Deputy City Assessor

The City of Fitchburg has an exciting career opportunity for an assessment professional to serve as the Deputy City Assessor and join our team of talented and skilled professionals who are passionate about what they do.  This is Us!

About the Role:
Under the general, but limited direction of the City Assessor, discovers, lists, values and defends taxable real property, both vacant and improved, within the City of Fitchburg.   As Deputy City Assessor, this office and field position makes market value appraisals of all types of properties, including, but not inclusive of the most difficult and complex commercial, multi-residential, mercantile, recreational and institutional real property.  Employees at this level may provide leadership and training to lower-level staff and assist in the general administration of assessment activities. Approximately 20% of the position is in the field and 80% in the office.  A City vehicle is provided when you are performing field work. A company cell phone is also provided. 
 
About the Rewards: 
The City of Fitchburg is a great place to work! We offer an amazing benefits package that includes excellent health insurance, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, paid parental leave, bilingual incentive, flexible work schedules including hybrid telework opportunities, an onsite fitness center, paid time off and so much more!  The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists City Assessor in coordinating the daily operations of the Assessing Department. 
• Assumes responsibilities of City Assessor in their absence.
• Assists the City Assessor in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of staff as necessary.
• Perform appraisals for all classes of property.
• Measure, plot, diagram and describe physical attributes of buildings, compute square foot area, note quality characteristics for property records, from physical inspections and from blueprints, etc.
• Gather and analyze property data to arrive at appropriate assessment.  Conduct computer assisted sales and dispersion studies, comparisons studies for individual appraisals, and depreciation studies to establish valuations and fair market value estimates.  Gather economic and sales data for computer assisted mass appraisals.
• Prepare work papers and reports on field auditing activities.
• Determine rates and allowances for economic and functional depreciation of property, considering age, type, conditions, and trends within the city, and neighboring municipalities.  Assemble, correlate and analyze data on cost, income, and sales.
• Review and defend property value opinions.  Respond to taxpayer inquiries.  Reviews fee appraisals.  Inform public and other agencies regarding assessment process methods and laws. 
• Prepare assessment appeals cases and testifies before the Board of Review, Circuit Court or the Department of Revenue.  Assist the City Assessor in reviewing and presenting appeals.
• Meet with property owners or their representatives, representatives of other City Departments or other governmental agencies on matters of zoning, building ordinances, sanitation, easements, engineering requirements, geological conditions, TIF requirements and other conditions which may affect the market value of property.
• Assemble data for use in the Market Drive CAMA System. Knowledge of WPAM Volume II and Marshall and Swift Commercial Valuation System is required. 
• Assist the City Assessor in preparing Department of Revenue Final Reports for establishing Equalized Values.
• Maintain special district codes, including TIF districts and Developer Agreements for real and the personal property assessments. 
• Maintain valuations of mobile homes.
• Perform manufacturing assessment reconciling. 

 
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare forms, memos, computer data and correspondence as requested.  Perform Data Entry.
• Prepare data necessary to meet all statutory obligations in reporting to the Department of Revenue. 
• Attend meetings and speaking engagements as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of techniques, property trends, markets affecting property valuation through continuing education programs.  Maintain State Certification at Assessor level II or higher.

 
Supervisory Requirements:

• None

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a field relating to property valuation, public or business administration, finance, economics, real estate, or related field. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for degree requirement. 
• Five years of experience in property assessment, professional appraisal work, or real estate, specializing in complex commercial and residential property valuation. Additional experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in the utilization of computer applications.
• Experience with Market Drive CAMA software desired.

Certifications:

• Must be Certified Assessor Level II or higher upon appointment, must maintain Assessor Level II during the course of employment.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver's License and evidence of vehicle insurance for the duration of the entire course of employment.  

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of the ordinances and statutes affecting Assessor's office operations.
• Ability to think logically to make decisions; interpret information in mathematical, written and diagram form, such as statistical reports.
• Knowledge of building construction in terms of what is/is not assessable.
• Ability to read maps and legal descriptions.
• Ability to assist and train others.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternative solutions and make sound judgments, especially in stressful situations.
• Must be proficient in using the market approach to value, the cost approach to value and the income approach to value to determine total value, broken down by land, improvements and personal property.
• Must be proficient in performing complex statistical and special studies relating to building costs, interest, capitalization and rental rates, and operating costs.
• Must have the experience/ability to actively participate in any/all property tax litigation that may arise.
• Must have advanced knowledge of Wisconsin State Statutes in regard to property assessment and exemption issues.
• Ability to maintain adequate attendance. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City elected and appointed officials, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to attend meetings and other functions during the evening and/or on weekends.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position.

Your unique experiences matter to us, even if they don’t align perfectly with every requirement listed. We recognize that skills come from diverse paths, and we value what makes your journey special. If this role inspires you, we encourage you to apply!

Salary : $84,282 - $96,325