Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08415

Department: Dept. of Commerce

Division: Local Government Division

Job classification: COMMERCE SPECIALIST 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services, Community Development, Project Management, Program Management

Summary

At the

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.

Examples of 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.

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: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - 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 careershelp@des.wa.gov.

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.