Property Appraiser 1

State of Montana•Kalispell, MT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Property Appraiser 1 works 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 performs residential property reviews, discoveries, research, and field appraisals, including inspections to determine final property valuations. The position supports division programs and operations, responds to taxpayer inquiries, explains appraisal activities, helps resolve disputes, and may participate in appeal hearings. The position does not supervise staff. The role involves examining property and market information, determining appropriate appraisal methods, estimating property values, and documenting appraisal assumptions and conditions. Work takes place in an office and outdoors, with required travel. Work hours may exceed 40 hours at times, including weekends. The role may be eligible for approved telework, but full-time teleworking is unavailable; the employee must be a Montana resident and report to the office assigned by the supervisor. Applicants must submit a resume and complete state application online. Appointment is subject to DOR tax and background checks, and tax status must be current. A valid driver’s license with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months is required. The role requires Montana residential property appraisal certification (IAAO 101) and USPAP training within the first year of employment. The agency may use a written training assignment, during which pay may be below the agency’s established base pay.

Requirements

Two years of post-secondary education in business, accounting, economics, public administration, construction technology, or training, and one year of job-related experience; equivalent 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, in accordance with the cited Montana requirements.
Valid driver’s license with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
Current tax status and successful completion of DOR tax and background checks.
Eligibility to work in the United States; the State of Montana does not sponsor.
Research and analysis skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Conflict-resolution skills and written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to provide timely customer service, follow instructions, multitask, prioritize work under deadlines, and use discretion, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity when communicating with a wide range of personalities.
Basic computer skills; familiarity with Microsoft programs and database applications is listed among relevant skills.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or a related field.
Knowledge of residential property appraisal methods, construction, mapping, GIS, cadastral systems, and property sales and valuation procedures.
Self-motivation and outstanding customer service.

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 effects on property values.
Conduct field appraisals and site inspections of subject properties.
Perform comparable-sales analysis to identify valuation factors and determine comparable sales data and adjustments to valuations.
Collect data 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 title and ownership data, inspection reports, market models, and other information 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 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.