Property Appraiser 1

State of Montana•Sidney, MT

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Property Appraiser 1 works in the Montana Department of Revenue’s Property Assessment Division, which manages the assessment and valuation of taxable property for Montana property tax purposes. The position conducts residential property reviews, discoveries, research, and field appraisals; completes inspections to determine final residential property valuations; analyzes and classifies land uses; and supports land-model specification, calibration, and benchmarking. The role also supports program operations, responds to taxpayer inquiries, explains appraisal activities, helps resolve disputes, and participates in appeal hearings. This position does not supervise staff. The work involves reviewing tax and property records, researching residential property characteristics, analyzing sales and construction costs, examining site and improvement data and relevant legal or technical documents, and selecting appropriate cost or market appraisal methods. The appraiser conducts site inspections, gathers mapping and property data, documents assumptions and limiting conditions, verifies ownership and appraisal information, and determines property values and valuation adjustments. The position works in an office and outdoors, requires travel and a valid driver’s license, and may involve work exceeding 40 hours, including weekends. Lifting is infrequent and under 15 pounds. The position may be eligible for telework from an approved worksite, but the employee must be a primary Montana resident, report to the assigned Department of Revenue office as required, and meet telework eligibility requirements. Full-time telework is not available. The State of Montana provides a comprehensive benefits package. Applicants must submit a resume and complete state application. Successful applicants must pass Department of Revenue tax and background checks. Montana residential appraisal certification (IAAO 101) and USPAP training are required within the first year of employment.

Requirements

Two years of post-secondary education in business, accounting, economics, public administration, construction technology, or training, and one year of job-related experience, or an individually evaluated equivalent combination of education and experience.
Obtain Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101) within the first year of employment, per ARM 42.18.206-208 and MCA Title 15.
Complete Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) training within the first year of employment, per ARM 42.18.206-208.
Valid driver’s license with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
Eligibility to work in the United States; the State of Montana does not sponsor.
Pass Department of Revenue tax and background checks; tax status must be current.
Ability to research and analyze information accurately and with attention to detail.
Conflict-resolution ability and effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
Ability to use Microsoft programs and other database applications; basic computer skills.
Ability to follow instructions, provide timely customer service, multitask, and prioritize work under deadlines.
Ability to communicate with a wide range of personalities using discretion, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity.
Ability to travel and work in an office and outdoors; lifting is infrequent and under 15 pounds.
Primary residence in Montana is required as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or a related field.
Self-motivation.
Outstanding customer service.

Responsibilities

Conduct property reviews and discoveries to identify appraisal needs and priorities, recommending 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 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.
Assist with 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.
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.