Commerce Specialist 1

Salary : $47,988.00 - $64,440.00 Annually Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent Job Number: 2024-12028 Department: Dept. of Commerce Division: Local Government and Infrastructure Division Opening Date: 10/24/2024 Closing Date: 11/7/2024 11:59 PM Pacific Description Commerce Specialist 1 At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future. 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 Services section, which is located in the Community Assistance and Research Unit in the Local Government Division. This position is responsible for producing high-quality local government fiscal notes in a timely and thorough fashion. This position is a non-permanent position starting December 16, 2024 and concluding on April 30, 2025. Duties Conduct technical research and write fiscal notes 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 section. Collect and present data received from local governments in an accurate, objective and thorough manner that informs policymakers on key revenue and/or expenditure aspects of proposed legislation. Negotiate with OFM and/or lead agencies to resolve any disagreements on analytical assumptions within the parameters established by the section manager. Conduct technical research and write fiscal notes 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 section. Collect and present data received from local governments in an accurate, objective and thorough manner that informs policymakers on key revenue and/or expenditure aspects of proposed legislation. Negotiate with OFM and/or lead agencies to resolve any disagreements on analytical assumptions within the parameters established by the section manager. Qualifications Four years of formal education and one year of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development with any combination of the following: 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 a colleagues, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials; or Functioning effectively in an environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines. OR Two years of formal education and three years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development with any combination of the following: 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 a colleagues, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials; or Functioning effectively in an environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines. OR Five years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development with any combination of the following: 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 a colleagues, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials; or Functioning effectively in an environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines. Required Competencies : AccountabilityMeets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, and meets attendance/punctuality requirements. Customer ServiceHandles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image. IntegrityDeals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad. LeadershipLeads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others. TeamworkMeets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere. Results FocusTargets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, accepts accountability, sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership/motivation. CommunicationCommunicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills. Organizational SavvyOperates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds allies and relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization. Computer SkillsSkilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity. Desired Qualifications: Master's-level coursework 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. Survey drafting, e.g., Smartsheet or SurveyMonkey Advanced Excel Supplemental Information 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: comrecruitmentcommerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. 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 careershelpdes.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.Resourcescommerce.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. More than Just a Paycheck Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 12-31-2022 01 In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position. 02 How many years total combination of professional experience in community, trade, and/or economic development, AND/OR formal education beyond high school in the following: 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 a colleagues, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials; or Functioning effectively in an environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines. Do you have? If you hold a degree, please count each year of education as one year. I do not have this experience I have less than 3 years of combined professional experience AND/OR formal education. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of combined professional experience AND/OR formal education. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of combined professional experience AND/OR formal education. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of combined professional experience AND/OR formal education. I have 6 years or more years of combined professional experience AND/OR formal education. 03 If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.)Please ensure that your descriptions align with the information provided in your application. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below." 04 In which of the following do you have experience with, select all that apply. 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 a colleagues, clients, stakeholders, and governmental officials Functioning effectively in an environment dominated by tight, competing, and often fluid deadlines 05 As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment. Yes No 06 Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington? Yes No 07 If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A. 08 Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity. www.careers.wa.gov Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com) Department of Commerce website Department of Commerce employee Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) Required Question