WASHINGTON STATE SENATE

Senate Committee Services

Position for the 2027 Legislative Session: Hearing Room Specialists

DESCRIPTION

Customer service, teamwork, and nonpartisanship are core values for the Senate Committee Services (SCS) staff team. Our office provides nonpartisan support to the Senators and committees of the Washington State Senate in Olympia, and we are currently seeking to fill several temporary positions for the 2027 legislative session. For more information on SCS, please visit our website at https://leg.wa.gov/about-the-legislature/senate/senate-committee-services/.

About Senate Committee Services

SCS is a nonpartisan workgroup assisting Senators in developing and evaluating policy and fiscal alternatives to achieve policy and budgetary objectives. This is accomplished by ensuring committee meetings and other legislative processes operate efficiently and effectively, and are accessible to the public. The nonpartisan mission of SCS is achieved by providing the same high-quality service and level of effort for all Senators, regardless of political belief, affiliation, or rank. 

Duties

A session hearing room specialist will:

• Schedule Zoom meetings for Senate committees, send and manage links in accordance with Senate policies.
• Provide logistical and technical support during hybrid committee meetings, including working in Zoom.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with legislative members, staff, presenters, and the public who attend committee meetings virtually.
• Manage multiple proprietary applications and programs simultaneously during fast-paced committee meetings.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service to Senators, staff, and the public.
• Update the meeting tracking application, communicating needs and progress with other workgroups.  
• Assist in facilitating public testimony at committee hearings.
• Write and edit administrative correspondence clearly and concisely.
• Acquire and develop a basic understanding of the legislative process and procedures.
• Communicate with colleagues to give and receive support.

Requirements

SCS is looking for individuals who are motivated, engaged, and professional team players who can problem solve quickly in stressful situations. The following are skills, work ethics, and additional requirements necessary for the position:

Skills & Experience

• Strong technical, customer service, and communication skills.
• Experience with Zoom, as well as other video conferencing technology.
• Experience running audio/visual equipment is desired.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work efficiently within time constraints, often self-starting routine tasks. Proficiency at multi-tasking is a must.
• Ability to discern and maintain confidentiality and remain nonpartisan and professional.
• Organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows 11 and Outlook.
• Experience using Microsoft Teams, Planner, and OneNote is a plus.
• Ability to work well with others and maintain a positive, professional demeanor while in a fast-paced, high-pressure legislative environment.

Work Ethics, Values & Professional Relationships

• Flexible attitude and willingness to help other team members and fill in when absences occur. Contribute to team efforts by sharing information and skills and willingly take on new assignments to assist others.
• Work well under time constraints and meet deadlines as necessary and directed. Maintain timely and consistent work attendance and demonstrate reliability by following through on assignments and communicating effectively with others.
• Exercise discretion, demonstrate nonpartisan values, and maintain confidentiality. Comply with established rules, procedures, and policies of the Senate.
• Convey a formal business professional demeanor in dress, appearance, attitude, and through strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Develop positive work relationships with Senators and staff that establish trust amongst colleagues, superiors, and members of the Legislature and the public. Demonstrate integrity and honesty in professional relationships. Show respect, patience, and empathy toward customers and peers.
• Ability to effectively interact with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, veteran statuses, and disability statuses to promote trust.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work long, irregular hours, and some weekends during the legislative session.
• Must be able to work in the office located in Olympia, maintaining public health and safety standards and directives as needed.

Benefits

Salary and Duration

The salary for Session Hearing Room Specialists is expected to be $4,385 - $4,697 per month depending on experience and qualifications. These are temporary positions lasting approximately 14-17 weeks. Mandatory employment training will be scheduled for 2-3 weeks prior to the start of the 2027 Legislative Session. The Legislature is currently scheduled to convene on January 11, 2027.

Benefits

This is a temporary position eligible for paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and access to the Employee Assistance Program.

Application Procedure

These positions are open until filled. Sunday, October 18th is the priority deadline for applications. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible as screening, interviewing, and selection will begin immediately. For general questions regarding the review, interview and hiring process, please contact: Liza Weeks at [email protected].

The Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Officer at [email protected].