Research Analyst, Legislative

Job Overview

Our nonpartisan research analysts perform public policy research and analysis, draft legislation, and staff committees for the Montana Legislature. Analysts are hired as generalists but are expected to develop expertise in an assigned policy area.

Job Duties

Session duties include drafting legislation and amendments, providing research, working with legislators, lobbyists, the public, and providing guidance on legislative rules and process to committee members. Between sessions, analysts perform policy research and are project managers for interim committees that undertake policy studies, conduct agency oversight, review administrative rules, and prepare recommendations for legislation. Analysts work closely with committee members, an attorney, a secretary, and administrative staff.

Analysts must be able to:

• act professionally, objectively, and impartially when working with legislators and the public;
• work independently and prioritize and manage multiple projects; and
• analyze and present complicated information in multiple formats.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years of relevant work experience; or

• Master's degree and two years of relevant work experience.

• Relevant interests may include economic affairs and development, business and labor, professional licensing, insurance, health and human services, criminal justice, education, environmental policy. Relevant work experience may include government or nonprofit administration, political science, journalism, teaching, and other nonadvocacy policy roles.

Special Information

Analysts are expected to work considerable overtime (comp) hours for the 6 months before and during the regular legislative session as well as before and during special legislative sessions. Additionally, some overtime hours are required to prepare for and participate in interim legislative committee meetings. Analysts establish work plans to use any excess comp time throughout the interim providing considerable work flexibility during summer months and holiday seasons. While not frequent, some travel may be required for legislative or training purposes.

Salary Range: $82,657 to $91,841

Entry salary (base) for this position is $82,657. Most individuals applying for this position should expect to start at this salary. Applicants with specialized experience, especially with nonpartisan legislative research, committee staffing, and bill drafting, may qualify for higher entry.

This position is open until filled - screening will start on July 10, 2024.

Please contact leghr@legmt.gov for a full job description.

The position is eligible for telework on a hybrid basis. The employee must reside in Montana and be able to come into the office on a routine basis. The employee is expected to be in the office during legislative sessions and for all interim committee meetings.