What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Equalization Appraiser position at County of Houghton, Michigan?
Senior Equalization Appraiser
Full-Time | AFSCME Union Position
T-12
Houghton County is seeking a full-time Senior Equalization Appraiser to join the Equalization Department. This position assists with property appraisal and assessment studies, field inspections, property records, mapping, and general department operations.
This is a good opportunity for someone interested in real estate, property assessment, appraisal, GIS, local government, or data analysis. The position includes a mix of office work and fieldwork throughout Houghton County.
What You’ll Do
As the Senior Equalization Appraiser, you will work with the other department staff on a variety of property assessment and appraisal projects.
Typical responsibilities include:
Inspecting residential, commercial, vacant, and other properties throughout Houghton County
Reviewing and updating property characteristics and assessment records within the database
Assisting with land value and economic condition factor studies
Entering and maintaining property information in BS&A software
Creating property sketches and maintaining inspection photographs and other documents
Researching deeds, legal descriptions, property records, and other public documents
Assisting taxpayers, local assessors, and members of the public with property information and record requests
Preparing reports and assisting with assessment and equalization studies
Helping maintain department records, mapping data, invoices, supplies, and other administrative functions
Performing other related duties as needed
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who is dependable, detail-oriented, comfortable working with numbers and property information, and able to work both independently and as part of a small team.
Required qualifications include:
MCAO (Michigan Certified Assessing Officer) OR
MCAT (Michigan Certified Assessing Technician)
Currently holding either license or currently enrolled.
Senior Appraiser must hold MCAO for T-12 classification, MCAT T-9 Appraiser
Preferred qualifications include:
Experience in property assessment, real estate appraisal, GIS, or a related area
Familiarity with property records, deeds, legal descriptions, or other mapping
Strong computer and data-entry skills
Ability to interact professionally with property owners, local officials, and the public
Previous assessment experience is beneficial but not necessarily required for an otherwise qualified candidate willing to learn.
Work Environment
This position includes both office and appraisal fieldwork. Employees must be able to travel to and inspect properties throughout Houghton County, including properties in urban and rural locations and in varying weather conditions using a county vehicle.
The position requires regular walking and standing during inspections over uneven, sloped, muddy, snowy, or unpaved terrain. Navigating stairs, yards, driveways, construction areas, agricultural, commercial and industrial sites, and other property features encountered during inspections. Taking measurements of structures and carrying or lifting equipment or materials associated with fieldwork.
Compensation & Benefits
AFSCME T-12
[or $23.97 – $28.07 per hour]
Houghton County offers a competitive benefits package, which includes:
Health insurance
Paid vacation and sick leave
Paid holidays
Retirement benefits
Training and professional development opportunities
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a completed Houghton County employment application and resume to:
Houghton County Equalization Department
jaikob@houghtoncounty.gov / 401 E Houghton Ave Houghton MI 49931
906-482-0250
Internal Applications will be accepted until 10/13/2026
External Applications will be accepted until 10/30/2026
Houghton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $23.97 - $28.07 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $24 - $28