Appraisal Clerk

City of Ames•50010, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, provide office clerical assistance for appraisal staff and visitors to the City Assessor’s office. Learn and be able to explain the assessment process, including tax credits and exemption application requirements, deadlines and appeals process of assessments.

Requirements

High School graduate or equivalent.
6 months of experience in the performance of clerical and customer service duties.
Any equivalent combination of experience, which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including but not limited to Outlook, Excel, Word; or equivalent software programs.
Skill in accuracy and detail when completing various paperwork and data entry.
Skill in following statutory laws, policies, and office procedures when addressing the public.
Skill in learning new concepts within the principles and practices of real estate appraisal, laws and ordinances pertaining to the assessment of real estate.
Ability to drive a motorized vehicle to various locations for classes or meetings.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals or correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of geometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardizations exist.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to work as a team with other co-workers to address the needs of the staff and public.
Ability to read and interpret legal documents including legal descriptions.
Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

One-year certificate from college or technical school in the area of general receptionist duties; or a minimum of six to twelve months related experience in an office type environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Attend and complete a basic assessment class, Iowa laws class and legal description class or equivalents within 18 months of hire date.

Responsibilities

Greet visitors, ascertain nature of business, and direct the public to the appropriate department or person.
Answer telephone, route calls to appropriate person or department, place outgoing calls, and convey messages.
Type or enter information into various computer programs and applications including but not limited to Outlook, Excel, Word and department specific programs.
Interpret data and document types and scan into electronic document systems under appropriate categories.
Prepare outgoing mail including addressing, folding, stuffing, and sorting envelopes and packages for mass mailings.
Compose and type routine correspondence using regular mail as well as e-mail.
Give information to callers and/or people at the office as allowed by law either verbally or by printout of property inquiring about.
Assist with credit and exemption applications by having a working knowledge of their legal requirements, deadlines, and appeal process and assist public with applications when needed.
Process deeds, transfer documents and declarations of value forms to maintain ownership records.
Perform some minor appraisal functions including knowledge of department procedures and terminology.
Draw, sketch and enter information on property records both on paper cards and in computer programs.
Maintains confidentiality of documents as required.
Answer questions from or give responses to the media only as directed by the Assessor.
Other duties as assigned.