Appraiser I

Salary : $29.79 - $34.11 Hourly

Location : La Crosse, WI

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 00659

Department / Division : Assessor

Opening Date : 12 / 19 / 2024

Description

The City of La Crosse is currently in search of qualified candidates to fill a full-time position as an Appraiser I and join our assessment team. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to discover, list and value all taxable property within the City of La Crosse to ensure fairness, equity, and uniformity.

As an Appraiser I, responsibilities will be to perform all duties and various tasks assigned in the office, field work, conducting appraisal work to establish assessed values for residential properties for ad valorem purposes in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 70; and defend assessment value and methods. Individuals in this classification will be responsible for establishing residential property values using independent judgement and discretion under the direction of the Chief City Assessor. Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $29.79 to $34.11 per hour (75 hours bi-weekly) depending on candidate qualifications.

Requirements : Associate degree in Property Appraisal or related experience in property assessment or real estate experience. Valid motor vehicle operator's license and Assessor I certification required within 3 months of hire.

Benefits : The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Benefit perks : traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.95% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year and vacation time available as of date of hire.

The selected candidate is subject to background check and post-offer / pre-employment drug screen. Applications accepted until the position is filled, with an initial review of applications beginning January 6th, 2025. To be considered, applicants must submit an employment application, cover letter and resume by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting https : / / www.governmentjobs.com / careers / lacrossewi

Purpose of Position

The purpose of this classification is to discover and list real and personal property; value property for assessment purposes according to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 70; and defend assessment value and methods.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in this classification perform property appraisal on residential real estate and personal property. The work is performed under the direction of the Assessor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Analyzes property data to arrive at appropriate assessment. Conducts computer assisted sales and dispersion studies, comparisons studies for individual appraisals, and depreciation studies to establish valuations and fair market value estimate.

Reviews and defends property value opinions. Responds to taxpayer inquiries by reviewing assessment records and explaining valuation methods and laws. Reviews fee appraisals. Informs public and other agencies regarding assessment process methods and laws.

Prepares Board of Review appraisals. Testifies at Board of Review and trials.

Collects and evaluates market value data. Interprets legal descriptions, photos and maps to maintain plat maps. Inspects, describes and evaluates real property function, construction type / design, workmanship and other characteristics for value. Sketches new buildings and additions. Reviews blueprints and building permits for appraisals. Gathers economic and sales data for computer assisted mass appraisals. Gathers data for unique properties.

Maintains knowledge of techniques, property trends, markets affecting property valuation. Participates in continuing education and training required to maintain required certification and perform classification duties.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

Enters data to computer records.

Answers telephone. Refers calls, and takes and related messages.

Schedules appointments.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Associate degree in Property Appraisal or a related field with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field preferred, with three years real estate appraisal experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator's license and Assessor I certification required.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.

Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as assessment forms, building permits, blueprints, sketches, real estate transfer forms, real property sales listings / sales, surveys, property descriptions, personal property statements, surveys, assessment rolls, state required reports, billing statements, computer software operating manuals, statutes, property valuation case law, appraisal textbooks / periodicals, maps, statistical reports, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with taxpayers, real estate brokers, property inspectors, attorneys, tax representatives, Common Council, state legislators, Department of Revenue personnel.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, ratios, present values and spatial relationships. Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate, maneuver and / or steer equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments such as motor vehicle, measuring devices, camera, drafting instruments, computer terminal, typewriter, photocopier and telephone.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as data entry.

Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as repetitive computer keyboard use, irate individuals, intimidation, temperature variations or extremes, odors, toxic agents, animals and / or dust may cause discomfort and poses a limited risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>

Human Resources>

Employee Benefits.

1) Medical Benefit Plan - Offered to all full-time, non-represented or unionized employees. Coverage for eligible medical expenses and prescriptions. Note : Employees hired full-time on or after 1 / 1 / 14 are not eligible for retiree medical benefit plan coverage.

2) Pension (Wisconsin Retirement System-WRS) - Automatic enrollment for full-time positions. Eligibility for part-time positions varies by position and is determined by the number of hours and duration of the position. For eligible positions, contributions begin date of hire. Employer contributions are paid by the employer. Employees are required to pay 50% of the total WRS contribution rate for "general" employees. 2025 rate is 6.95% of pre-tax earnings.

3) Life Insurance - (follows WRS eligibility) Up to five times the employee's annual salary is available. Spouse / dependent coverage options also available.

4) Income Continuation Insurance - (follows WRS enrollment) A short or long term disability insurance. Various options available for waiting periods.

5) Section #125 Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours / week or more. This is a flexible spending account to defer money from your paycheck pre-tax in a dependent care or medical account.

6) Vision Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours / week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee.

7) Dental Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours / week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee. Employees can choose between two different dental plans.

8) 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours / week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for pre-tax payroll deductions to be placed in a retirement investment account.

9) ICMA Roth IRA - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours / week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for payroll deductions to be placed in a Roth IRA.

10) Paid Leave Time : Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave, family care leave, and holidays. Actual leave accrual determined by employee handbook or union contracts.

Salary : $30 - $34