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 in accordance with Minnesota statutes. The role assesses residential, agricultural, seasonal recreational, mobile home, tax-exempt, and other property; determines land and building values and classifications; and maintains assigned property records in the county CAMA system. The Deputy Assessor also interprets assessment and tax procedures for taxpayers and other groups, responds to questions about property values and taxes, and supports local and county boards of appeal and equalization as requested. The position reviews property transfers and building permits, validates sales, performs sales ratio studies, measures and views structures, processes property splits and parcel value allocations, determines homestead eligibility, and calculates tax estimates. It also investigates abatement applications, recommends settlements, and may provide expert testimony in tax court. The Deputy Assessor works with the supervisor on problems or discrepancies and participates in approved assessment-related training and professional activities. The position is based at the Historic Courthouse in Long Prairie, Minnesota, and requires regular, timely attendance, a valid driver’s license, and compliance with county and Minnesota State Board of Assessors policies and safety procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED with coursework in assessment, appraisal, or related fields and moderate experience in construction or real estate, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Familiarity with GIS applications and CAMA, and computer skills in word and data processing.
Obtain certification by the Minnesota State Board of Assessors within one year of hire.
Become licensed as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor within five years of becoming licensed as a certified Minnesota assessor.
Attend assessment-related courses or seminars as required 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 relevant to property appraisal, and ability to work with large numbers and interpret results.
Ability to apply mathematical formulas and perform accurate, complete computations of land and building values.
Extensive knowledge of appraisal principles, techniques, procedures, and laws, and extensive knowledge of computer operations.
Good foresight, long-range planning ability, and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with taxpayers and a broad range of public and professional contacts, 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 and select alternatives.
Ability to advise and interpret information about policies, procedures, and standards in specific situations.
Ability to educate and train others.
Ability to prepare written reports and analyze factors affecting valuations.

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 consult the supervisor about problems or discrepancies.
Compile and compute county property values for assigned townships and cities using the county CAMA system.
Explain tax laws, procedures, property values, classifications, homestead linking, agricultural credits, and other tax-related issues to individuals and groups orally and in writing.
Draw 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 and sale details.
Analyze sales and perform sales ratio studies.
Review building permits and physically measure and view structures for accuracy; maintain a documented quintile assessment system.
Draw and calculate property splits and allocate values to parcels affected by changes in legal descriptions.
Calculate tax estimates upon request.
Investigate and recommend settlements on applications for abatements, reductions in value, or classification changes.
Determine homestead qualifications.
Provide expert testimony relating to property assessment and valuation in tax court.
Enter data and keep the county CAMA program updated.
Attend approved workshops, continuing education programs, committees, boards, seminars, and in-service training to maintain assessor licensure.
Follow county and Minnesota State Board of Assessors policies and rules, maintain a safe and sanitary work area, and follow safety procedures when operating county equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent and maintain regular, timely attendance.