SCS jobs

About the Program

The Budget Fellowship program is sponsored by Senate Committee Services. Fellows serve as nonpartisan Fiscal Analysts with the Senate Ways & Means Committee and receive specialized training in budget analysis, legislative process, bill management, and policy development with mentoring available throughout the legislative session.

Fellows gain valuable insight and experience with Washington State’s operating budget formulation process, legislative research, and bill drafting. The program also offers internships for first-year and second-year law students, and first-year graduate students in public administration and other relevant programs.

Responsibilities

• Fiscal and policy analysis
• Review and evaluation of agency budget requests and Governor’s budget proposals
• Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist Senators in meeting their goals
• Bill and amendment drafting
• Presentation of oral and written staff reports to decision makers
• Conducting nonpartisan legal, fiscal, and policy research
• Drafting legislation and giving presentations before legislative committees
• Participating in a mock hearing to draft, analyze, and present bills

Qualifications

• Recent graduate of a Masters or Ph.D. program in economics, business, public administration, or an allied field (for Fellows)
• First-year or second-year law students, or first-year graduate students in public administration and other relevant programs (for Interns)
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to conduct nonpartisan legal, fiscal, and policy research and analysis
• Self-motivated with an interest in public service

Program Details

Fellows: This is a full-time, temporary position lasting approximately one year.

Interns: The internship lasts a total of 10 weeks and is offered in a hybrid format, allowing some virtual and some in-person experiences. Interns may choose a start date in June and should expect to attend in person for a 1-2 week long bill drafting workshop. Interns are typically assigned to 1 or 2 committees based on Senate needs and personal interests.

Senate Committee Services provides an orientation on legislative organization and process, regular seminars with state leaders, and individualized training from committee staff.

SCS cannot provide housing but can provide information for those seeking short-term housing in Olympia.

Pay

Interns are paid up to $3,637 per month. Additional employee benefits and paid time off are not offered.

Application Process

Interested students must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample, either through their college or university’s job portal or directly to Senate Committee Services by emailing christopher.mccallister@leg.wa.gov.

Selected applicants will participate in an interview with SCS staff. Interviews begin in the fall at most schools. Finalists may be asked to schedule a second interview and complete a written exercise.

Recruitment Schedule:

• August - October: Accepting applications
• November - December: Interview rounds
• November - December: Positions offered to 2 to 6 interns