2024 HOUSE AND SENATE SESSION JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW

Employment Opportunities with the Hawaii State Senate

32nd Legislature

2024 Session Employment

Serve your community while building valuable experience, skills, and relationships -- the Hawai'i State Senate is now hiring for the 2024 Legislative Session.

Constituent Services, Administrative Services, Video Production, Communications, Policy, Legal Research, and Budget Analysis are examples of the primary areas and skills needed for dozens of temporary session positions.

Opportunities include working in a:

Image of senators talking to one another on senate chamber floor
  • Senator's office helping with administration, operations, constituent services, and communications;
  • Committee Chair's office helping with Committee operations, conducting research, and writing policy;
  • Support office helping with research and policy, IT, administration, operations, or communications.

Legislative experience is not required. Individuals with a variety of skills, experiences, and unique and varied backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Full-time and part-time temporary positions are available for an employment period spanning from December/January to April/May, with medical, dental, and vision benefits available for most positions and on the job training provided.

Click on the button below to apply for a General Session Talent Pool position below and be considered for one of the many opportunities available in a Senator's, Committee Chair's, and Senate Support office. Or, refer to the Current Openings section on the right side of this page to apply for specialized individual positions.

Learn about the legislative process and make a difference in your community!

The Senate is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply for a permanent position opening, please follow the instructions in the position description.

Questions?
Phone: (808) 586-6720
Email: [email protected]

About Senate Employment


Where are the Senate offices located?

All Senate offices are in the State Capitol building, which is located in downtown Honolulu. You can find more information about the State Capitol here.


How long do temporary session jobs last?

Session jobs require a 4-6 month commitment, depending on the position. Most begin in January and end on the last day of the legislative session (late April or early May).


Are any of the positions with the Senate permanent?

Although a large number of the Senate staff during the legislative session are in temporary positions, the Senate employs a limited number of staff on a permanent year-around basis. All Senate staff, regardless of their position, are employed on an at-will basis.


Are any of the positions with the Senate part time?

Generally, permanent positions in the Senate are full time. However, part time session positions are sometimes available. If you are seeking a part time position, please note your availability in your cover letter.


Are Senate employees eligible for health insurance?

Senate employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for health insurance through the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF). Other options are available for employees working less than 20 hours per week.


Do you offer retirement benefits?

Permanent employees of the Senate are eligible for membership with the State of Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).


I recently submitted my resume for a position with the Senate. When will I receive a response?

Due to the large volume of resumes submitted to the Senate, many applicants will not be contacted for an interview after submitting a resume.

Current Openings

Testimonials

Session work can be intense but is very rewarding. You'll quickly bond with your colleagues into an extended family. Learning how the government actually works is a cool experience. Five months will go by quickly but the experiences you'll have and the people you'll meet will always stay with you.


...I learned much more than I ever expected to about our state government as well as how much work goes in behind the scenes to serve the people of Hawaii. It has been incredibly fulfilling to be a part of such a hardworking, enthusiastic team and I hope that the upcoming session hires will feel the same.


“Session employees are exposed to a wealth of information that shape our state policies. No course of study can replace that invaluable first-hand experience.”


“I learned so much about the inner workings of Hawaii state government from working as a legislative assistant. It's great to be a part of the process and not just an outside grumbler. You see how hard the legislators work to balance all the different interests. It's hard to make a law and is a huge collaborative effort.”


“The experience provides great insights into how process, policy, and politics intersect – you don’t get that in law school.”


“I feel much more empowered and responsible. It was a pleasure to follow the legislative process and learn how change happens (or doesn’t). I look forward to sharing what I learned with my community.”


“Working at the Hawaii State Legislature made my previous coursework pertaining to government and Hawaii history come to life!”


“I was able to meet many legislators and put a face, personality and a story on the names that come across the news headlines…working at the Capitol has shown me how a group of people with differing agendas can come together to make the best of the limited session time for the good of the people of Hawaii …The skills and relationships I’ve gathered here will invariably be of significant benefit in the future.”