JOB
Otter Tail County is accepting applications for a Chief Deputy in the Assessor's Department.The purpose of this position is to assist in directing, planning and supervision of property assessment and appraisal functions for property tax purposes. This position will supervise staff appraisers to ensure the assessment is maintained according to state mandated standards in an effective and efficient manner. This position will manage and make day-to-day decisions for the Assessor’s Department in the absence of the County Assessor.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Internal OfficeProvides first level of supervision for Appraisers.Works directly with management team to implement departmental goals and objectives.Implements designed methods and procedures for valuation, classification and assessment programs to provide uniformity for Appraisers.Develops and implements orientation and training program for Appraisers.Participates as requested in Service Team meetings.Provides input and carry out directives in the development of the Assessment Model.Makes departmental decisions in absence of the County Assessor.Interprets legal descriptions and appraises market value of splits from existing real estate parcels.Adheres to the Minnesota State Board of Assessors Code of Conduct and Ethics for Licensed Minnesota Assessors.Serves as a resource person by assisting appraisal/office staff.Provides guidance and support for less experienced Appraisers in assessment practices and procedures. Assists Appraisers with difficult assessments.Provides assistance to County Assessor on additional projects as requested.Assists County Assessor at County Board of Equalization as requested.Participates in the hiring of hiring of staff in accordance with County policy as requested.Assists County Assessor with preparation for Tax Court, and the gathering of appraisal data.Attends and participates in on-going training as required or requested. Interprets appraisal training materials and computer software instructions.May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.AssessingLocates, identifies, views, physically inspects, measures, diagrams, monitors and records data of all structures/real property to determine actual use and classification of property as required by the County Assessor and state statutory guidelines for ad valorem tax purposes.Investigates the quality of construction, construction materials, overall condition of the property, and its functional design. Analyzes and evaluates continuous changes and advancements in architectural design and building technology. Estimates depreciation for condition and age.Ability to prioritize, schedule and complete an assigned diversified workload.Develops data and property information to be entered into the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system to establish valuation estimates for agricultural, residential, seasonal, multi-residential, commercial, and industrial and personal property taxpayers. Proofreads entered data to identify errors.Maintains confidentiality with regards to private data and business proceedings as it relates to the assessment.Studies sales ratio reports and verify Electronic Certificate of Real Estate Values (ECRV) to determine if information is accurate, and to monitor the local real and personal property market conditions for all types of property in assigned areas.Interprets how other factors such as zoning/planning ordinances affect market value.Uses functional reasoning and applies rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.Public RelationsProvides customer service to property owners, assisting in interpreting tax laws and maintaining a professional relationship.Interviews persons familiar with properties and areas, such as contractors, homeowners, and realtors. Reviews and responds to complaints concerning assessment concerns from the public regarding value and tax issues, in person, by phone, by correspondence, or e-mail.Responds to questions from and provides information to local officials and the public concerning property tax laws, policies, procedures, and appeals.Gathering/Maintaining InformationReviews permits, maps, blueprints, plats, aerial photos, GIS mapping, and new construction.Maintains knowledge of current tax laws and mass appraisal principles, and of the three approaches to market value, i.e., costs, market, and income. Interprets and applies statistical information, median ratio, co-efficient of dispersion and basic descriptive statistical reports. Computes and analyzes data to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, present values, and spatial relationships.Examines income records and operating costs of income properties once income qualified.Utilizes a variety of advisory information such as sales ratios reports, building schedules, assessment manuals and guidelines, state statutes, State Department of Revenue rules and regulations.Analyzes and interprets legal descriptions, creating parcel mapping for determination of exact parcel location.Schedules, organizes, prioritizes, and executes workload assignments to complete designated areas in a timely manner to meet County and State deadlines.Interprets appraisal training materials, computer software operating instruction, and accounting methods.Board of ReviewPrepares, organizes, and analyzes information for formal presentation for local Board of Equalization. Represents the County Assessor’s Office at Local Board of Equalization meetings and Open Book Meetings and advises taxpayers on the subsequent steps in the appeals process.Schedules appointments for re-evaluation purposes. Meets with taxpayers to settle disputes.Provides information and assistance to the County Assessor as requested in the defense of disputed market values resulting from tax court petitions.Otter Tail County leaders exhibit the core values of integrity, respect, positivity, growth, and innovation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2024 starting salary for this position is $62,504 annually depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $93,766.The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation. A standard 12 month probationary period applies.How to ApplyTo apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. On-line applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted.When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.Veterans PreferenceEligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference. Background InvestigationAll employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information. Equal Opportunity Employer