Appraiser, Property Services Department

Stearns County MN•Waite Park, MN

2d•$32 - $39

About The Position

Stearns County is seeking a self-motivated individual to join our Property Assessment Services team. This position provides an opportunity to use your excellent appraisal, communication, and critical thinking skills to develop property values and classifications in a flexible team atmosphere. As an Appraiser, you will provide support and guidance with the development and maintenance of the Stearns County valuations and classifications through a number of systems and programs. If you are able to adapt to wide-ranging project tasks and exhibit the necessary technical and personal skills, this is your opportunity to make a difference through a rewarding career in public service. Position Objective To provide fair, accurate, and equitable property tax assessments according to state and county guidelines. This position is responsible for analyzing, listing, valuing, classifying, monitoring and defending assessments on assigned properties.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent
Two years of post-secondary formal preparation/training/education in real estate, public administration, finance, economics, general business or similar field and one year experience in property assessment, construction, finance, real estate, GIS or similar field OR Five years of progressively related experience in property assessment, construction, finance, real estate, GIS or similar field OR Four years of post-secondary education in real estate, public administration, finance, economics, general business, or similar field
Have met or currently working towards completion of minimum requirements for licensure as a Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) OR ability to obtain CMA license within three years of being hired
Valid Minnesota Class "D" Driver's License or the ability to obtain within 30 days of employment
Reliable transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation
Experience using Microsoft Office Applications

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the general public in a property assessment environment
Maintaining acceptable assessment ratios and measurements of assessment uniformity
Using Microsoft CRM, Microsoft SharePoint, and imaging systems or sketching programs
Appraising agricultural, residential, seasonal, exempt, and personal property
Classifying various property types, working with aerial maps and a variety of coverages, an electronic tax system, and a computer-assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) system processing certificates of real estate values and real estate transfers; preparing for and testifying in Tax Court appeals preparing and defending assessments at the Local and County Boards of Appeal and Equalization
Certification in tax calculation
Licensure as a Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA), Certified Minnesota Assessor Specialist (CMAS), an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) or licensure as a Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA)

Responsibilities

Appraises agricultural, residential, seasonal, exempt and personal property to establish market valuations and determine property tax classifications.
Processes inspection and call-back reports to ensure all required properties are regularly reviewed in accordance with the law.
Assists with testing and developing assessment technology and valuation models; processes schemes for database building, maintenance, and reporting activities.
Prepares sales worksheets and maintains comparative cost information to support property assessments.
Processes certificates of real estate value and conducts sales verification to validate data and obtain supplemental information; compiles statistical data and identifies trends.
Administers and interprets various property tax programs by reviewing applications and following processing guidelines to ensure proper tax treatment.
Reviews independent contracted local assessor's work for accuracy and completeness.
Reviews assessment complaints from the public and governing officials and provides tax estimates upon inquiry; meets with taxpayers to provide information or solicit feedback.
Conducts and participates in informational meetings offered to local boards and the public to address annual assessment and law changes.
Prepares and defends assessments and represents the Assessor at Local and County Boards of Appeal and Equalization.
Reviews aerial maps using different coverages to identify certain conditions that are considered in the appraisal of property.
Assists with Tax Court preparations and presents testimony at hearings.
Monitors assessment levels and measurements of assessment uniformity to ensure that acceptable assessment standards are met.
Assists in determining whether or not a property is taxable based upon law and the principles of ownership, use, and necessity.
Reads, interprets, extracts, and utilizes information from transfer of development rights, feedlot permits restriction declarations, zoning ordinances, deeds, mortgages, income tax forms, trust, and divorce documents.
Processes request for Green Acres/Rural Preserve tax information by reviewing forms, applying legal requirements, and calculating payback.
Attends work in a regular and timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.