Deputy Assessor

Title: Deputy Assessor

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt with Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000 (Commensurate with experience & certification status)

Department: Assessor’s Office

Reports To: Assessor (and/or Chief Deputy Assessor)

Location: Downers Grove Township, DuPage County

Position Summary

The Deputy Assessor assists in the coordination of the day-to-day operations of the Township Assessor’s Office, primarily focusing on the mass appraisal of all property subject to valuation. This role combines office-based statistical analysis with field-based property inspections to ensure fair and equitable assessments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Field Inspections: Conduct physical measurements and inspections of residential and commercial buildings; determine land measurements, property use, and classification.
• Valuation & Analysis: Utilize statistical data and market trends to establish valuations and ensure equity. Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, legal descriptions, plats, and mortgages.
• Data Management: Update Assessor files and records (CAMA system) to reflect assessment outcomes and process new construction for the assessment rolls.
• Public Service: Respond to inquiries and complaints from property owners; explain valuation methodologies and the appeal procedure in a clear, professional manner.
• Hearings & Appeals: Prepare evidence for and testify regarding valuation accuracy at local Board of Review and Property Tax Appeal Board hearings.
• Exemptions: Determine eligibility for tax exemptions and administer required documentation.
• GIS Utilization: Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to locate parcels and analyze neighborhood data.
• Collaboration: Assist other local government entities as necessary and perform related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Group Health and Long-Term Care Insurance available for full-time employees (eligibility begins on the 31st day of employment).
• Retirement (IMRF): Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan.
• Paid Time Off:
• Vacation: 12 paid vacation days (84 hours) earned annually for employees with 1 to 6 years of service.
• Sick Leave: 12 paid sick days accrued annually (calculated at 1 day per month).
• Holidays: Paid time off for Township-recognized holidays.
• Family & Support:
• Parental Leave: Up to 6 weeks of Maternity/Paternity leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Bereavement: Up to 3 days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Experience: In lieu of a degree, a High School Diploma (or equivalent) combined with 3 years of experience in real estate appraisal, assessment, construction, or a related field is required.
• Designation: Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO) designation is preferred. Candidates without this designation must be willing to obtain certification within 24 months of employment. (All required training and certification costs are covered by the Assessor’s Office with prior approval by the Assessor).

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, Personal Characteristics, and other Qualifications

Real Estate & Legal Proficiency

• Property Law: Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to property assessment, tax exemptions, and the rights of taxpayers.
• Documentation: Proficiency in reading and interpreting land descriptions, plats, mortgages, contracts, and instruments of transfer.
• Market Analysis: Understanding of real estate terminology, socio-economic conditions, and market trends that affect property appraisals.
• Government Practices: Knowledge of local government practices and principles related to assessment.

Mathematical & Analytical Skills

• Calculations: Ability to calculate figures such as area, circumference, reductions, proportions, and percentages.
• Advanced Analysis: Ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry, perform advanced statistical analysis, and analyze complex factors relating to property appraisal.
• Data Management: Proficiency in setting up high-level spreadsheet formulas to track and analyze data.

Technology & Software

• Core Systems: Proficiency with Microsoft Windows (10 or higher) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Industry Software: Familiarity with AssessorsIMS (CAMA system), Apex drawing software, and databases specific to DuPage County.
• Office Equipment: Ability to operate standard office technology including scanners, printers, and calculators.
• Professional Competencies
• Communication: Ability to establish effective, professional working relationships with co-workers, property owners/representatives, and the general public.
• Independence: Ability to work efficiently both as a team member and independently with minimal supervision.
• Conduct: Ability to represent the Assessor's Office in an honest, trustworthy, and polite capacity.
• Record Keeping: Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, gather data, and prepare detailed assessment reports.
• Other Requirements
• Driver’s License: Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle for field inspections.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Body Positioning & Movement: The employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods. Field duties frequently require standing, walking, and bending. Occasionally, the employee must climb, kneel, crouch, crawl, or balance on a step stool/ladder to access documents on high shelving.
• Manual Dexterity & Lifting: The role requires the use of hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, and controls. The employee must be able to reach with hands and arms and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Sensory Requirements:
• Vision: Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus to review written documents and electronic media.
• Communication: The employee must be able to speak clearly and distinctly and hear well enough to understand normal conversation.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Location: Duties are performed in a standard office setting as well as at various property sites. Fieldwork at property sites is performed daily.
• Noise Level: The environment is usually quiet within the office, but volume levels outside the office and at property sites can vary significantly.

Field Conditions:

• Weather: Work involves travel in normal seasonal weather. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet, humid, hot, and/or cold outside conditions.
• Hazards: Property inspections may involve exposure to hazards at building/construction sites if reasonable caution is not exercised.
• Interactions: Fieldwork may include contact with potentially angry or dangerous individuals and animals.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to: assessor@dgtownship.com.

• Subject Line: Please use the subject line "Deputy Assessor Application – [Your Last Name]" to ensure your application is processed promptly.
• Deadline: Position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.