work Environment

• Staff receive competitive pay, training opportunities, and collaborate with amazing coworkers. 
• Staff enjoy flexible schedules including the option to do most of our work remotely, with requirements to report in person for meeting, hearings, or other business-related needs.
• JLARC offers a rare opportunity to work in a legislative environment and provide decisionmakers with information that leads to improvements in state government while having an even paced schedule year-round.

Benefits

We receive all benefits the State of Washington gives state employees including sick and annual leave, health, life, AD&D, retirement, and more. See https://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

About the Organization

When you work for the Legislature, your work matters

JLARC plays a unique role in state government: we answer the Legislature’s questions about state government performance. We provide critical analysis, credible information, and evidence-based recommendations to improve government. Agencies and the Legislature act on nearly all our recommendations.

JLARC is a 16-member bipartisan, bicameral legislative committee. It works to make state government operations more effective, efficient, accountable, and equitable. 

The Legislative Auditor leads the office of about 30 nonpartisan staff.
Our work is recognized nationally for its impact, methods, and presentation.

How to Apply

Review our website and our work at www.jlarc.leg.wa.gov to determine if this type of work is right for you.

Email the materials listed below in PDF format to careers.jlarc@leg.wa.gov with the subject line “JLARC Analyst Recruitment”

1. A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications and attributes mentioned in this announcement. Address the letter to Marilyn Richter (she/her).
2. A current resume.
3. A list of three professional references.

Note: This email address accepts only applications. If you need to contact us with questions or other matters, please contact us at jlarc@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-5171.

• You will receive a confirmation email when we have received your application.
• We will contact you if you are selected for an initial interview.

You may complete a voluntary and confidential demographic questionnaire at your discretion. This questionnaire is anonymous and used only for statistical purposes. It is not used for evaluating candidates. We will give separate instructions for completing the anonymous questionnaire to applicants.

Application Schedule

We anticipate beginning to screen applications as received. Early application is encouraged. Posting will be taken down on May 1, 2024.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds and diverse life experiences to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format should call (360) 786 5188.