Property Appraiser 1

State of Montana•Great Falls, MT

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Property Appraiser 1 position is in the Montana Department of Revenue’s Property Assessment Division, which manages Montana property tax laws and valuation of taxable property. The position performs residential property reviews, discoveries, research, and field appraisals to determine final residential property valuations. It analyzes and classifies land uses, supports land-model specification, calibration, and benchmarking, and contributes to ongoing program operations. The role also responds to taxpayer inquiries, explains appraisal activities, helps resolve disputes, and participates in appeal hearings. This position does not supervise other staff. The position works in an office environment and outdoors, requires travel and a valid driver’s license, and may involve lifting items weighing less than 15 pounds infrequently. Work hours may exceed 40 hours from time to time, including weekends. The position may be eligible for telework from an approved worksite, but the employee must reside primarily in Montana and report to the assigned Department of Revenue office as required. Full-time teleworking is not available, and participation requires meeting department eligibility requirements and supervisor approval.

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 alternative 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 specified by applicable Montana rules and statutes.
Knowledge of residential property appraisal methods.
Knowledge of construction, mapping, GIS, and cadastral concepts.
Knowledge of property sales and valuation procedures.
Research and analysis skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to use Microsoft programs and other database applications; computer systems and tax guidelines will be trained on the job.
Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to provide timely customer service and outstanding customer service.
Ability to follow instructions, work independently, multitask, and prioritize work under deadlines.
Ability to communicate with varied personalities using discretion, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity.
Successful completion of required Department of Revenue tax and background checks; tax status must be current, and criminal-background circumstances and tax-status issues will be reviewed.
Valid driver’s license; travel is required.
Primary residence in Montana 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.

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 individual residential property characteristics to estimate their impact on property values.
Analyze appraisal information and determine final property values.
Examine site and improvement data, sanitation regulations, zoning, planning materials, covenants, deed restrictions, and other technical and legal documents.
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 appraisal sketches.
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.
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. 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 that can be used any time.
Flexible hours.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Revenue.