What are the responsibilities and job description for the Property Appraiser position at City of Fitchburg (WI)?
About the Role:
Under the general direction of the City Assessor, this position is responsible for establishing the assessed value of real estate. Responsibilities include professional technical property appraisals and assessment work for the analysis and application of market, cost and income approaches to arrive at property values for tax purposes and assisting in the annual preparation and completion of the City of Fitchburg assessment roll. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of the City Assessor. There is frequent interaction on the telephone and in person with the public and other City staff. Approximately 40% of the position is in the field and 60% in the office. A City vehicle is provided when you are performing field work.
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.
- Participates in collecting, tabulating, and arraying data concerning property characteristics, sales prices, rents, and operating expenses.
- Prepare new property record cards for new and existing parcels.
- Compute the square footage of parcels.
- Verify location, size and parcel numbers of properties from legal descriptions.
- Process splits, combinations, new plats, and certified surveys.
- Measure, plot, diagram and describe building characteristics based on field review and blueprint analysis.
- Data entry of building improvements for review by the Assessor.
- Prepare and maintain computer generated work processing forms, spreadsheet programs and associated data using appropriate software.
- Update all owner’s names and mailing addresses as provided by Dane County, and sales information; updated zoning changes; process class shifts and reconcile control totals.
- Contact for assisting in locating properties and providing public information, customer service and documents under the open records law.
- Appraise real estate property to reflect changes in market value resulting from new improvements, additions, alterations, removals, demolitions, damages and change in land zoning, building regulations and economic trends.
- Perform research to support the appraisal system and annual assessment trending using statistical and spreadsheet software.
- Assist in preparing assessment appeal cases and testifying as to market value before the Board of Review, Circuit Court, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
- Provide information to taxpayers regarding appraisal and assessment practices to support assessment findings.
- Assist in the review of properties requesting tax exempt status.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
- Notification of property owners regarding changes in classification, changes due to sales information, and changes in plats.
- Performance of field reviews to ensure that coded characteristics are complete and accurate.
- Assist in the completion of statistical reports and summaries for local, county, and state requirements per ordinance and statute.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Requirements:
- None
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Two years’ experience in property assessment, property appraisal, real estate, construction, or other property valuation roles.
Certifications:
- Certification as a Property Appraiser by the State of Wisconsin required within six (6) months of appointment. Must maintain Property Appraiser certification during the entire course of employment.
- Most possess a valid driver’s license and maintain during entire course of employment.
Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of general office procedures and practices, including reading comprehension, mathematics, alpha and numeric filing, typing and data entry.
- Working knowledge of applicable property technical characteristics to include: the layout, design, mapping, and legal descriptions of properties, deed and survey data, and the physical property characteristics.
- Working knowledge of the principles, practices, tools and techniques utilized in construction and property assessment and appraisal.
- Working knowledge of applicable computer software and its application.
- Ability to assist in assembling and analyzing data and maintaining records.
- Ability to make related mathematical calculations.
- Ability to read, write, and plot legal descriptions.
- Ability to accurately prepare construction drawings and assessment maps.
- Ability to use drawing instrument tools.
- Ability to read and interpret residential construction permits.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to communicate with other working personal, elected officials, and customer base.
- Ability to physically access field locations in order to observe and record physical property characteristics relevant to assessment.
- Ability to work independently with only occasional review of work performance.
- 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 : $60,341 - $68,952
