Principal Legislative Analyst (Land Use) -King County Council

The Principal Legislative Analyst will perform the duties and responsibilities of lower-level classifications within the Legislative Analyst Series and will also:

• Conduct objective, non-biased qualitative and quantitative analysis of legislation, plans and proposals in order to identify legislative and executive intent, anticipated direct and indirect results, and alternatives. Work with legal staff to identify legal issues, impacts and risks.
• Prepare GIS maps and conduct basic GIS analysis for land use, transportation, financial, and/or equity and social justice policies.
• Provide analysis and counsel on complex subject-specific matter involving strategic direction, policy, organizational, and operational issues.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings in a clear, concise, logical and objective manner, both orally and in writing – summarizing and clearly articulating analytic findings, issues, and alternatives for elected officials and the public.
• Initiate, coordinate, and conduct research and analysis of legislation referred to the Council on specific policy and fiscal matters, including new ideas and legislation. Identify legislative and executive intent on highly complex proposals. 
• Specify research design and outcomes. 
• Participate in external committees such as those comprised of departmental staff, interdepartmental staff, and interagency staff, to stay up-to-date on proceedings, 
  performance, trends, and issues.
• Meet with assigned mentee(s) on a regular basis providing mentorship and coaching

Listed are a few responsibilities from the preceding classification:

• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings for council committees. Summarize intent, outline background information, analyze important issues, identify legal issues, impacts and risks. Prepare pertinent attachments and illustrations.
• Draft legislation and amendments as required for council consideration. Review for compliance with professional and technical standards.
• Review annual budget proposals, engage in discussions about policy intent and expected outcomes, analyze issues, and develop options.

 A full description of the job duties can be found here:
Position: Principal Legislative AnalystThe most successful applicants will possess the following experience, knowledge, and skills:

• Extensive specialized professional knowledge of the Growth Management Act (GMA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), comprehensive plans, land use codes, permitting and GIS mapping software.
• Long-range land use planning, policy interpretation, and zoning and development regulations knowledge. 
• Deep knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant sections of local, regional, state, and federal mandates and programs related to planning, housing, land use, development, and the environment. Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates and functions and familiarity with the regional and local policy issues and challenges that affect King County is a plus.
•  Passion for the legislative process; have experience working for elected officials; are creative and intellectually curious; have strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills; and have a desire to collaboratively work as part of a team.
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative process and Council and committee parliamentary rules and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of project management, research design and sequencing of project steps.
• Interpret and apply relevant sections of the King County Code, and local, regional, state and federal mandates and programs.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of proposals, alternatives, and conclusions, as well as whether proposals comply with policy. Identify issues for legal review.

The King County Council strives to create an inclusive, anti-racist workplace and seeks team members who will thrive in this type of working environment.

With a commitment to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment and valuing lived experiences, we endeavor to hire a workforce which reflects the County we serve. People of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions are encouraged to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.  

Together with leadership and our employees, we are changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work, and play.

KING COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.

ABOUT THE POSITION
This position is open to all qualified applicants. Acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States are required by federal immigration law. This is a salaried, at-will, overtime-exempt position that is not eligible for the county Career Service system. The standard workweek is 40 hours. Non-traditional work hours and travel throughout King County may occasionally be required.

Full benefits are available, some of which include the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System; county health insurance, dental, and vision plans; parental leave; local transit pass and other local alternative transportation incentives; and deferred compensation plan. To see all benefits, visit Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement
athttps://kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/benefits.aspx

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE:

Nov. 2-22:                    Position open

Nov. 23-Dec. 4:            HR Initial Review

Dec. 7-10:                     Subject Matter Expert Review

Dec. 10-14:                    Writing Exercise

Jan. 11-15 (2027):          First Round Interviews

Jan. 18-22 (2027):        Second Round Interviews

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
An online employment application, resume, cover letter and answers to the supplemental questions are required.

Applicants will be screened for completeness, competitiveness, and writing accuracy. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a skills assessment exercise and one or more panel interviews. 

UNION REPRESENTATION
The Principal Legislative Analyst position is represented by a bargaining unit and is the third classification in a four-part series. A $1.50 per hour contribution to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund is mandatory for all represented employees in this union. The pension contribution is reflected in the stated wage rates on this announcement.

TELEWORK
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment, working in the office and at home. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. If selected for this position, you must be available for periodic in-person work.

You must have a secure and reliable internet connection for remote work-a minimum of 30 megabits per second download speed to accommodate video meetings. All staff must commit to standards related to team engagement, telework, and the KCC code of conduct.

Please contact Arlecier West, Sr. HR Business Partner at [email protected] if you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you would like to have a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

JOB CODE: 246201 Principal Legislative Analyst
This position is represented by the Teamsters Local 117.