DOLA - Property Tax Specialist Intern

About the Department

Who can Apply

This opportunity is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.

About the Colorado Department of Local Affairs

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary interface between the State and local communities. The Department provides financial support to local communities and professional and technical services (including training and technical assistance) to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration. While all state governments provide such services through various Departmental structures, Colorado’s approach is unique in that these local community services are gathered into one Department of “Local Affairs,” which has a central focus on strengthening Colorado communities and enhancing livability.

Vision

The Department of Local Affairs is responsible for strengthening Colorado's local communities through: accessible, affordable, and secure housing; implementing property tax law; capacity building; strategic training, research, and technical assistance; and funding to localities.

Mission

Our mission is to help strengthen Colorado’s communities.

Why work for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs?

The work we do matters greatly. It matters to us and it matters to the citizens of the great state of Colorado. We love our communities and are passionate about supporting our communities. We value the diversity that Colorado offers. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference in communities across the State, consider joining the dedicated people of the Department of Local Affairs. 

In addition, we offer a great location and great benefits, which include:

• Medical and Dental Plans

• Strong, secure, yet flexible Retirement Plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus pre-tax and ROTH 401K, and 457 plans

• Employee Wellness Programs

• Paid Life Insurance

• 11 paid Holidays per year plus Vacation and Sick Leave

• Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage

• RTD Eco Pass to all eligible State Employees

• Flexible work schedule options and hybrid work options

• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Training opportunities

• Variety of Free discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program

The eligible list created from this job posting may be used to fill other similar positions in the same class.  

Position Duties

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:

Train in the Examination and Analysis of Applications for Property Tax Exemption

• 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.

Train in the Examination and Analysis of Applications for Property Tax Exemption

Learns in a training capacity under direct supervision to recommend actions to be taken on elementary requests for exemption by analyzing entity’s organizational structure, financial statements, program operations and property use. Site visits may be required.

Train in the 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.

Train to Advise the Public and County Officials on Property Tax Exemption Matters

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

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) are required to participate in the comparative analysis process through this job posting.

Applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for the position. Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, training and experience review, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants. Be sure your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the minimum qualifications. Address your specialized experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position duties, required competencies and preferred qualifications in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Other Qualifications

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. 

DOLA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Melissa Bellew, DOLA ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Email Address: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

Biweekly Pay: As of July 1, 2023, all DOLA new hires, including transfers of current state employees and reinstatements of former state employees, will be placed on the biweekly pay schedule. This means you will be paid every other Friday for a total of 26 pay periods over the course of a year. Biweekly pay is also lag pay, meaning you will be paid two weeks after the end of each pay period. Please click here for more information about the move to biweekly payroll.

Technical Assistance: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) please contact NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

Appeal Rights: An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action. For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

For questions related to this job posting, please reach out to Danielle Milone via email at [email protected].

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of ColoradoAddress See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/