Tax Specialist Jobs in Washington

Description

The Department of Revenue's (DOR) Property Tax Division has a unique opportunity for two Levies Specialist (PAS5) positions within its County Performance and Administration unit. The Property Tax Division oversees the administration of property taxes at the state and local levels. They provide guidance and instruction to county assessors and local government officials by developing rules, guidelines, and documentation that impact the assessment and taxation of property. As a part of the team, you will provide technical expertise and advice in the statewide administration of property tax levy processes. The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as June 23, 2026, and make a hiring decision anytime after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible. Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Please review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.

Duties

Reporting to the County Performance & Administrative Manager, these positions' primary duties are to serve as two of the three statewide experts for property tax levies, overseeing and reviewing local property tax levy administration, and providing training to the agency, county officials, and impacted groups regarding property tax levies.

Here are some of the other duties:

• Providing analysis and technical advice to agency and legislative staff regarding proposed legislation for property tax levies and Tax Increment Financing.
• Conducting a statewide audit program to oversee and monitor compliance with state laws and rules regarding the levy administration processes.
• Planning, developing, and instructing educational seminars for impacted groups.
• Providing written guidance to local officials and the general public regarding property tax levies.
• Participating in special projects, training, staff meetings, and interview panels.

Qualifications

We are looking for motivated professionals with strong analytical and technical skills, along with the ability to learn and effectively implement the Levy Program. The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge

- Demonstrated knowledge of property tax levy laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; evidenced through experience interpreting, applying, administering, advising on, or ensuring compliance with statutory or policy requirements.
- Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and governmental processes; evidenced through experience analyzing proposed or enacted legislation, evaluating program impacts, developing implementation strategies, or providing policy recommendations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of governmental programs and intergovernmental relationships; evidenced through experience collaborating with, advising, supporting, or coordinating activities among state agencies, local government, taxing districts, or other entities involved in tax administration.
- Demonstrated knowledge of property tax administration principles, including the relationship between valuation, taxation, and levy processes; evidenced through professional experience, education, or training.

Skills

- Demonstrated skill researching, analyzing, and interpreting complex laws, regulations, policies, technical guidance, or other specialized information; evidenced through experience providing technical advice, policy analysis, recommendations, or program guidance.
- Demonstrated skill investigating, evaluating, and resolving complex program, compliance, or operational issues; evidenced through experience conducting reviews, audits, assessments, case analyses, or developing corrective recommendations.
- Demonstrated skill preparing reports, policy recommendations, technical guidance, correspondence, manuals, training materials, or other written products that communicate complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated skill presenting technical information, providing training, or consultation services; evidenced through experience instructing, facilitating discussions, advising impacted groups, or speaking to professional or public audiences.

Abilities

- Proven ability to provide technical guidance and consultation on complex program, policy, or regulatory issues; evidenced through experience advising interested parties, developing recommendations, and supporting consistent application of laws, rules, policies, or procedures to resolve issues and achieve program objectives.
- Proven ability to independently identify program, process, or compliance deficiencies, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical recommendations that improve effectiveness, consistency, efficiency, or compliance.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, agency staff, external partners, and the public to resolve issues, achieve program objectives, and support implementation of policy or program changes.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex assignments or projects simultaneously, establish priorities, adapt to changing requirements, and meet deadlines while exercising sound judgment and operating with minimal supervision.

Equity Competencies

- The ability to take action to learn and grow: Curious about themselves and others, take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.
- Uses an equity & inclusive approach: Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities. Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups by actively identifying and removing inequitable barriers.

You may not feel confident that you qualify for this position. For example, research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals who fulfill the required KSA's to apply as we would like the opportunity to consider your KSA's provided in your application. If after reviewing the qualifications, you are unsure you qualify, please contact Melissa Olivas at MelissaO@dor.wa.gov or (360) 534-1425.

The above knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) may be obtained through the following professional experiences, education, or life experiences.

At the PAS 5 ($5,643 - $7,589 monthly) level: (Effective July 1, 2026, the salary for these positions will be $6,542 - $8,801 monthly)

Six (6) years or more of professional experience in any of the following:
- Management of property tax levy programs and administration.
- Government agencies or public policy organizations, especially those focused on property tax policy and administration.
- Providing consultative guidance to senior management, elected officials, and government agencies on property tax levy programs.
- Advisory roles requiring research and interpretation of laws or providing technical expertise on federal, state, or local programs.
- Appraisal or accounting positions involving property valuation and tax compliance.
- Nonprofits or consulting focused on tax advocacy, program development and oversight, or public interest research.
- Data analytics or research organizations where analyzing complex datasets is key to informed decision-making.
- Policy research with a focus on tax policy levy issues.

OR

A bachelor’s degree involving major study in law, business, public administration, political science, or related field AND at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience interpreting, applying, and communicating tax laws, regulations, policies, legal opinions, or agency procedures to internal staff, external impacted groups, elected officials, or the public.

OR

An associate’s degree in law, business, public administration, political science, or a related field AND at least four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in property tax administration, public policy, regulatory analysis, legal analysis, or public-sector program administration involving interpretation and application of laws, rules, or policies. We will also consider filling these positions as in-training at the Property & Acquisition Specialist 4 level. An in-training is on-the-job instruction for employees. You’ll gain the competencies and skills needed to successfully perform your duties while being supported by your supervisor, manager, and coworkers. Upon successful completion, you will be promoted to the next level.

At the PAS 4, In-training ($5,241 - $7,043 monthly) level – 12-month training plan: (Effective July 1, 2026, the salary for these positions will be $6,075 - $8,172 monthly)

Six (6) years or more of professional experience in any of the following:
- Knowledge of property tax levy programs and administration.
- Government agencies or public policy organizations, especially those focused on property tax policy and administration.
- Collaboration with senior management, elected officials, and government agencies on property tax levy programs.
- Roles requiring research and interpretation of laws or providing technical expertise on federal, state, or local programs.
- Appraisal or accounting positions involving property valuation and tax compliance.
- Nonprofits or consulting focused on tax advocacy, program development and oversight, or public interest research.
- Data analytics or research organizations where analyzing complex datasets is key to informed decision-making.
- Policy research with a focus on tax policy levy issues.

OR

A bachelor’s degree involving major study in law, business, public administration, political science, or related field AND at least one (1) year of progressively responsible professional experience interpreting, applying, and communicating tax laws, regulations, policies, legal opinions, or agency procedures to internal staff, external impacted groups, elected officials, or the public.

OR

An associate’s degree in law, business, public administration, political science, or a related field AND at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in property tax administration, public policy, regulatory analysis, legal analysis, or public-sector program administration involving interpretation and application of laws, rules, or policies.

Do not be discouraged to apply if you live outside of Tumwater. While there will be considerable time in Tumwater for training, Revenue's "Where We Work" initiative provides a possible opportunity to be assigned to an alternate duty station if you live more than 50 miles from Tumwater, making it possible to receive reimbursement for travel.

To be considered:

Please complete/update your online profile in detail, as it will serve as your initial resume.
- Please attach a letter of interest describing your specific experience ties to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for this position.
- Please attach a writing sample that showcases your analytical skills, ability to simplify complex concepts. Acceptable samples could include legal or policy analyses, team guidance documents, or responses to customer or constituent concerns. We look forward to reviewing your work!

• Note - Failure to attach requested documentation may result in removal from the competitive process.*

To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attachment.

Questions?

Hello, my name is Lance, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Department of Revenue employee, I understand the importance of finding a rewarding career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have.

Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5725.

Supplemental Information

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for six months.

For current Department of Revenue employees and union members of the WPEA, current promotion rules will apply if selected.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.

If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.