Port of Olympia Community Advisory Committee (POCAC) Volunteer Application
The Port of Olympia invites applications for volunteers to serve on its Community Advisory Committee (POCAC)
About the POCAC
The Port of Olympia Community Advisory Committee (POCAC) is a Committee of community members selected through an application process as determined by the Port of Olympia Commission. The committee has contributed community input and assistance to the Port since the Commission formed it in 1994.
The purpose of the POCAC is to provide input to the Port Commission on tasks assigned by the Commission and to offer feedback that reflects a community perspective on Port operations and projects.
This feedback is important to fully understand community sentiment related to Port affairs and the areas for which improved communication and transparency may be needed. The Commission will identify the type of work products to be delivered, such as reports or white papers, policy recommendations, project recommendations, or input to the Executive Director.
POCAC members can each serve no more than four (4) consecutive three-year terms for a total of twelve (12) years. The committee shall consist of up to fifteen (15) with no less than nine (9) members. The Port Commission has discretion to appoint, reappoint, or extend the term of POCAC members to address extenuating circumstances.
Examples of Duties
The Community Advisory Committee volunteers meet monthly, or as needed, to provide input to the Port Commission on tasks assigned by the Commission. Scheduled meetings of the POCAC shall not extend beyond two hours without the consent of the members present. All of the Committee scheduled meetings are open to the public.
POCAC Sub-Committees may be established for the purpose of additional analysis and/or review required to accomplish the Port Commission assigned task(s). Sub-Committees may meet at times and locations to be determined by consensus of the members of the sub-committees. POCAC Sub-Committee meetings scheduled by the Sub-Committee Chair are not a meeting of the committee as a whole and therefore not subject to the public agency Open Public Meetings Act Chapter RCW 42.30.
Special meetings may be set and conducted by the POCAC to accomplish specific tasks within the work plan or to meet schedules as agreed to by the POCAC. Special meetings may also be scheduled to facilitate POCAC activities such as open houses and workshops, as approved and/or directed by the Port Commission. Individual members may also be asked to participate with Port staff on a range of Port programs and projects.
Criteria and Selection of New Members
Applicants must be Thurston County residents. A Port Commissioner, the Executive Director and the Chair of the POCAC will interview applicants and recommend appointments to the Commission. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrate interest in the work of the Port and community engagement.
- Ability to consider issues from a community-wide perspective.
- Relevant knowledge, experience, or professional expertise.
- Ability to participate constructively in collaborative deliberations.
- Commitment to regular attendance and participation.
- Reason(s) for wanting to serve on the POCAC.
Selection of New Members
Each Commissioner shall nominate three candidates for POCAC membership: one from within his or her district, and two “at-large” candidates from within Thurston County.* The Commission as a whole shall vote on the full slate of nominations at a public meeting.
*For the first selection period following adoption of Resolution 2026-05, each Commissioner shall use one of their at-large nominations to nominate a current member of the POCAC who has chosen to submit his or her name for consideration.
Offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a pre-employment background check.
Applicants will be notified by email of next steps in the selection process.
A confirmation of your submittal will be sent to the email address provided above.
