Product Owner (MA5)

Salary: $76,968.00 - $100,980.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04530
Department: Dept. of Licensing
Division: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL) ,we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.
Our Administrative Services Department (ASD) is looking for two (2) partners to join their team and bring research, analysis, and leadership experience to their role as Product Owners.

As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.
If you are a customer-focused analyst with strong product ownership and analytical skills, we invite you to apply!

Duties
As a Product Owner, you will provide expert level consultation and analysis to management, staff, and customers. You will be a trusted advisor to our business areas as you provide education on tools and products. Our Information Services Division (ISD) will rely on you to provide leadership across multiple divisions regarding their work, projects, and products. Using your product owner skills and knowledge, you will be relied upon to ensure decisions align with partner needs, department expectations, and statewide IT policies, standards, and requirements. As a subject matter expert, you will provide research, process management, data analysis, strategic and tactical planning, and process change recommendations for the division.

Some things you will be doing:

• Develop and maintain product strategies, goals, and roadmaps in partnership with DOL leadership.
• Building relationships with executive management staff, and stakeholders.
• Consulting with business stakeholders, training teams, internal staff, and technical teams through document creation, risk assessment, and product function review.
• Facilitating prioritization efforts of projects, scrum teams, and service requests.
• Implementing strategic initiatives utilizing performance management data.
• Participating in Lean events to assist with bridging the business processes and identifying pain points.
• Developing and delivering complex reports through research and analysis of complex data sets.

Qualifications

What you will bring to the role (Required):

• Nine (9) years of combined relevant experience and education in two (2) or more of the following areas:
  • Conducting research.
  • Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
  • Conducting analysis and developing requirements.
  • Leading business projects.
  • Managing business operations.
  • Business policy development.

OR

• One (1) year as a Management Analyst 4

OR

• Two (2) years as a Management Analyst 3

AND

• Experience must include the following:
  • Three (3) years of the following:
    • Gathering and compiling information or statistics into reports, spreadsheets, or other documents for a variety of audiences.
    • Using common product management, collaboration, or reporting tools (Miro, Jira, Azure DevOps, Tableau, or equivalent).
  • Two (2) years of the following:
    • Planning, coordinating, and facilitating groups.
    • Developing business requirements for application systems that align with policy, rules, and laws.
    • Leading business project initiatives using data driven methods to manage projects by focusing on continuously improving business policy, processes, or operations.
  • The ability to:
    • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
    • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
    • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
    • Take action to learn and grow.
    • Take action to meet the needs of others.

Experience can be obtained concurrently.


Up to four (4) years of relevant education may substitute year for year for experience.

(Education must be in computer science, information systems, business administration, public administration, or a related field)

What may help set you apart (Preferred):

• Certification in Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, Certified Scrum Master (CSM), or a related product management certification.
• Experience applying product management and Agile principles to deliver enterprise technology solutions.
• Knowledge of enterprise-scale applications, system integrations, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions, and data interoperability across multiple business systems.
• Familiarity with statewide IT policies, enterprise architecture standards, cybersecurity requirements, and technology governance practices.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or experience applying process improvement methodologies.
• Experience motivating and influencing others without direct authority.
• Knowledge of legislative and rule development processes, including analyzing policy impacts on technology systems and services.
• Experience championing continuous process improvements, performance management efforts, and organizational change initiatives.
• Knowledge of complex cross-divisional technology systems supporting driver, vehicle, business, or professional licensing programs and how those systems interact.

Additional Conditions of employment:

• This role will require you to work in office at our Olympia, WA location multiple times a month and additional days based on business needs.
• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Kyle Odell.

Supplemental Information

Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!

How to Apply:

• Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
  • Include Three (3) professional references.
  • Attach a current:
    • Cover Letter
    • Resume

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions and attachments, are completed in full.

Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.
Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice

To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, please notify the Talent Acquisition Team
The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or may email View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io.


The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.
We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit .
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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026
01


Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

02


In this role, you will have the privilege to serve a diverse group of teammates, customers, and partners. How would you use your understanding of cultural differences to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed?
03


This role will require you to work in office at our Olympia, WA location multiple times a month and additional days based on business needs. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04


Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
• Associate degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
• 3 years of college (90 semester/135 quarter credits)
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's degree, Juris Doctor degree, or higher
• None of these apply

05


Is your education above in computer science, information systems, business administration, public administration, or a related field? Select "No" if you did not select an education level above.

• Yes
• No

06


How many years of experience do you have in conducting research; analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations; conducting analysis and developing requirements; leading business projects; managing business operations; or business policy development?

• I have less than 4 years of this type of experience.
• I have 4 or more years of this type of experience.
• I have 5 or more years of this type of experience.
• I have 6 or more years of this type of experience.
• I have 7 or more years of this type of experience.
• I have 8 or more years of this type of experience.
• I have 9 or more years of this type of experience.
• I do not have this type of experience.

07


Which areas from the question above do you have experience?Please select all that apply.

• Conducting research.
• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
• Conducting analysis and developing requirements.
• Leading business projects.
• Managing business operations.
• Business policy development.
• None of these apply.

08


Do you have the following experience?Please select any that apply

• One (1) year as a Management Analyst 4
• Two (2) years as a Management Analyst 3
• None of these apply.

09


Please select your experience from the following options:

• Three (3) years of gathering and compiling information or statistics into reports, spreadsheets, or other documents for a variety of audiences.
• Three (3) years of using common product management, collaboration, or reporting tools like Miro, Jira, Azure DevOps, Tableau, or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience planning, coordinating, and facilitating groups.
• Two (2) years of experience developing business requirements for application systems that align to policy, rules, and laws.
• Two (2) years of experience leading business project initiatives using data driven methods to manage projects by focusing on continuously improving business policy, processes, or operations.
• None of these apply.

10


Do you have the ability to do the following?Please select all that apply.

• Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
• Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
• Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
• Take action to learn and grow.
• Take action to meet the needs of others.
• None of these apply.

11


Please describe a complex product or project in which you were involved. Discuss any issues that you faced, your role in the team, and what areas you would have changed if you were able to do it again.If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
12


Tell us about a project that required you to influence people that did not report to you. What strategies and tactics did you use to be influential, or what was the root cause of failing?If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
13


Where did you learn of this vacancy?

• Word of mouth
• Handshake
• LinkedIn
• DOL jobs pages
• Hiring event/workshop
• Worksource
• careers.wa.gov
• Indeed.com
• Other

14


If you answered "other" to the preceding question, please indicate where you learned of the vacancy in the space below.
15


Please acknowledge that to be considered for this position you must answer all supplemental questions fully and you must attach your cover letter, resume, and include three (3) professional references. Failure to do so may lead to ineligibility.

• Yes
• No

Required Question