Legislative Analyst I

The nonpartisan Legislative Affairs Agency provides objective accurate and timely services and products to the Alaska Legislature and Alaskans to support and inform policy making facilitate public access to the legislative process and preserve the legislative institution.

Working in seamless partnership across sections staff approach their tasks with professionalism grace and courtesy in supporting the challenging and vital work of the legislative branch.

Under general supervision the Legislative Analyst I assists legislators and legislative staff with policy research and comparative information on public policy options. The Legislative Analyst I produces memos research reports and other documents to describe research findings and assist legislators and staff.

This is a fully exempt job class under AS 39.25.110(3). Employees of the Legislative Affairs Agency must be non-partisan and may not engage in certain political activities.

Examples of Duties:

Assists legislators and their staff in conducting their own research.

Consults with legislators and staff to determine the precise nature of the information and analysis needed.

Develops research strategies locates sources of information and gathers pertinent information.

Confers with subject matter experts in government agencies national organizations and the private sector.

Analyzes statutes regulations reports articles court decisions websites and other written material.

Writes reports on topics of interest to state legislators regarding pending or future policy or budget decisions in a variety of formats that are clear well-organized accurate and non-partisan.

Reviews and edits colleagues research reports. Receives and incorporates edits and feedback from peers into own work product.

Explains research results to legislators and staff and responds to follow-up questions.

May perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Basic understanding of socioeconomic research methods and data analysis.

Knowledge of the Alaska Legislature state government Constitution statutes and regulations.

Basic knowledge of economics and public policy issues preferably with a higher of level of expertise in one or more subject areas.

Ability to identify research sources collect and interpret information and identify salient points quickly and accurately.

Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely utilizing proper grammar spelling vocabulary and punctuation.

Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically.

Ability to analyze complicated information quickly and accurately.

Ability to act professionally objectively and impartially in dealing with legislators and public.

Ability to work independently and handle a variety of projects at the same time.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.

Ability to be highly productive prioritize assignments and meet deadlines under stressful conditions.

Ability to use computers and adapt to changing technology.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree.

One year relevant work experience.

Additional relevant work experience may substitute for the education requirement.

Working here is a chance to be a part of Alaska history. LAA employees provide essential nonpartisan support to the Legislature where vital policy and laws are created. The Agency is made up of eleven sections led by a management team with 200 years of combined legislative experience and institutional knowledge who along with our staff share an unwavering commitment to serving Alaskans. We work in a dynamic environment and teamwork is not just a buzzword but fundamental to everything we do.

We value:

Accountability. We are committed to responsible use of human financial and environmental resources.

Respect. We provide services without discrimination or judgment.

Integrity. We are honest and ethical in our work.

The Alaska Legislature values the unique contributions that candidates with diverse experiences knowledge and backgrounds can bring to our work. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to embedding diversity equity inclusion and accessibility at our workplace.

Comprehensive Benefit Package

The Alaska Legislature offers health benefits including a range of coverage choices for medical dental and vision; a health flexible spending account; as well as other health services such as Teladoc Hinge Health and Surgery addition there are a variety of supplemental elections: life insurance additional accidental death and dismemberment critical illness and both short- and long-term disability.

Health and Wellness

Employees have access to a 24/7 Wellness Center which is a small fee-based workout facility ($50 annually) with two treadmills two ellipticals one recumbent bike strength training equipment free weights two showers one steam room lockers and towel service.

For mental health wellness the State of Alaska offers free confidential help through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Financial Well-Being

The State offers savings and investment plans paid leave insurance options and more to help employees meet their financial goals.

This includes:

• Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) with either a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution based on original State of Alaska hire date.
• Deferred Compensation plan with options for before or after payroll taxes.
• Supplemental Benefits System Annuity (SBS) in lieu of Social Security.
• Workers Compensation Insurance.
• Voluntary Savings Plan (Defined Benefit participants only)

Professional Development

The Legislative Affairs Agency encourages employees to improve their skills by enrolling in professional development courses directly related to their job responsibilities. Employees may apply for reimbursement for the cost of tuition and books for one undergraduate college-level course per calendar year for which they receive a minimum of a C letter grade.

Work/Life Balance

Work/life balance is supported through:

• The potential for flexible work schedules during interim when the legislature is not in session.
• Agency staff may accrue as compensatory time up to 150 hours of hours worked over the standard work week. There is no cash value to compensatory time.
• The State offers paid leave starting at 6:04 (h:mm) a pay period or 21 days a year. If you have previous time working for the State of Alaska in a leave eligible position the time will be calculated into your accrual rate.
• 12 paid State holidays each year
• The Legislative Affairs Agency is a family-friendly employer.
• The Alaska State Legislature has an onsite daycare with priority given to legislative employees children.
• An assigned parking space may be available upon request.

Special Note:

This is a fully exempt job class under AS 39.25.110(3). Positions in the Legislative Affairs Agency are required to be politically neutral.

Contact Information

Legislative Personnel Office