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Program Specialist Iii Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Specialist 3

Olympia, WA · On-site +1

$4.9K - $6.7K/mo

Program components include administration of the State Surplus Management System (SRMS), program ... A list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or ...

You will have Program responsibility for the State Surplus Property and State Surplus Priority ... A list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or ...

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Program Specialist Iii information

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$30.5K

$67.1K

$114K

How much do program specialist iii jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for program specialist iii in the United States is $67,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Specialist III positions?

Program Specialist III positions are mid- to senior-level roles in government agencies, educational institutions, or organizations where individuals manage, develop, and evaluate specific programs or initiatives. They are responsible for ensuring programs meet objectives by coordinating activities, analyzing data, preparing reports, and providing technical guidance. Program Specialist III professionals often supervise lower-level staff, manage budgets, and serve as subject matter experts within their area of specialization. Their work helps organizations meet compliance standards and achieve strategic goals.

How does a Program Specialist III typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals?

A Program Specialist III often serves as a liaison between different departments, such as operations, finance, and program management, to ensure projects are executed smoothly. This role involves frequent meetings to coordinate tasks, share updates, and resolve challenges that arise during project implementation. Program Specialists III use their expertise to gather input from various stakeholders, align resources, and monitor progress, ensuring that all team members are working toward common objectives. Effective communication and problem-solving are key, as you’ll help bridge gaps between teams and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Program Specialist Iii vs Program Specialist I?

AspectProgram Specialist IiiProgram Specialist I
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree and relevant experienceUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree with less experience
Work EnvironmentSupports complex programs, often with specialized responsibilitiesHandles basic program tasks, assisting with routine activities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutionsCommon in similar sectors, often as entry-level roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for by those seeking advanced program rolesTypically compared by those starting or progressing in program support roles

The Program Specialist Iii generally requires more experience and education, supporting more complex programs, whereas the Program Specialist I is an entry-level position with basic responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right role based on their qualifications and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Specialist III, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Specialist III, you need strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with program management software, data analysis tools, and government or industry-specific compliance systems is often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are vital for effectively managing complex programs, ensuring compliance, and achieving organizational objectives.
More about Program Specialist Iii jobs
What cities are hiring for Program Specialist Iii jobs? Cities with the most Program Specialist Iii job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Specialist Iii job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,077 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Program Specialist 3

Program Specialist 3

State of Washington

Olympia, WA • On-site, Remote

$4.9K - $6.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


State Of Washington rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $4,980.00 - $6,708.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-BRD-017
Department: Dept. of Enterprise Services
Division: BRD
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm. This position is stationed in the warehouse, however flexible hours may be available with supervisor's approval.
Travel Requirements: Will travel off-site a few times a month, typically within the western side of the state.
Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment to include a computer, phone, printer, and copy machine. Sit down and stand-up forklift, manual and riding pallet jacks. Various shop tools on occasion.
Customer Interactions: Primary point of contact: Constant interaction with public and customers.
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in a non-climate controlled warehouse and is subject to extreme temperature fluctuations. Warehouse area is also dirty and dusty; at times you may be subjected to breathing in aforementioned dirt and dust. Ability to lift and move 40lbs or more is often required.
Who we are:
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES' mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future.
What you will be doing:
You will have Program responsibility for the State Surplus Property and State Surplus Priority programs as well as disposal. You will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of program services and consulting with program participants, staff and outside entities. Program components include administration of the State Surplus Management System (SRMS), program eligibility, invoicing and working with the current online auction platform. You will have responsibility for all aspects of program services, providing technical assistance and specialized consultation to participants, staff and outside entities, and recommends resolutions for complex problems and issues related to the program and you will assess program participants' needs, develop specialized services and training unique to the programs.
Duties
Some of what you'll enjoy doing includes:
State Surplus Management System (SRMS):
  • Creating SRMS access and providing customer training/education. Working closely with DES IT to implement system improvements. Reviewing/approving and managing all standard surplus requests and recommends appropriate actions including redistribution as well as scrapping authority.
  • Evaluating incoming inventory to determine how to best distribute throughout Priority Program participants and online services (GovDeals).
  • Acting as the primary State Priority liaison partnering with outside state agencies and other stakeholders on major off-site moves i.e. relocations, office moves, and school closures to ensure customers' needs are met. Facilitating transport as well as disposal operations.
  • Working directly with agency staff to ensure proper surplus disposal rights and access are granted and obtained. This may require working directly with agency contacts and agency leaders to gain proper permission for the requester's access.
  • Monitoring, responding, forwarding and following up on all emails in Surplus General Email boxes.
  • Supporting priority customers to facilitate the sale or transfer of property.
  • Working with management and outside entities to create Delegations of Authority as needed.

Interagency Agreements:
  • Directing accountability requirements for state, county, poly-subs regarding contract qualifications, vehicle titles, and eligibility by administrative function with OFM and Financial Contract Systems. Providing additional pre-contract agreements when needed.

Accounts Payable and Receivable:
  • Obtaining proper invoice signatures and coding.
  • Completing vendor payment using agency p-card or forward to DES Financial for payment.
  • P-card compliance per the SAMMS manual and administrative approval.
  • Management of all aspects of the surplus invoices and work with DES Accts Payable on a month basis.

Qualifications
REQUIRED:
(OPTION 1)
Six (6) years of experience in a mail, warehouse, production or service industry environment.
(OPTION 2)
A combination of relevant experience and/or education totaling six (6) years.
AND
  • One year of supervisory experience. Experience may have been gained concurrently.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license under Washington State law and maintain a driving record free from serious traffic violations.
  • Ability to lift and move 40lbs or more is often required.

**Note: Forklift certification must be attained within the first 30 days (training and certification is available on-site)
Diversity Equity and inclusion (DEI)
Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following Competencies:
  • Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning, and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
  • Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
  • Demonstrates the understanding that all people are valued; contributes to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
  • Committed to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

Supplemental Information
Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.
Please attach the following documents to be considered for the position. Failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
  1. A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
  2. A current resume detailing your experience and education.
  3. A list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

**Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.)
NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.
Background Check Notice:
Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Opportunity for All:
The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at
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.
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 acc

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About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889