DOLA - Property Tax Specialist Intern

Job Title

Property Tax Specialist Intern

Job Description

The Division of Property Taxation (DPT) exists to ensure the fairness and equalization of ad valorem taxation for Colorado taxpayers by administering, statewide, property tax exemption laws as they apply to religious organizations, charitable organizations, and private schools. The work unit is primarily responsible for auditing initial requests for exemption and 10,500 annual Exempt Property Reports to determine whether properties qualify for exemption. The unit researches and develops policies and techniques for dealing with property tax exemption issues. The work unit also provides support and technical expertise on property tax exemptions to the Governor, General Assembly, State Board of Equalization, County Assessors and their staff, and the general public. The unit performs this technical, specialized work as direct extension of the need for an equitable system to finance local governments

Position Summary

This is a trainee position, under the close supervision of higher Property Tax Specialists, which takes action on elementary assignments involving property tax exemption problems. The position is primarily responsible for auditing initial requests for property tax exemption, as well as requests for continued exemption, analyzing that information in light of exemption statutes, court decisions, rules, and policies, and then recommending to the Property Tax Administrator whether that property should be granted an exemption. Elementary requests would be those where the employee applies several related sequential steps, where statutes, rules, and established procedures are readily apparent and clearly applicable.

The primary job duties include, but are not limited to:

Training and Examination

• Learns in a training capacity under direct supervision to recommend actions to be taken on elementary requests for exemption by analyzing the entity's organizational structure, financial statements, program operations and property use. Site visits may be required.
• Participate in training sessions during which the constitutional and statutory bases for exemption will be explained as well as how relevant rulings of Colorado appellate courts influence the decision-making in determining whether property should be exempt.
• Attend outside training to learn additional background on the property tax system. This will often take the form of attending classes conducted by other sections of the Division of Property Taxation. Other professional development opportunities such as through the Department of Personnel and Administration may also be encouraged.
• Train to write summary reports encompassing findings, analysis of governing laws, and evaluation of possible actions. Recommended action is generally to grant, grant in part, or deny the request for exemption, but other recommendations may be made as well. This will include learning to use internal and external sources of information and learning how to interview property owners and public officials.

Review of Annual Reports

Learn, in a training capacity under direct supervision, how to examine annual reports filed by exempt property owners to determine if continued exemption of the property is appropriate. This includes learning the mechanics of this review; processing mail, sending out inquiries to owners, doing follow up as well as the substantive principles to be applied in reviewing the submission.

Advising the Public and County Officials

Learn to advise county officials and the general public by explaining property tax exemptions statutes, court cases, rules, policies, and procedures. Learn to interpret how those various guidelines affect particular situations and what actions to recommend to public officials and the general public.

Other Duties as Assigned

Performs other duties assigned to exemptions section property tax specialists to further the mission of the Division of Property Taxation. These duties include assisting with mailings; providing telephone coverage; and participating in section and Division meetings.

Travel Requirements

Position will be required to make day trips around the Denver metro area as well as to other front range areas in a state vehicle. No overnight stays will be required for day trips. In addition, lengthier trips (1-2 times yearly) will be taken which can result in overnight stays not to exceed four nights (leaving Monday, returning no later than Friday). See conditions of employment for driving record and license requirements.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Class Code & Classification Description

H8J1IX Property Tax Specialist Intern

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience Only: Four (4) years of experience working in property taxation, residential or commercial property appraisal and/or working in a government, legal or regulatory setting reviewing applications for criteria and determining status.

OR

Education and Experience: A combination of related education in real estate, business, accounting, public administration or a closely related field (as determined by the agency) AND experience as described above equal to four (4) years.

Ensure that the 'Work Experience' section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for.

Applicants must upload their unofficial college transcripts that include the student name, college name, courses completed and/or degree with date conferred with this application, in order to receive credit.

Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.

Required Competencies

• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind
• Strong ability to interpret written material
• Critical thinking
• Strong attention to detail
• Active listening
• Strong analytical skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• State of Colorado Government experience in property taxation.
• Additional government experience at the state or county level.
• Strong written communication skills, including writing skills and skills interpreting written material.
• Previous experience writing reports.
• Ability to read and interpret statutes and laws to provide technical assistance.
• Previous experience providing customer service.

Conditions of Employment

• You MUST be a Colorado resident (at the time of application) to apply for this position.
• Pre-employment criminal background & Motor Vehicle checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• MUST have a valid, unrestricted Colorado drivers license with a safe driving record. A safe driving record requires the following:
• No convictions within the last seven (7) years for Reckless driving; Vehicular manslaughter; Driving under the influence (DUI); Two (2) or more driving while ability impaired (DWAI) convictions; One (1) conviction related to bodily injury or death to another person as described in C.R.S. 42-4-239. Eluding the police; or Street racing.
• No convictions within the last five (5) years for: Three (3) or more careless driving convictions; or Speeding 20 mph over the speed limit. Two (2) convictions related to distracted driving or use of a mobile electronic device as described in C.R.S. 42-4-239.
• No convictions within the last three (3) years for: Three (3) or more moving violations with a total of more than seven (7) points assessed on the license; or Suspension or revocation of driver license (unless for unpaid child support or other suspension not related to a moving violation).
• No requirement of a breath monitoring device, also known as Interlock, to operate a motor vehicle.

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement will result in your application being rejected.

Applicants may submit a resume, cover letter/letter of interest detailing how their experience and background address the stated minimum and preferred qualifications/competencies of the job and attach to the online application. Applications left blank or marked 'See Resume' will not be accepted. Please address every requirement for the position with your experience in your application.

The application may include the following documents that MUST be uploaded at the time of application:

• A resume (this is not a substitute for the online application demonstrating work history)
• Cover letter / letter of interest
• Transcripts (if using education to meet the minimum qualifications)
• DD214 (member-4 form) from applicants that may be eligible for veteran's preference

Comparative Analysis

Current and former employees (transfers, voluntary demotions, and reinstatements)