Security Officer/Session Lead

Washington State House of Representatives

Exempt Recruitment Announcement

Security Officer/Session Lead

OPENS:

June 02, 2026

CLOSES:

June 16, 2026

REPORTS TO:

Security Supervisor

LOCATION:

Thurston County Olympia, Washington

SALARY:

$57,288 to $99,276 annually

State law requires us to post the full salary range; however, individual salary is determined based on experience and internal alignment. Most applicants will start near the beginning of the salary range.

This is a full-time, year-round position with an anticipated hire date of August 17, 2026.

About The House of Representatives:

The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made of 98 members, elected to serve two-year terms representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs 250 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. The Legislature meets annually beginning on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building 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.

Position Profile:

This position supports the safety, security, and daily operations of the Washington State House of Representatives. The Security Officer/Session Lead assists House Security in coordinating security functions, monitoring systems, responding to incidents, and ensuring compliance with House rules. This positions primary responsibility is to provide security for all personnel assigned to the Pritchard Building (House members and staff, Legislative Service Center, and the Code Revisors Office). During legislative session, this role assumes additional leadership responsibilities, including staff supervision and operational coordination within House-controlled facilities.

This position is responsible for ensuring the security and safety of state legislators, legislative employees, and visitors to the House and its facilities. The position involves administrative responsibilities and expands to include lead responsibilities during legislative sessions.

How Youll Be Expected to Contribute:

Security Operations & Monitoring:

• Operate and monitor security surveillance camera systems to ensure security and safety of House facilities.
• Monitor the Security Duress Button System and initiate proper notifications (e.g., law enforcement, internal staff, and reporting parties).
• Respond to and assess unusual or suspicious activity in House-controlled areas.
• Conduct routine patrols and security checks of House-controlled areas.
• Ensure compliance with House Rules and assist House Security leadership to establish and follow safety and security protocols.

Communications & Incident Coordination:

• Serve as a communication liaison for security and safety incidents involving internal and external partners; including Chief Clerks Office, Senate Security, Washington State Patrol (WSP), Temple of Justice, and Department of Enterprise Services (DES).
• Receive and process phone calls and visitor inquiries.
• Maintain situational awareness and provide timely updates to the security leadership regarding incidents, concerns, and emerging issues.

Administrative & Access Control Support

• Assist the security supervisor in managing the photo ID card access system, including issuance, troubleshooting, and audits.
• Support audits related to access control systems and key management.
• Assist with House parking operations, including complaint intake and investigation.

Facility Operations Support

• Assist in ensuring completion of daily facility opening and closing procedures.
• Support general operations of the House Security Offices located in the Pritchard Building and/or John L. OBrien Building (JLOB).
• Assist with additional operational or administrative duties as assigned.

Session Leadership Responsibilities (performed during session in addition to the above duties):

• Supervise Pritchard Building security staff during session.
• Assist in directing daily security operations and scheduling within the Pritchard Building and JLOB, including conference and hearing rooms.
• Collaborate with Legislative Assistants to coordinate and manage visitor access to House members.
• Provide leadership support and ensure consistent application of security procedures during high-demand periods.

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

• Experience in security operations, law enforcement, or related field.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a legislative environment.
• Ability to monitor and interpret surveillance systems and respond appropriately.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiarity with access control and surveillance systems.
• Experience in a government or legislative setting.
• Knowledge of Washington State legislative operations.

• Possess a valid drivers license.

Special Requirements:

• A background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
• May require coordination with law enforcement agencies for response efforts.

Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence year-round Monday through Friday. During the legislative session, this position frequently requires more than 40 hours of work per week, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits:
Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.

How to Apply:

Please submit the below items combined in one document :

(1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;

(2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and

(3) a minimum of three professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).

Send application materials and direct any questions to ... .

The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House HR Director at ... or ..., or TTD .... Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at ... or www.washingtonrelay.com.