Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: OSA-AA2501
Department: Office of the State Actuary
Opening Date: 05/13/2025
Description
ABOUT THE OFFICE
Washington's Office of the State Actuary (OSA) supports the financial security of Washingtonians today and for generations to come by helping our clients make informed decisions in their governance of financial security programs including state pension and medical plans, GET Prepaid Tuition Plan, and the new state long-term care program. OSA provides non-partisan, actuarial, policy, and fiscal services for the Legislature, Executive branch agencies, and various boards and committees.
OSA offers employee benefits that support work-life balance and promotes a culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive. At OSA, we care about each other and the quality of our work. We work in a specialized field where projects are varied and challenging, and technical expertise, collaboration, and creativity are key to success. We are committed to serving the public while exceeding our clients' expectations.
Our workplace is located in West Olympia, near the Capitol Campus and downtown. Olympia itself is a vibrant community with numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and the visual and performing arts, plus highly regarded K-12 public schools, two public colleges, and one private university. Nearby attractions include mountains for hiking and skiing, coastlines for beachcombing, and the metropolitan cities of Seattle and Portland. More information about the office is available on our
Duties
ABOUT THE POSITION
Actuarial analysts work closely with, and under the general guidance of, more senior actuaries. This entry-level position involves assisting with the preparation of actuarial valuations for 15 state retirement systems, the GET program, the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan, and Other Postemployment Benefits; assisting with the pricing of proposals related to public pensions, responding to legislative and constituent inquiries and requests, preparing cash flow and contribution rate projections; and assisting with economic and demographic experience studies.
This position may be eligible for remote work as a Washington State resident after successful completion of in-person training and mentorship during a probationary period.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate will have a degree from an accredited college or university in a field such as actuarial science, STEM, or finance; will have passed one actuarial exam; will be proficient at using Excel spreadsheets; familiar with word processing programs; will have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; be effective working independently as well as in a team environment; and legally authorized to work in the United States.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications stated above, the ideal candidate has successfully completed the Society of Actuaries VEEs plus one additional actuarial exam. Knowledge of ProVal or other defined benefit valuation software would be beneficial, as well as strong leadership skills.
Supplemental Information
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The current salary range for this position is $5,737 to $9,942 per month. We anticipate the starting salary would fall between the low and midpoint of this range and depend on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits include vacation, sick, and military leave; paid state holidays; health, life, long-term disability, and other optional insurance; social security; retirement; and deferred compensation programs. Eligible employees may participate in flexible work schedules that include telecommuting as a Washington State resident, upon completion of a probationary period.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates should provide a cover letter and resume; the cover letter should discuss reasons for your interest in the position and highlight any relevant experience - whether through work or school.
Candidates should be prepared to provide three references, sign an authorization to release information, and be available to take a personality and career interest assessment to help evaluate their candidacy. Interviews may include a basic skills test along with technical or critical-thinking focused questions.
This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled. Application screening and interviewing will begin immediately. The state actuary reserves the right, and may exercise the option, to make a hiring decision at any time or extend the recruitment.
Please send the requested information to the attention of:
HR Business Partner
Legislative Support Services
Post Office Box 40500
Olympia, Washington 98504-0500
Phone: (360) 786-7337 | Fax: (360) 786-7585
lsshroffice@leg.wa.gov
We would prefer to receive all application packages via e-mail with attachments as a .pdf file.
The Office of the State Actuary 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 strive to create a respectful and supportive work environment where individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences are valued. We encourage people of all identities and experiences to apply. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact HR Business Partner, in the Legislative Support Services HR office at (360) 786-7337, or lsshroffice@leg.wa.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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022