Appraiser I, II or III

Full Time (40 hours per week) Benefit & Pension Eligible 

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the County Assessor, the Appraiser is responsible for appraising and classifying all types of real and personal property for tax purposes to determine a fair and equitable estimated market value in accordance with MN statutes and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs intermediate skilled technical work providing appraisals, maintaining property records, analyzing sales data, communicating with the public, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the County Assessor.
•  Locates, inspects, measures, photographs and values parcels of new, existing and remodeled property and structures; collects information on condition, quality, age and size to determine market value and classification of property or structure being considered; determine if property qualifies for any special programs. 
• Provides information to taxpayers and the general public on property values, classification, tax programs, assessment and valuation procedures and standards; acts as a first point of contact for residents. 
• Provides testimony or information, performs review appraisals upon request by the taxpayer or Boards of Review regarding disputed valuations or classifications; determines if change in value or re-classification is necessary.
•  Documents, records and maintains various records and files of information on classification, description and valuation of property. Gathers and analyzes sales data by reviewing information on certificates of real estate; contacts sellers and/or buyers on properties with extreme sales ratios to help to determine market trends and qualification of sales; utilizes data to set values in property appraisals. 
• While these areas are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as a part of their role with the County.

Essential Knowledge

·         Principles, practices, and methods of computers and assessment related software applications, especially mapping, Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) systems, and imaging and electronic record storage and retrieval programs.

·         Principles, practices, and methods of all approaches to value as recognized by the MN DOR (e.g. Cost, Income and sales Approach).

·         Principles, practices, and methods of the appraisal process.

·         Knowledge of building construction and materials.

·         Laws and regulations governing the assessment of property.

·         Application and interpretation of laws and regulations governing the assessment of property.

Essential Skills

·         Oral and written communications.

·         Interpreting and applying complex tax legislation and statutes pertaining to property valuation and property tax.

·         Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other departments, governmental officials, and the general public.

·         Using the CAMA system, computer programs and general business productivity software applications.

·         Time management skills.

·         Using methods and practices of all approaches to value.

·         Evaluating property and providing sound judgment in the determination and equalization of property values across the entire County and between neighboring counties.

·         Responding to the general public on tax and assessment issues in the County.

·         Communicating and enforcing departmental and County policies and practices.

·         Analyzing tax and assessment data.

·         Preparing and presenting numerical and narrative reports, abstracts, or other documents.

·         Conflict resolution

·         Mathematics and descriptive statistics.

Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time)

Category: Sedentary Work

Stand: frequently (34-66%)

Walk: frequently (34-66%)

Sit: frequently (34-66%)

Use of hands: continuously (67-100%)

Reach with hands & arms: frequently (34-66%)

Climb or balance: occasionally (1-33%)

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: occasionally (1-33%)

Talk or hear: frequently (34-66%)

Taste or smell: never

Lift & carry: up to 10 pounds: frequently (34-66%)

Working Conditions

Duties of the job involve viewing, inspecting, measuring, and appraising property at time in remote locations, construction sites, unsafe buildings, in snow, varying weather conditions, and at time exposed to angry animals and irate citizens that make the job less than desirable.  Risks and hazards associated with the job can be minimized to some extent by general risk management procedures, proper equipment, and rescheduling appointments/visits as needed.

This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification.  The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.