• WMS
• EMS
• SCOAS

1. What is the difference between Washington Management Service and Exempt Management Service?
   Washington Management Service (WMS) is a personnel system established separately for civil service managers in state government (except for higher education) who meet the definition of “manager.” WMS employees are classified and are covered under RCW 41.06.500 or WAC 357-58.

Exempt Management Service (EMS) employees are exempt from the civil service rules and are not classified, EMS employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Unless previously serving in a classified position, they have no return rights. 

1. Where do I find the rules that apply to Washington Management Service?
   The civil service rules that apply to WMS can be found in this website under Rules or on the Washington State Legislature website. Under the rules, each agency has established Washington Management Service policies.
2. What is the definition of ‘Manager’?
   Positions are included in the Washington Management Service (WMS) if they meet the definition of manager as outlined in RCW 41.06.022 and WAC 357-58-035. Additional information can be found on the Inclusion in WMS page. 
3. How does a position get included in Washington Management Service?
   Each agency identifies all positions that fit the definition of manager. Those identified positions are included in the Washington Management Service through the agency process outlined in the agency Washington Management Service Inclusion Policy. 
4. How are Washington Management Service salaries determined?
   Agencies develop salary administration policies that are consistent with Department of Personnel guidelines. Washington Management Service positions are evaluated using a managerial job value assessment chart (JVAC). The number of points resulting from the evaluation determines the management band to which a position is assigned. The position is assigned to a band that establishes the minimum and maximum salary. Within the salary limits of the band, agencies determine the actual salary and salary range of consideration for the position. 
5. How do you get a Washington Management Service salary increases?
   Washington Management Service salary adjustment options are:

• Progression Adjustment (growth & development)
• Promotion
• Legislative approved general wage increases
• Recruitment/Retention Adjustment
• Salary Alignment Adjustment

The agency compensation policy guides the application of these options.

1. What does “exempt” mean?
   Certain positions are exempt from state civil service law. A position may be designated exempt either by statute or by the Director of Personnel at the request of the Governor or other elected official. The salary and fringe benefits of all positions presently or hereafter exempted shall be determined by the Director of Personnel, unless otherwise specified in statute. 
2. How are Exempt Management Service (EMS) salaries determined?
   EMS utilizes a “broadbanded” salary structure. Positions are evaluated by the Department of Personnel and placed into a specific salary band based on the duties performed and the level of responsibility. The agency appointing authority determines the actual salary within the band.

1. What is the State Committee on Agency Officials’ Salaries? 
   RCW 43.03.028 established the State Committee on Agency Officials’ Salaries. This seven-member committee determines the grade level and maximum salary paid to the positions under its authority. The majority of the positions under the committee’s authority are executive positions appointed by the Governor.  
2. Who is on the State Committee on Agency Officials Salaries?
   As specified in rule, the commission is made up of seven members, representatives from educational institutions, business organizations, labor, management and personnel boards. Committee members may appoint a delegate to represent them. 
3. How are officials salaries determined?
   Each agency’s enabling Revised Code of Washington (RCW) identifies the salary fixing authority over the executive position and if it comes under the jurisdiction of the State Committee on Agency Officials.

• If the position is not under the committee, the salary fixing authority is responsible for individual salary determinations within the position’s salary range.
• If the position is under the committee’s authority and not appointed by the Governor, the salary fixing authority is a board or commission whose members are Governor appointees.
• If appointed by the Governor, the Governor has the authority to offer a salary using the maximum salary guidelines set by the committee for each plateau.