Public Policy Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Assessing Services HOURS: Full-time / temporary HOURLY RATE: $22.38 - $27.97 LOCATION: Hastings UNION: Non-Union CLOSE DATE: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The Public Service Associate is responsible for performing a wide variety of daily customer service-oriented job functions involving the specialized knowledge of regulatory and statutory requirements, operating procedures, and software programs. Responsible for performing a variety of technical duties including reviewing, approving, and processing of applications, handling of confidential documents, conducting research, providing assessment and property tax program information, special projects, and other general office duties

This is a full-time temporary position, lasting up to six months, ideal for someone who enjoys computer-based work and interacting with the public in office environment. Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent GED, AND Two years office experience, which MUST include working directly with the public in an office setting, PREFERRED EXPERIENCE BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Up to two (2) years' experience working in business, accounting, or real estate training beyond high school. Up to two (2) years' experience in a customer service setting. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification.

Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions. Respond to and provide timely and effective service to a wide variety of public inquires by phone, email, or in person. Investigate, instruct, assess, and determine the appropriate action for each customer contact.

Identify and provide appropriate formula and accurate technical information relating to property values, classifications, exclusions, tax capacity calculations, other tax calculations or services offered by Assessing Services. Coordinate data with internal and external contacts for efficiency and accuracy when needed. Coordinate with Taxation staff for errors and tax changes in appeals.

Coordinate with Records staff for property divisions, ownership and eCRV records. Research and analyze documents and a wide variety of property tax program applications for accuracy and compliance with statutes. Approve, deny, or return applications or documents, as appropriate if additional information should be requested.

Determine eligibility of tax programs and process records and applications accurately by entering information into computer system. Understand and interpret terminology across multiple computer systems. Perform specialized technical duties and processes in multiple areas such as building permits, manufactured home ownership, Certificate of Real Estate Value.

Determine and update public and non -public records utilizing technical applications. Access and retain confidential information, determine, and maintain proper usage and storage of information related to property tax applications and programs. Appropriately amend, scan and file documents according to retention schedule.

Perform duties such as correspondence, letters, forms, emails, spreadsheets, and proofing, verifying information and preparing mailings. Process outgoing mail and distribute incoming U.S. and interoffice mail

Process records retention and ability to retrieve information from storage. Assist in cross-training and training of new staff, as well as other general office duties. Finalize and verify edits and reports that they are complete according to state statutes and county policies.

Utilize various internal and state systems for completion of work. Recommend improvements and testing to streamline processes, and automation of work and processes. Assist in development of Procedure Documents.

Participate in team meetings and projects. Performs other related duties as required or assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Ability to perform complex problem-solving skills involving identifying, analyzing, and researching parcel specific system related issues.

Ability to prioritize and organize work, meet deadlines, multitask and process work in an efficient manner and maintain a positive attitude in a busy work environment. Ability to determine program eligibility for numerous property tax programs. Process building permits, various appeals, and recommend qualified sale processing.

Manufactured home update and balance property splits and combinations. Knowledge and understanding of office policies and procedures, regulations. Knowledge of and ability to interpret Minnesota statutes and rules., procedures and practices

Ability to interpret appraisal terminology. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public. Understand and administer statutory and department policies and requirements.

Ability to listen carefully and balance conversation to customer needs. Ability to analyze and interpret workflow and processes. Ability to compose correspondence using correct grammar.

Knowledge of business grammar and verbal and written communication skills. Ability to understand, instruct and explain in layperson terms: instructions, policies, statutes, rules, procedures, websites and systems to the public. Ability to work independently, analyze information and make independent decisions.

Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures. Ability to operate a personal computer, various programs and software and other various office machines. Ability to engage and collaborate in a team environment.

Work Environment: Work is performed within a County office building. Lifting requirement of up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis. Frequent wrist and finger manipulation due to high concentration of filing, compiling, calculating or computer work.

Equipment used may include, but is not limited to computer, calculator, telephone, copy and fax machine. Selection Process: You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer We extend an offer and conduct background checks