What are the responsibilities and job description for the Levy Specialist 1 position at Pierce County?
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
As a key point of contact for our Assessor-Treasurer’s Office, you’ll help community members understand their property taxes and communicate with taxing districts regarding the rate that property taxes are determined. Our team supports the public both in person and over the phone, offering clear information, patient guidance, and great customer service. We pride ourselves on being responsive, accurate, and transparent so taxpayers feel confident about their tax bill and their options.
The levy process involves the calculation of various taxing authority budgets and applies statutory limitations to arrive at the levy rates imposed on taxable value within the county. In this role, you may answer questions about levy rate limitations, ballot measure propositions, special assessments, and how property taxes are calculated. You will prepare annual reports submitted to the Department of Revenue. You’ll also perform complex mathematical calculations, research legislative bills and their impacts upon levies. Communication of changes needed to our software vendors based upon legislative changes. Communication with internal staff, County Departments, and Taxing Authority officials.
Work involves reviewing levy documents, ballot proposals, entering data, performing complex calculations using excel and following mandated statutes and limitations.
Why It's a Great Department:
The Assessor-Treasurer's Office is responsible for the mass appraisal of real and personal property in Pierce County for purposes of assessing property taxes. Our mission is to fairly and efficiently value property and collect revenue to fund public services throughout Pierce County. Adding over one billion dollars of New Construction value to Pierce County tax rolls each year, we are a team dedicated to serving the citizens of Pierce County. We are widely respected for their high level of integrity, teamwork, and positive interactions with taxpayers and other governmental agencies.
To learn more about us, please visit our website.
How to be Successful in the Role:
We are looking for someone who takes pride in delivering excellent customer service, follows directions well, and can work both independently and as part of a team. Reliability, strong problem-solving skills, the ability to anticipate needs, and a clear understanding that communication and customer service come first are essential. You should be detail-oriented, accurate, and computer-savvy. Proficiency in multitasking and in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel (higher-level Excel functions), PowerPoint, and Outlook) is also important.
Your Future in this Role:
Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the Supervisor regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development, robust online learning, direct feedback from your Supervisor, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Calculates levies and tax rolls; adjusts tax rolls according to State limitations to determine levy and tax dollars to be collected for all taxing districts; submits certification of levies to Department of Revenue and other public entities.
- Interprets and verifies taxing districts budget requests. Researches, analyzes, and makes projections on taxing districts budget amounts. Analyzes complex levy limits and their impact on taxing districts.
- Performs research on new legislation affecting taxing districts.
- Maintains and updates the utility roll on state assessed properties such as those owned by telephone companies, railroads, gas companies, and other public entities.
- Prepares formal correspondence to all taxing districts during preliminary and finalized budget requests.
This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed. To view the complete classification, click here.
- Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
- A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.
- Associate degree in accounting, computer science, business or related field and
- Two or more years of property assessment and levy experience.
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
To be considered for this opportunity, please:
- Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
- If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
- If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
- Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes, which may include assessments, phone screens, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?
Salary : $33 - $42