The Lancaster County Property Assessment Office assesses real estate within the county for the local property tax levy. County government, 17 school districts, and most of the 60 municipalities in the county levy a property tax. For most, the property tax is their principal source of revenue. The Assessment Office maintains a listing and valuation inventory of over 190,000 parcels located within the border of the county for this purpose.

JOB SUMMARY

Manages, coordinates, and supervises the assessment, and technical functions of the department; responsible for the implementation and compliance of all statutes and administrative rules relating to all functions.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Oversees all employees in the department, including Clerical, Administrative and Appraisal staff. Reports to the County Chief Clerk, the Board of Commissioners, and the Board of Assessment Appeals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Manages the overall assessment and statistical analysis function; assigns work projects, monitors workflow, and develops and implements departmental policies and procedures. Oversee assessment of all County real estate parcels and maintenance of all records. Calculate and certify median assessed values of approved applicants to school districts for Homestead Exclusion.

Reviews and interprets PA statutes and Department of Revenue rules; determines impact of new legislation on assessment/taxation; testifies when required; ensures compliance of all related statutes and administrative rules.

Formulates proposed departmental budget; prepares required reports.

Interviews and selects employees; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements disciplinary procedures and employee terminations.

Engages in public relations and liaison activities with the community and governmental agencies, local business, and community organizations; explains relevant laws/regulations; assists in the resolution of complex problems; investigates complaints. Establish and maintain a good rapport with municipalities, school districts and the public at large.

Supervises special county projects, reassessments, creation of County-wide tax rolls; directs the scheduling and review of assessment appeals on behalf of the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Serves as Chief Clerk of the Board of Assessment Appeals; testifies in court as an expert witness on assessment matters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree with major course work in economics, business administration or related field; Five years of progressively responsible experience in the assessment/appraisal of real and personal property, budget responsibilities, and supervisory work; or any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, or experience relevant to the position. Experience with public speaking and giving presentations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of mass appraisal and real estate valuation. Comprehensive knowledge of the laws of the Commonwealth of PA relative to real property assessment and tax claim.

Ability to effectively administer programs, projects, and personnel.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public, co-workers, public officials, and the media.

Knowledge of budgeting, accounting procedures, and local taxation practices and laws. Knowledge of assessment related programs and reporting requirements, including Act 319 (clean & green), PURTA, LERTA, KOZ, STEB and TIF.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

Must be certified by the State of Pennsylvania as a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE) within 2 years of employment. A valid Pennsylvania driver's license is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.