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What we do

DES provides centralized business services to state government agencies, cities and counties, tribal governments, and Washington residents. Our mission is strengthening the business of government for a sustainable and just future.

When you work for DES, you’re not just making a difference for our organization, but for every partner we support. Your impact goes beyond DES and extends to the missions of our partners.

Our team members are passionate about the work they do. Here’s a glimpse at how their efforts have resulted in remarkable outcomes:

• Our real estate services team helped the Department of Natural Resources find much-needed space for its rapidly growing fire unit, enabling firefighters to fulfill their mission.
• Our team that cares for the Capitol Campus transformed an overgrown area into a beautiful garden for visitors to support pollinator habitats and enhance the center of government in Washington state.
• Our federal surplus program helped a woman/veteran -owned small business civil contractor acquire nearly $250,000 worth of equipment for just $8,000. Later, after a competitive solicitation process, her company was awarded a state construction contract. The business was empowered to fulfill the project's scope thanks to the new equipment.

Your work at DES can make a significant impact on the lives of many.

Who we are

Our mission: Strengthening the business of government for a sustainable and just future.

Our vision: To deliver seamless government solutions that improve the lives of every Washingtonian.

Our values: Our values are not only guiding principles, but a way of life that we embrace every day to make a positive impact on the world around us. They inspire us to work with passion and dedication to create a better tomorrow for the state of Washington.

• Be the change. We’re always striving for continuous improvement and aren’t tied to the past. We’re always learning and willing to do something purposefully different.
• Embrace the journey. We recognize that change is an opportunity for improvement and growth. We are open to a little uncertainty and discomfort, because we understand that’s how we grow.
• Serve with intention. We take the time needed to do things well and always keep the big picture in mind. We seek to understand how decisions today – no matter how small – impact the work tomorrow.
• Defy convention. We challenge ourselves to take smart risks and find new solutions. We understand that strength – and progress – comes from things that are hard.
• Lead with love. We start from a place of caring for others. We show empathy and compassion for our colleagues and those we serve. We advocate for people over process, and we create processes that support people.

About our team

Our team is made up of over 900 dedicated people, each with a unique set of skills and talents. We have team members in just about every role you can imagine, including custodians, training specialists, counselors, engineers, mail processors, communications professionals, recruiters, contract specialists, and more.

What unites us is our shared mission – we work together as one team to achieve our goals.

Our diverse backgrounds and experiences make us stronger, and we are constantly learning from each other. Together, we’re making a difference and creating a sustainable and just future.

We have locations in:

• Olympia (where our headquarters is located)
• Lacey
• Tumwater
• Spokane

But we have employees working all over the state.

What we offer

Inclusive and welcoming team culture

• We’re committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re an equity-driven and antiracist organization. We provide training to help employees learn and apply these values at work, and we embed these commitments in all we do.
• We encourage opportunities to find community at work. We invite our employees to participate in state resource groups, which bring together groups of employees and their allies who have a common interest or characteristic.
• We provide growth and mentorship opportunities. Our agency-wide mentorship program connects employees with mentors within DES who help them progress in their lives and careers. We also provide access to in-person and online training and career development opportunities.

Comprehensive benefits

Your paycheck is just one part of a total compensation package. Washington state offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Health benefits

Employees and their families have various medical plan options to choose from, and dental premiums are fully paid for by the state. To view premium rates and coverage options, visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.

We offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending account.
• Dependent care assistance.

Retirement benefits

We help you prepare for life after your career by offering an excellent retirement plan, which includes employer contributions.

Employees can also participate in the Deferred Compensation Program, which provides the option to automatically save a portion of your salary and invest it in your choice of many different investment options.

Visit the Department of Retirement Systems to learn about your retirement options.

Emphasis on employee well-being

• We provide flexible work opportunities. Eligible positions offer remote work options and flexible or alternative work schedules.
• We support work/life balance with paid leave. Our employees receive vacation leave, sick leave, and paid holidays. Employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 days of paid vacation each year. Employees also receive 11 paid state holidays each year, plus a personal holiday.
• We connect employees with wellness resources. We offer access to the Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential program that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of public employees.

Opportunity for all

DES celebrates our differences and is committed to creating a workplace that supports equal opportunities and inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or any related medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, military status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also welcome qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.