Deputy Assessor

Todd County•Long Prairie, MN

3d•$33 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Assessor appraises real estate and personal property for tax assessment purposes. The role appraises and classifies residential, agricultural, seasonal recreational, mobile home, tax-exempt, and other property under Minnesota law, determines the value and quality of land and buildings, and compiles county property values in the county CAMA system for assigned townships and cities. The Deputy Assessor applies and explains tax laws and procedures, responds to taxpayer questions, supports appeal and equalization meetings, and provides expert testimony related to property assessment and valuation in tax court. The position also reviews property transfers and building permits, analyzes sales, maintains assessment data, and investigates requests for abatements or classification changes. The position is based at the Historic Courthouse in Long Prairie, Minnesota, and is full-time. It requires regular and timely attendance, compliance with Todd County and Minnesota State Board of Assessors policies, safe work practices, and participation in approved training and continuing education. The employee must obtain Minnesota State Board of Assessors certification within one year of hire and meet the stated assessor licensing requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED with coursework in assessment, appraisal, or related fields and moderate experience working in construction or real estate, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Familiarity with GIS applications and CAMA, and computer skills in word processing and data processing.
Obtain certification by the Minnesota State Board of Assessors within one year of hire.
Be licensed as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor within five years of becoming licensed as a Certified Minnesota Assessor.
Attend assessment-related courses or seminars as needed to maintain a valid assessor license.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge and understanding of assessment and property tax laws and statutes.
Working knowledge of accounting and auditing practices related to property appraisal, and ability to work with large numbers and interpret results.
Ability to apply mathematical formulas and perform accurate and complete land and building computations.
Extensive knowledge of appraisal principles, techniques, procedures, laws, and computer operations.
Good foresight, long-range planning, and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with taxpayers and a range of internal and external stakeholders, orally and in writing.
Ability to decide the time, place, and sequence of operations within an organizational framework and oversee their execution.
Ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, determine consequences, and identify alternatives.
Ability to advise on and interpret the application of policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
Ability to educate and train others.
Ability to prepare written reports and analyze factors affecting valuations.
Ability to perform the physical and visual tasks described in the posting, including measuring, inspecting, walking, and operating motor vehicles or equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in assessment or appraisals.
Assessment-related coursework.

Responsibilities

Appraise and classify residential, agricultural, seasonal recreational, mobile home, tax-exempt, and other property for assessment purposes in accordance with Minnesota statutes.
Determine the value and quality of land and buildings and collaborate with the supervisor to address problems or discrepancies.
Compile and compute county property values through the county CAMA system for assigned townships and cities, and keep the system updated.
Interpret and explain tax laws, assessment procedures, property values, classifications, taxes, homestead linking, agricultural credits, and related tax issues to individuals and groups.
Create maps, charts, and other descriptions to help taxpayers understand the appraisal process.
Attend local and county board of appeal and equalization meetings as requested.
Review legal transfer documents and certificates of real estate value; determine the validity of sales and process eCRVs, including coding relevant property details.
Analyze sales and perform sales ratio studies.
Review building permits and physically measure and view structures to ensure accuracy.
Maintain a documented quintile assessment system.
Draw and calculate property splits and allocate values to the appropriate parcels following changes in legal descriptions.
Calculate tax estimates upon request.
Investigate and recommend settlements on applications for abatements, value reductions, or classification changes.
Determine homestead qualifications.
Provide expert testimony relating to property assessment and valuation in tax court.
Attend approved assessment-related workshops, courses, continuing education programs, committees, boards, seminars, and in-service training.
Maintain work areas in a sanitary and safe manner, follow the departmental dress code, and follow established safety procedures when operating county equipment.
Meet general county staff expectations, including teamwork, effective communication, dependable attendance, respect for colleagues and the public, and performing other assigned or apparent duties.