Legislative Assistant to Representative Joshua Penner, Republican Caucus

Description

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
: $59,544.00 – $ 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.

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 itself 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.
• We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

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.

• 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…