Staff Appraiser

The McCook County Zoning and Equalization Office is looking for a full-time Staff Appraiser.

As Staff Appraiser for the County, you’ll work under the direct supervision of the Director of Zoning and Equalization and be responsible for performing technical and professional work in establishing real property values for tax assessment purposes.

You’ll perform a variety of duties including:

• Appraise the market value of agricultural land, residential homes, commercial businesses, and accessory buildings for ad valorem tax purposes.
• Conduct on-site property inspections. Including the measurement of structures, review of submitted plans, and assessment of physical attributes of the property.
• Record and maintain current and historical information on properties with detailed observations as to quantity, quality construction components together with observed age and condition of improvements.
• Assist in completing building permits as filed with county and municipalities within the county.
• Provide customer service in office and on-site. Provide information concerning appraisals and respond to questions regarding aspects of real estate tax process.
• Assist in maintaining of mapping from recorded transaction records, surveys, legal descriptions, subdivisions, and other plats. Locate and identify parcels of land on maps.
• Defend appraisal estimates and methods used to assess value during the appeals process by taxpayers during local and county Equalization Boards.
• Assist the Director by conducting physical inspections, comparative sales analysis and assist with writing reports as needed.
• Remain informed about changing state laws.
• Attend annual schools, conferences, and workshops to retain professional appraiser/assessor certification.
• Keep updated and trained on job specific software.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Ongoing Training/Certification

• Must possess CAA (Certified Appraiser/Assessor) certification, or obtain within one year of employment.
• Must continue education as a Certified Assessor Appraiser through the South Dakota Department of Revenue as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required. Ability to learn building construction techniques, methods and materials. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record.
• Ability to read and interpret directions, manuals and other written guidelines.
• Ability to learn real property appraisals and assessment principles and practices.
• Must possess CAA (Certified Appraiser/Assessor) certification, or obtain within the first year of employment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.
• Ability to lift/move maximum of 30 pounds unassisted and a maximum of 50 pounds with assistance.
• Prolonged walking over uneven terrain move objects in the field and to operate a variety of field equipment.

Starting pay $22.45-$26.27 per hour, dependent upon qualifications.

McCook County offers outstanding benefits including health insurance and participation in the South Dakota Retirement Plan.