Job Details

Salary: $24.14 - $32.43 Hourly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Part Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-08415
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Division: Local Government Division
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Housing Incentive Specialist (COM1)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 Housing Section, of the Growth Management Services unit in the Local Government Division. This position is responsible for managing data from various housing-related programs.

This is a part-time, non-permanent position that is expected to conclude on May 30, 2027.
Duties

Housing Program Data Management:
• Collects and prepares historical affordable housing data collected from local governments to internal or external stakeholders for supervisor review and entry into Tracking Housing Affordability Database (THAD).
• Reports to supervisor any limitations or errors in Tracking Housing Affordability Database (THAD) that may prevent collection of effective standardized data into the system.
• Assists supervisor by reporting any conflicting or incomplete information within historical data.

Research and Analysis of Housing Performance:
• In coordination with supervisor, assists with gathering background materials on housing-related topics including, but not limited to housing incentives, housing programs, the housing accelerator framework and housing department task force. Provides support to supervisor in reviewing contractor documentation.
• Prepares draft summaries of housing data and potential policies for supervisor's review.
• Collects data as directed for tracking Growth Management Act performance used by supervisor.
• In coordination with supervisor, reports any conflicting information on analytical assumptions within datasets.
• Assists with organizing housing planning materials for supervisor review.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Four (4) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in community, trade, or economic development 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 a 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. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.

Examples of how to qualify:
• 4 years of experience
• 3 years of experience and one year of education
• 2 years of experience and two years of education
• 1 year of experience and three years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, political science, environmental studies, or related field.
• Working knowledge of structure of local governments (cities, counties, and special districts).
• Familiarity with the policy issues connected to housing in Washington state.

Required Position Competencies:
• Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Office suite 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 data in spreadsheets and databases with graphical user interfaces.
• Ability to interact effectively with section staff, clients, stakeholders and government officials.
• 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: - 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 .

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.
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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026
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 of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs.) involving public administration, political science, urban or regional planning, environmental studies or related field do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4
• 4 or more years

03

How many years of professional experience do you have in community, trade, or economic development with focus in one or more of the following areas:?• 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.

• Less than 1 year of experience
• More than 1 year of experience but less than 2 years of experience
• More than 2 years of experience but less than 3 years of experience
• More than 3 years of experience but less than 4 years of experience
• 4 or more years of experience

04

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.)
05

Please describe how you meet the Required Position Competencies. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
06

Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.
07

If you are a student, please tell us how this position aligns with your educational and professional goals. If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box below.
08

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

09

Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?

• Yes
• No

10

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.
11

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