Property Appraiser 1

State of Montana•Missoula, MT

22h

About The Position

The Property Appraiser 1 position is in the Montana Department of Revenue’s Property Assessment Division, which manages property assessment and valuation of taxable property for property tax purposes. The role conducts residential property reviews, discoveries, research, field appraisals, and inspections to determine final property valuations. It also supports ongoing program operations, responds to taxpayer inquiries, explains appraisal activities, assists with dispute resolution, and participates in appeal hearings. The position does not supervise other staff. The role analyzes residential property characteristics, land use, construction costs, comparable sales, site improvements, and relevant technical and legal records to determine appropriate appraisal methods and values. It documents assumptions and limiting conditions and verifies information using ownership records, inspection reports, market models, and other sources. Computer systems and tax guidelines are trained on the job. The work takes place in an office and outdoors, and requires travel. Work hours may exceed 40 hours from time to time, including weekends. Lifting is infrequent and involves less than 15 pounds. The position may be eligible for approved-site telework, but the employee must primarily reside in Montana, report to the assigned Department of Revenue office as required, and meet telework eligibility requirements. Full-time teleworking is not available.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to two years of post-secondary education in business, accounting, economics, public administration, construction technology, or training, and one year of job-related experience; other combinations may be evaluated individually.
Obtain Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101) and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) training within the first year of employment, as required by applicable rules and statutes.
Valid driver's license, with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
Must be eligible to work in the United States; the State of Montana does not sponsor.
Must successfully pass Department of Revenue tax and background checks; tax status must be current, and conviction circumstances will be reviewed.
Research and analysis skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Conflict-resolution skills.
Microsoft programs and other database applications skills.
Written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer-service communication skills.
Ability to self-motivate, follow instructions, provide timely customer service, multitask, and prioritize work under deadlines.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to communicate with a wide range of personalities using discretion, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity.

Nice To Haves

Job-related experience in appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or a related field.
Knowledge of residential property appraisal methods.
Knowledge of construction, mapping, GIS, and cadastral practices.
Knowledge of property sales and valuation procedures.

Responsibilities

Conduct property reviews and discoveries to identify appraisal needs and priorities, and recommend priorities based on property use, value, location, and other characteristics.
Review tax records, land use, improvements, valuation documents, and other information.
Identify properties for appraisal review.
Research and analyze individual residential property characteristics to estimate their impact on property values.
Analyze and evaluate appraisal information and determine final property values.
Examine site and improvement data, sanitation regulations, zoning, planning, covenants, deed restrictions, and other technical and legal documentation.
Compile and analyze construction cost data and determine its effects on property values.
Conduct field appraisals and site inspections of subject properties.
Perform comparable-sales analysis to identify valuation factors.
Collect data required for maps, plats, and sketches used in appraisals.
Determine the primary use of appraised properties.
Document professional assumptions and limiting conditions.
Determine comparable sales data and adjustments to valuations.
Estimate the value of site improvements.
Determine the appropriate cost or market appraisal method for residential properties.
Verify information in title and ownership data, inspection reports, market models, and other sources.
Support ongoing program operations and activities.
Respond to taxpayer inquiries and explain appraisal activities.
Provide dispute resolution and participate in appeal hearings.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision care; life insurance; and long-term disability.
The State contributes $12,648 per year toward benefits.
Free health care for employees and eligible family members at Montana Health Centers.
Free Employee Assistance Benefits, including counseling, legal assistance, well-being coaching, and financial information.
Retirement plans; the State currently contributes 9.17%, with vesting after five years of continuous employment.
Paid vacation starting at 15 days per year.
Sick leave of 12 days per year.
11 holidays, including a floating holiday.
Flexible hours.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Revenue.