Public Records Officer

Public Records Officer

OPENS:
February 10, 2026

CLOSES:
Review of applications is ongoing. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as soon as possible.

REPORTS TO:

House Counsel

LOCATION:

Thurston County – Olympia, Washington

SALARY: $79,668 – $138,060 annually (The above reflects the full salary range, starting salary based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications and will likely be below the top of the range.)

The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms, representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs approximately 240 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. Staff work groups include, nonpartisan staff, Democratic Caucus staff and Republican Caucus staff. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January on the capitol campus in Olympia.

Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed.

Our workplace is on the beautiful capitol campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.

The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:

• We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
• We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
• We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

The Public Records Officer is a nonpartisan position within the House Administration that is responsible for managing the public records function for the House of Representatives, serving as the point of contact for all public records requests, and ensuring that the production of requested records is consistent with state and federal laws. This position leads a team of public records staff, involves supervisory responsibility, and requires strong organization skills and attention to detail.

• Manage House responses to the public records requests under the Washington State Public Records Act (chapter 42.56 RCW).
• Manage and oversee the work of the public records office, which receives frequent complex requests.
• Monitor, coordinate, and assign tasks or requests to public records staff and review completed requests before release.
• Identify records and coordinate the production of public records with record holders to meet legal deadlines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with requestors and facilitate responses.
• Review responsive records for red actions and withholding exemptions and apply red actions prior to release.
• Search email archives for email communications responsive to requests.
• Develop and implement procedures, guidelines, and control for storage, retrieval, tracking, and filing of active and inactive records; ensure records are maintained, disposed, or archived according to retention schedule.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures for public records requests.
• Work with House Counsel in the development and delivery of training for members and staff on public records, record retention, and records management.
• Evaluate, analyze, and make recommendations regarding public records requests and records management.
• Respond to inquiries and requests from legislative members, staff, and the public (answering phones, emails, and face-to-face contacts) on public records and records management issues.
• Serve as liaison with Leg-Tech on software and other technical issues related to public records.
• Use discretion to triage confidential and sensitive information.
• Monitor and analyze changes to public records laws and regulations, either through…