Entry Level Fiscal Assistant Jobs

Description

Fiscal Note Analyst (COM 1)

At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places. Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, public entities, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of local governments and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides access to state and federal resources through grants and loans to plan, develop and build needed infrastructure and capital facility projects across the state. Efforts are made to make financial resources more accessible to applicants and recipients, and to prioritize the most critical projects and needs; LGD resources create jobs and grow business by initiating new opportunities for economic development. The division also supports communities with research and project management expertise, including technical assistance on a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, capital project development, infrastructure project funding strategies, local studies, and implementation of the growth management act (GMA). LGD is responsible for helping Washington grow sustainably by supporting local governments with planning and implementation of the GMA, encouraging smart growth and protecting our communities. LGD strives to develop strong partnerships, vibrant communities, and sustainable infrastructure.

This position performs a variety of professional-level program and research work for the Research and Development Services Unit, which is located in the Local Government Division. This position is responsible for producing high-quality local government fiscal notes in a timely and thorough fashion.

This recruitment will be used to fill two positions.

This position is a non-permanent position starting December 16, 2026, and concluding on April 30, 2027.

Duties

Local government fiscal note analysis

Tasks include:

• Conduct technical research on policies impacting local governments, write fiscal notes and provide drafts to Managing Director and/or Section Manager for review within a specified turn-around time, using a variety of analysis tools to meet guidelines established by the Office of Financial Management (OFM), the Legislature and the Research Services Section.
• Collect and present data collected from local governments to internal or external stakeholders in an accurate, objective, and thorough manner that informs policymakers on key revenue and/or expenditure aspects of proposed legislation.
• In coordination with OFM and/or lead agencies, resolves any conflicting information on analytical assumptions within the parameters established by the Managing Director. As needed, elevates unresolved conflicts to the Managing Director.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Five (5) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience

in community, trade, or economic development in one or more of the following areas or work related to the position:

• Interpreting the technical and political implications of legislation.
• Writing concisely, clearly, accurately, objectively, and with appropriate analytical rigor about policy issues that may be technically complex and politically controversial.
• Interacting effectively with colleagues, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials.
• Functioning effectively in an environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines.

Education

involves public administration, political science, urban or regional planning, environmental studies or related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience
• 4 years of experience and one year of education
• 3 years of experience and two years of education
• 2 years of experience and three years of education
• 1 year of experience and four years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, planning, environmental studies, or related field.
• Working knowledge of the legislative process and the structure of local governments (cities, counties, and special districts).
• Familiarity with the policy issues connected to fiscal impacts for cities and counties.

Required Position Competencies:

• Intermediate skill level in Microsoft 365 products, including Teams, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to interpret and analyze policies, procedures and legislative documents.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with local governments, agency partners, policymakers, and internal staff to gather information, present analytical findings, and resolve discrepancies in data or analytical assumptions.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

To be considered for this position, the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online).
• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message.

Supplemental Information

Work from Anywhere in Washington State

This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.