Performance Audit Graduate Internship

Full Job Description

The Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) is hiring an intern for summer 2026.

Who we are

• JLARC is a legislative committee that makes state government more effective, efficient, and accountable.
• JLARC’s nonpartisan staff complete audits assigned by the Legislature.
• We are a small office that values respect, collaboration, improvement, and humor.

Who we're looking for

Current students or recent graduates of a master’s program who are:

• Studying public policy, political science, or related field.
• Interested in nonpartisan program evaluation.
• Curious about how objective analysis informs legislative policy deliberations and improves government.
• Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research including legal research, statistical and economic analysis, performance measurement, surveys, and interviews.

Requirements

What you'll do

Interns collaborate with project teams to complete in-depth, nonpartisan performance audits for the Legislature. You could be working on any project, from taxes to transportation, education to environment. If it happens in state government, JLARC can review it.

Regardless of assignment, you’ll be expected to:

• Review relevant documents, search legislative history, complete literature reviews, and research policies and practices in other states.
• Participate in site visits, surveys, interview scheduling, and related tasks.
• Complete assigned research tasks using a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods. This might include legal research, statistical and economic analysis, performance measurement, and organizational assessment.
• Follow professional auditing standards to provide independent, objective, and accurate information that informs legislative decisions.
• Interact with legislators and legislative staff in committees and individual briefings.

Qualifications

• At least one full year of master’s degree coursework completed in public administration, public policy, economics, or closely related field.
• Recent graduates of a master’s program also may apply.

The ideal candidate is interested in nonpartisan program evaluation and has education or experience related to the position’s duties. They can work well both independently and as a team member.

We will give special consideration to candidates with an interest in tax policy evaluation. We encourage candidates to review our reports online to see if this type of work is right for you.

Candidates must meet JLARC’s standards for nonpartisanship, objectivity, and confidentiality. Our work informs the Legislature’s policy making and oversight responsibilities. We do not take or advocate any policy positions.

We encourage candidates to review our reports and other information to see if this type of work is right for you.

• Audits we’re planning
• Audits we’ve completed
• Learn more about JLARC

Additional Information

Compensation and logistics

This is a full-time position that pays $4,617 per month. As a temporary position, it is not eligible for state benefits.

We expect the internship to last from June through September 2026.

We often allow interns to work remotely within Washington. However, you must also be able to work in-person at our Olympia office on a regular basis. You also must be authorized to work in the United States.

Location: Olympia, WA with option for partial remote work

Dates: June-September 2026

What past interns say:
“I was able to put what I was learning at school into practice. Everyone was friendly, encouraging, and dedicated to helping with my professional development!”

How to Apply
We will accept applications from March 2 through March 31, 2026.

To apply, please email the following materials to careers.jlarc@leg.wa.gov with the subject line “JLARC Intern Recruitment.” Combine the materials in a single PDF.

• A letter of interest addressed to Marilyn Richter discussing how your qualifications and attributes match the position description.
• A current resume.
• A list of three professional references.

You will get a confirmation email when we receive your application. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview.

Note: This email address accepts only applications. If you need to contact us with questions or other matters, please contact us at jlarc@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-5171.

JLARC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship, military status, or disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds and diverse life experiences to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format should call (360) 786-5171.