Assistant Public Records Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $59,760.00 - $80,496.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05145
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
*This Agency Public Records Coordinator position is eligible for full-time telework; however, occasional in-office presence may be required based on business needs. The duty station for this role is Maple Park in Olympia, and the anticipated start date is September 1, 2026. *
The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
The ideal candidate is motivated by supporting the Office of Organizational Risk and contributing to the agency's commitment to transparency, accountability, and legal compliance.
This individual excels at independently conducting complex, agency-wide records searches and collaborating with staff at all levels, other public agencies, and members of the public. They understand how to distinguish between public disclosure requests and litigation discovery, and they apply state, federal, and case law-including RCW 42.56-to ensure accurate review, redaction, and release of records.
The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who confidently manages routine issues while recognizing when to elevate high-profile or complex matters to the Public Records Officer. They thrive in a structured, high-volume environment, maintain organized and consistent systems for records management, and demonstrate professionalism, clarity, and sound judgment in every interaction.
Duties
As an Agency Public Records Coordinator, you will provide vital support to ESD's Office of Organizational Risk by ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with RCW 42.56, the Public Records Act. You will independently conduct complex, agency-wide records searches, coordinate responses to public disclosure requests, and maintain organized systems for managing records. You will take the lead in calculating the agencies search strategy to ensure that compliance with the Public Records Act. This role is essential to upholding legal standards, maintaining public trust, and supporting the integrity of ESD's programs.
Some of what you will do:

• Conducts searches of electronic records using search applications such as eDiscovery.
• Research agency records, both current and historical, to locate and compile requested records and promptly responds to disclosure requests in compliance with the PRA.
• Coordinates responses, tracks the progress of fulfilling requests, assembles, prepares, and reviews records for exemptions prior to release, and distributes public records to the requesting parties.
• Develop appropriate search strategies to locate responsive records.
• Coordinate search strategies with internal stakeholders.
• Proactively identifies public record requests that require clarification and communicates effectively and professionally with both staff and the public to facilitate clarification.
• Assists requesters in defining the scope of their records requests.
• Maintains and organizes public disclosure request records according to the records retention schedule.
• Preserves, retains, and disposes of program records according to applicable records retention schedules.
• Assist management in developing and establishing program policies, procedures, and standards.

To request a detailed position description, click here
Qualifications
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:

• Six (6) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

Option 2:

• Associate's degree and Four (4) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

Option 3:

• Bachelor's degree and Two (2) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

The required Competencies include:

• Conflict Resolution Expertise: Ability to address potential issues proactively.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency in identifying and recommending resolutions aligned with program goals.
• Policy Development Expertise: Proficiency in creating and implementing program policies.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to establish standards and procedures effectively.
• Legislative Knowledge: Proficiency in monitoring and adapting to regulatory changes.
• Research and Analysis Skills: Ability to support preparation of in-depth reports and plans.
• Communication Expertise: Proficiency in summarizing and presenting findings clearly.

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental Information
Our drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact or at 360-819-6996 or the , prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or em...