Legislative Assistant to Representative Joshua Penner, House Republican Caucus

Washington State House of Representatives

Exempt Recruitment Announcement

Legislative Assistant to Representative Joshua Penner, House Republican Caucus

OPENS:

October 15, 2025

CLOSES:

October 29, 2025

REPORTS TO:

Representative and Legislative Assistant Supervisor

LOCATION:

Olympia, Washington during Session - Options of Olympia or District Office during interim

SALARY:

$59, $103,176.00 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.

This position is represented by the Legislative Professionals Association.

About the House of Representatives:

The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made 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 Republican Caucus:

The Washington State House Republican Caucus (HRC) consists of 39 Republican members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HRC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Republicans. Communications specialists help members of the HRC 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. Learn more at:

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, manage a high volume of calls and constituent inquiries and act as first point of contact.
• Facilitate communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems.
• Draft responses on behalf of the Representative to emails, letters, and phone calls.
• Identify and monitor district-specific issues.
• 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.
• Work with the Office of Program Research and House Republican caucus staff to develop materials and prepare briefings for members
• Submit detailed and timely accounting reports for member travel and expense reimbursement.
• Represent the office at legislative and community events when requested.
• Work with Public Information Officer and representative on articles, newsletters, press releases and speeches.
• Work with Public Information Officer to coordinate town hall meetings and district events.

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

• Two years of office management and administrative support experience.
• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in business, political science, public administration, or related field.

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.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:

This position requires an onsite/in-person presence during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week or adjust normally scheduled hours, which will include evening, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility and reduced hours. This position is currently approved for in-state telework 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:

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: by close of business October 29,

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 , or TTD Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at or