Property Appraiser 1

State of Montana•Billings, MT

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Property Appraiser 1 works in the Montana Department of Revenue’s Property Assessment Division, which manages assessment and valuation of taxable property for property tax purposes. The role conducts residential property reviews, discovery, research, and field appraisals; completes inspections to determine final residential property valuations; analyzes and classifies land uses; and assists with land-model specification, calibration, and benchmarking. The position supports ongoing program operations, responds to taxpayer inquiries, explains appraisal activities, resolves disputes, and participates in appeal hearings. It does not supervise other staff. The position requires a combination equivalent to two years of post-secondary education in a relevant subject or training and one year of job-related experience. Preferred experience includes appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or a related field. Montana residential property appraisal certification (IAAO 101) and USPAP training are required within the first year of employment. Other combinations of education and experience are evaluated individually. Work takes place in an office and outdoors, with travel required. The role may be eligible for telework from an approved worksite, but the employee must be a primary Montana resident and report to the office assigned by the supervisor; full-time teleworking is not available. Work hours may exceed 40 hours from time to time, including weekends. Lifting is infrequent and involves less than 15 pounds. A valid driver’s license is required, with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Requirements

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 of education and experience are evaluated individually.
Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101) required within the first year of employment.
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) training required within the first year of employment.
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 pass Department of Revenue tax and background checks; tax status must be current.
Knowledge of residential property appraisal methods, construction, mapping, GIS, cadastral information, and property sales and valuation procedures.
Skills in research and analysis, accuracy and attention to detail, conflict resolution, Microsoft programs and other database applications, and written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
Ability to self-motivate, follow instructions, provide timely customer service, multitask and prioritize under deadlines, use basic computer skills, and communicate effectively and discreetly with a wide range of personalities.

Nice To Haves

Job-related experience in appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or a related field.
Self-motivation, customer-service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity.

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 and 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; determine comparable sales data and adjustments to valuations.
Collect data required for maps, plats, and sketches used in appraisals.
Determine the primary use of appraised properties and estimate the value of site improvements.
Document professional assumptions and limiting conditions.
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 currently contributes $12,648 per year toward these benefits.
Free health care for employees and eligible family members at Montana Health Centers.
Employee Assistance Benefits, including counseling, legal assistance, well-being coaching, and financial information, available as free resources.
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.