Want to find work with WA state east of the Cascades? These 10 jobs pay $3-8k per month

Karlee Van De Venter
·4 min read

There are certain benefits associated with working for a state entity. Depending on the role, advantages of working for the state of Washington can include better benefits, higher pay, more consistent schedules and opportunity for career advancement. But there are challenges.

Many of Washington’s state jobs are based in the Seattle area. With so many government offices, agency bureaus and other state organizations, there are many options to choose from in King County. Applying for a state job is known to be on the more detailed side, and can involve applying for a large number of positions and allowing a long time for the hiring process.

Eastern and western Washington are divided by mountain ranges, making them very different in both climate and in culture. But eastsiders can work for the state, without relocating to the Emerald City.’

Here are 10 current listings with monthly salaries ranging from about $3,000 to a little over $7,900. If you have comments, questions, concerns or confusion about the process to apply for a state of Washington job, see our Service Team webform below. We read every response we receive, and you may be contacted for a future story.

Eastern Washington state jobs

▪ Chelan County

Secretary Senior Licensing - Wenatchee

  • Description: This position is the first point of contact for Department of Children, Youth and Families programs and childcare licensing. Process applications and other files, resolve problems and inquiries, handle scheduling and other duties.

  • Deadline: Dec. 6

  • Salary: $3,006-$3,974/month

  • Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and two years of office experience (specifically with daily duties related to keyboarding or typing at least 50 words per minute)

▪ Franklin County

Correctional Officer

  • Description: In-training for monitoring and directing the movement of incarcerated individuals, maintaining security and being a positive role model.

  • Deadline: Dec. 31

  • Salary: $5,490-$6,368/month

  • Qualifications: High school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, legal right to carry a firearm

▪ Spokane County

Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2

  • Description: Provide recreational activities that include sports, music, social activities, arts and drama to meet specific needs. Document patient response.

  • Deadline: Dec. 5

  • Salary: $3,976-$5,088/month

  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with approved major study (recreation, physical education, others), or equivalent education or experience

Security Guard

  • Description: Patrol the campus at Eastern State Hospital, confiscate contraband, intervene in dangerous situations and obtain information for law enforcement, and complete reports.

  • Deadline: Dec. 12

  • Salary: $22.32-$29.97/hour

  • Qualifications: Valid driver’s license, and one year of experience as a security guard in a state service or relevant education and experience

Lakeland Retail Clerk

  • Description: Prepare food, make bulk meal items, assist in the retail sales and keep the cafe clean

  • Deadline: Dec. 3

  • Salary: $2,940-$3,883/month

  • Qualifications: One year’s experience in food counter or retail sales work, or relevant education or experience

Customer Service Specialist

  • Description: Provide customer service support and problem-solve for customers and staff with the Economic Services Administration.

  • Deadline: Dec. 10

  • Salary: $3,145-$4,174/month

  • Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree, or an associates degree plus two years of customer service experience, or equivalent experience

Walla Walla County

Resident Transportation Driver

  • Description: Operate medium-to-large buses for residents at the Walla Walla Veterans Home and assist residents as necessary.

  • Deadline: Dec. 26

  • Salary: $19.40-$21.82/hour

  • Qualifications: Valid Washington state driver’s license, no serious traffic violations, physical requirements

▪ Yakima County

Community Corrections Officer

  • Description: Assess criminal supervised individuals in the community under state law and agency policy, enforce conditions and the law. Operates out of the Toppenish Field Office, with in-training available.

  • Deadline: Dec. 11

  • Salary: $3,934-$6,276/month

  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, valid unrestricted Washington state license, ability to carry a firearm

▪ Multiple locations

Assistant State Auditor 1

  • Description: Prepare to plan and conduct audits through on-the-job training, classes and work product review and feedback.

  • Deadline: January 2, 2024

  • Salary: $4,072-$7,932/month

  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree including at least three accounting classes

Human Resource Consultant

  • Description: Consult on classification issues, offer administration guidance under agency responsibilities, process paperwork and provide employees with relevant information regarding their rights and responsibilities.

  • Deadline: Dec. 4

  • Salary: $55,224-$74,376/year

  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a focus in business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences or related field, and one year of professional human resource experience, or equivalent education or experience

Do you have questions for the Northwest Service Team about applying for state work in Washington? Ask us here: