Property Appraiser 1

State of Montana•Plentywood, MT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Property Appraiser 1 position is in the Montana Department of Revenue’s Property Assessment Division, which manages assessment and valuation of taxable property for Montana property tax purposes. The role conducts residential property reviews, discoveries, research, and field appraisals to determine final property valuations. It also supports ongoing program operations, responds to taxpayer inquiries, explains appraisal activities, resolves disputes, and participates in appeal hearings. The position does not supervise other staff. The role requires examining property and market information, evaluating land use and property characteristics, selecting appropriate appraisal methods, and documenting assumptions and limiting conditions. Field work includes site inspections and appraisals; travel is required. The work takes place in an office and outdoors. The position may be eligible for telework from an approved worksite, subject to department requirements and supervisor approval; full-time teleworking is not available, and the employee must reside primarily in Montana and report to the assigned office. The position may require work exceeding 40 hours at times, including weekends. Lifting is infrequent and involves less than 15 pounds. A valid driver’s license is required. Applicants must submit a resume and completed state application. Successful applicants must pass department tax and background checks, and the selected candidate must be eligible to work in the United States.

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) and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) training within the first year of employment, as required by the cited Montana rules and statutes.
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.
Successful completion of DOR tax and background checks.
Knowledge of residential property appraisal methods, construction, mapping, GIS, cadastral information, property sales, and valuation procedures.
Research and analytical skills; accuracy and attention to detail; conflict resolution; basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft programs and database applications; written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer-service skills.
Ability to follow instructions, work independently, multitask and prioritize under deadlines, and communicate with a wide range of personalities using discretion, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity.
Submit a resume and completed state application.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or a related field.

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 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 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 title and ownership information, inspection reports, market models, and information from other sources.
Respond to taxpayer inquiries and explain appraisal activities.
Provide dispute resolution and participate in appeal hearings.
Support ongoing program operations and activities.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision care; life insurance; and long-term disability.
State contribution of $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.