DESCRIPTION Under the general supervision of the Property & Environmental Resources Supervisor – County Assessor, this position supports the mission of the Property and Environmental Resources Department by providing quality and efficient services to the public. The Appraiser is responsible to provide accurate estimates of value for property in Blue Earth County. This position performs a variety of property appraisal tasks, including viewing and inspecting property and valuing and updating department records; responding to information requests regarding properties and to concerns regarding property assessments; seeks to resolve disagreements and disputes by analyzing property sales data; conducts equalization meetings; and updates records regarding property splits. The Appraiser must make sound decisions and communicate effectively with diverse populations. DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Appraises properties according to proper assessment procedures. Compiles and analyzes data on properties. Inspects properties and buildings and determines such characteristics as building age, quality of construction, availability of utilities or other necessary components. Performs record maintenance of property data. Enters and verifies accurate property related information on computer, including sketching building outlines. Keys notes regarding appraisal on computer. Utilizes computer software functionality and features to list information appropriately to arrive at equitable valuations. Reviews and verifies sales data for all types of property sales to observe trends. Analyzes sales by type (residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, seasonal, recreational) and location to assist in determining assessment levels required. Compares sales information to completed appraisals to improve appraisal methods and valuations. Monitors costs of various buildings, including residential structures, bins, pole buildings, hog barns, cabins, and other structures. Responds to concerns regarding assessments. Interprets regulations to seek and resolve disagreements and disputes. Meets with property owners who disagree with initial appraisal. Explains reasoning that led to appraisal. Performs on-site reappraisal as needed. Updates records regarding property splits. Reads and interprets legal descriptions. Calculates soil type acreage utilizing accepted methodology to determine average crop productivity and delineation of other land types as apparent and as required. Calculates new value for each parcel. Responds to information requests regarding property value, classification, and taxes. Retrieves requested information from files, computer, assessment manuals, and maps to respond to public or employee requests. Calculates value and tax estimates as requested. Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace. Interacts positively with internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and customers. Answers questions pertaining to software, consults and communicates with department management, county staff, other county technical staff and vendors. Performs the physical and mental demands of the position. Attends work during regularly scheduled hours. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: Conducts Equalization meetings. Listens to questions posed by taxpayers and Board members. Explains calculation of value. Evaluates accuracy of appraisal. Adjusts appraisal if necessary. Notes changes on records as recommended by the Board. Assists with sales ratio studies and statistical data analysis. Provides input to County Assessor based on statistical studies. Answers internal and external questions specific to Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system functions and assists staff as necessary in training and education as it relates to CAMA software. Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with agents and departments from other counties and states to learn about and maintain professionalism. Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned. QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma/GED Three (3) years working with computers using Excel and Word processing. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Real estate property appraisal experience. Property construction experience. Certified Minnesota Assessor License OR Minnesota Appraiser License. Experience in a County Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor, Recorder or Mapping Office. Experience or education related to Geographic Information System (GIS) programs and applications. Post-secondary training in real and personal property valuation. Bachelor's degree in construction management, real estate, urban/regional planning, mathematics, economics, GIS, business administration, public administration, or related field. Fluent in understanding and speaking languages other than English such as: Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, or Arabic. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the State of Minnesota. Must possess licensure by the State of Minnesota as a Certified Minnesota Assessor within 18 months of hire. Must possess licensure by the State of Minnesota as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor within 36 months of obtaining the Certified Minnesota Assessor licensure. Must have available transportation and be able to travel to and from properties for field work as necessary. Must successfully pass a background check. Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to county policy and the Minnesota Statutes. HOURS OF WORK Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
Salary: $63,398.40 - $88,816.00 a year
Employment Type: Full-time
Qualifications
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