Temporary Peterson Agency Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $60,732.00 - $105,240.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2026-07123
Department: House of Representatives
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Washington State House of Representatives
Exempt Recruitment Announcement
Legislative Assistant to Rep. Strom Peterson, House Democratic Caucus
OPENS:
August 25, 2026
CLOSES:
September 8, 2026
REPORTS TO:
Representative and Legislative Assistant Supervisor
LOCATION:
Thurston County - Olympia, Washington during session; Option of Olympia or in-state telework during interim.
SALARY:
$60,732 - $105,240 annually.
State law requires us to post the full salary range; however, individual salary is determined using a formulaic approach that gives credit for all paid work experience and up to a maximum of four years of college-level education. Most applicants will start near the beginning of the salary range.
NOTE:
Applications will be retained and may be considered for additional HDC Legislative Assistant openings in 2026.
This position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association.
About The House of Representatives:
The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members, elected to serve two-year terms representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs 250 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. The Legislature meets annually beginning on the second Monday in January in the Capitol 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.
Our workplace is on the beautiful Capitol Campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.
The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:

• We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
• We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
• We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

About The House Democratic Caucus:
The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their district, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative assistants staff and manage individual member offices. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.
We believe that honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion means that as an organization, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes, can Washington State House of Representatives employees achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the House of Representatives.
Duties
Position Profile:
Legislative Assistants support their assigned Representative in successfully fulfilling their duties by providing services in the areas of administration, office management, communication, research, bill tracking, and constituent correspondence. This is a full-time year-round position that is exempt from civil service laws. This position is represented by a union.
How You'll Be Expected to Contribute:

• Manage daily operation of Olympia and/or district office.
• Maintain office records in accordance with the Washington State Public Records Act.
• Answer phone and act as first point of contact for all callers and visitors.
• Manage the Representative's calendar including complex scheduling assignments, individual appointments, group meetings, public events, and travel arrangements.
• Track advancement of bills throughout drafting and legislative process to ensure that timelines and deadlines are met.
• Draft responses on behalf of the Representative to emails, letters, and phone calls. Manage a high volume of constituent inquiries.
• Facilitate communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems.
• Submit detailed and timely accounting reports for member travel and expense reimbursement.

Qualifications
The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

• Two years of office management and administrative support experience, ideally in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple responsibilities at the same time under time constraints, exercising professional judgment and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrated ability of strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including standard formatting and protocol for professional correspondence.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related software to include video conference technology.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of legislative process and state and local government structure, functions, and services.

Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.
Supplemental Information
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence during the legislative session and frequently requires more than 40 hours of work per week, which may include evening, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility. This position is currently approved for in-state telework during the interim with an expectation to have an onsite-in-person presence when requested.
Benefits:
Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.
How to Apply:
Intrigued? If so, please submit the below items combined in one document:
(1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;
(2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and
(3) a minimum of three professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).
Send application materials and direct any questions to: . Remember, applications for this position will be retained and may be considered for additional HDC Legislative Assistant openings in 2026.
The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House HR Director at or 360-786-7030, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or
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