Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) jobs

Improving state government, one report at a time

If it happens in state government, we can review it. Recent studies have evaluated:

• Consultation and referral lines for children's mental and behavioral health.
• Racial equity effects of restricting in-person education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Acquisition process for hybrid electric state ferries.
• Tax preferences intended to create jobs in rural counties. 
• Tax preferences to support interstate transportation.
• Appropriations and expenditures from the Dedicated Cannabis Account.
• Pesticide safety programs for farmworkers.

JLARC is a nationally recognized office that has won multiple awards for impact, presentation, and methods.

Who works for JLARC

We have a full-time staff of nonpartisan professionals.

Research analysts: Research and evaluate all aspects of state government performance to answer the Legislature's questions. Analysts have backgrounds in public policy, program evaluation, administration, law, social sciences, economics, and more.

Communications: Ensure the information is clear and accessible to legislators, legislative staff, and the public. Communications staff have backgrounds in state and local government, journalism, visual communications, writing, technology, social media, and more.

Office management: Ensure the office and committee operations run smoothly and efficiently. Staff members have backgrounds in administration, legislative processes, human resources, accounting, and more.

Interns: JLARC periodically has paid internships available for current students and recent graduates. These positions are a fantastic opportunity to expand your skills and build your network while making meaningful contributions to our work.

Building trust through our values

We develop trust and respect for each other and our work by adhering to these values:

1. Neutrality: We assume a neutral stance about the merits of the Legislature's policies. Although we work for the Legislature, we are nonpartisan and work independently.
2. Objectivity: We base our conclusions on reliable evidence and adhere to professional standards.
3. Professionalism: We work cooperatively and exchange ideas with colleagues, agencies, and experts.
4. Growth: We invest in our professional development and learn from each other.
5. Collaboration: We embrace diverse perspectives, inclusion, creativity, and balance.

Our work culture encourages creativity and growth

• We do our work in small teams. Friendly, talented, and dedicated coworkers are always ready to share ideas, skills, and knowledge.
• Research analysts are generalists who might work on studies about natural resources, education, corrections, social services, recreation, and more.
• It's not all desk time. Analysts visit sites across the state to learn more about the agencies and programs we study. Wildland firefighting camps, parks, farms, shelters, prisons, shipyards, wineries, schools, hatcheries… yes, we've been there.
• Staff interact with legislators and legislative staff in committees and individual briefings.

Benefits and perks

We have a full-time staff of nonpartisan professionals. Qualified employees are eligible for the following:

Health, dental, and vision: High-quality and affordable medical and dental coverage.

Retirement: Plans include employer contributions and tax-deferred investments.

Flexible hours, hybrid office: Schedules help staff meet both work and personal goals.

Annual and sick leave: 14-25 days of vacation per year, 12 days of sick leave.

Paid holidays: 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday.

Learning & development: 80+ hours of paid training related to your job every 2 years.

Other benefits: Flexible spending accounts, dependent care assistance program, public service loan forgiveness program, employee assistance program, other insurances (e.g., long-term disability, AD&D).