Program Specialist (PS5)
Salary
$69,744.00 - $91,464.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-04403
Department
Dept. of Licensing
Division
Business and Professions
Opening Date
06/03/2026
Closing Date
6/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:
Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity
At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.
Our Business and Professions Division (BPD) has a great opportunity for a Program Specialist with strong leadership, project work and collaboration skills to join their team!
As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.
If you are ready to dive into a licensing and regulatory environment that focuses on fostering teamwork, accuracy, and handling project work as part of the leadership team, please read on!
Duties
As our Program Specialist, you will serve as the program expert and focus on providing direction and guidance on complex issues related to firearms and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). You will lead and coordinate activities exercising independent judgement with full decision-making authority over workload management, assignments, and operational procedures. Focusing your team on maintaining strong partner relationships and consistent project results is paramount for this position. Through sound judgement and consistent leadership of a high performing team, you have an opportunity to greatly impact those who are in need of our support throughout the state. You will use your experience to create clear and defensible outcomes to serve all external partners needs.
Some of what you will do:
Qualifications
What you will bring:
Up to four (4) years of relevant education (in public or business administration, public policy, or closely related field) may substitute year for year for experience.
Experience must include three (3) years in the following:
Interpreting, advising, and applying administrative statutes, rules, or federal regulations, policies, and procedures, RCWs, and WACs.
Leading or supervising a team through assigning or reviewing work, providing instruction and guidance to staff, cultivating teamwork, mentoring, or coaching staff for personal and professional growth, performance, or corrective action.
Investigating and resolving customer complaints, inquiries, and complex problems verbally and in writing.
The Ability to:
Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity and inclusion through behaviors and decisions.
Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Experience can be gained concurrently*
What may help you stand out:
Additional Requirements of Employment
DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Kyle Odell.
Supplemental Information
Join us as we transform how government delivers services! Together, we can build a legacy of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that will benefit generations to come. Be part of this vital mission and make a real impact in your community.
How to Apply:
Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions and attachments, are completed in full.
Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.
Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, please notify the Talent Acquisition Team. Please include the title of this position in the subject line.
The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email HRRecruit@dol.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.
The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.
We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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
Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future. Can you meet this expectation?
02
In this role, you will have the privilege to serve a diverse group of teammates, customers, and partners. How would you use your understanding of cultural differences to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed?
03
This position requires you to work in office at our Olympia location 2 days a week or more based on business needs. Are you able to meet this requirement?
04
Which of the following best describes your highest level of relevant education?
05
How many years of experience do you have in policy planning and analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government or related field?
06
I have three (3) years of experience with the following: Please select all that apply.
07
Describe the single largest project you have led in policy planning, analysis, coordination, or consultation and how you planned and executed the project steps. If this does not apply, type "N/A."
08
Describe your experience leading a team through rapidly shifting priorities and unexpected challenges, and how you kept the team focused, motivated, and on track to deliver results. If this does not apply, type "N/A."
09
Where did you learn of this vacancy?
10
If you answered "other" to the preceding question, please indicate where you learned of the vacancy in the space below.
11
Do you acknowledge that you must complete all supplemental questions fully, include a cover letter, and complete your application to be considered for this position?
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov