Assistant to the Assessor- Assessment- (Temporary)

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.)

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

This is an entry-level position where incumbents assist Assessors in the gathering

of data and performing routine functions used in maintaining tax rolls and establishing

property values. Incumbents are trained in the principles, methods and techniques governing assessment of real estate for taxation. This position is distinguished from that of Assessor in that the latter's duties are of a more technical nature involving the evaluation of real property for tax purposes and preparation of assessment rolls. Although the incumbent assists the Assessor, work will be routine in nature. Incumbents receive immediate supervision from an Assessor and no supervision is exercised over personnel.

Examples of work (Illustration Only)

Enters new assessments and changes in assessments in field book and various other records;

• assists in field work by collecting property data and measuring property;
• assists in the preparation and maintenance of property records and sales reports;
  
  

Conducts research to determine building costs and recent real estate sales prices;

• obtains information relative to market value including but not limited to condition, size,
  
  

use, type of construction;

Assists in compiling data, statistics and other basic information for research studies;

• makes mathematical computations;
  
  

Completes necessary data forms from various computer systems;

Answers inquiries concerning assessments and land locations;

Reads and interprets deeds, tax maps, map deed descriptions, surveys, etc. to retrieve information in assisting the tax payer;

Assists in the sales verification process;

Performs related duties as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Enters new assessments and changes in assessments in field book and various other records;

• assists in field work by collecting property data and measuring property;
• assists in the preparation and maintenance of property records and sales reports;
  
  

Conducts research to determine building costs and recent real estate sales prices;

• obtains information relative to market value including but not limited to condition, size,
  
  

use, type of construction;

Assists in compiling data, statistics and other basic information for research studies;

• makes mathematical computations;
  
  

Completes necessary data forms from various computer systems;

Answers inquiries concerning assessments and land locations;

Reads and interprets deeds, tax maps, map deed descriptions, surveys, etc. to retrieve information in assisting the tax payer;

Assists in the sales verification process;

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Sixty (60) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university;
  
  

OR

• Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and possession of a current valid State Certified General Appraiser certification, State Certified Residential Appraiser Certification, State Licensed Residential Appraisal License or as a Real Estate Broker and one year of full-time experience assessment or sale of real property or title searching;
  
  

OR

• Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and two years of full-time experience where work involved assessment or sale of real property or title searching;
  
  

OR

• An equivalent combination as defined within the limits of A, B and C.
  
  

NOTE: Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience equirements. Proof of education, license and/or certification must be presented at time of filing application.

ADOPTED: 3/11/81

REVISED: 5/20/81; 7/20/88; 5/28/97; 3/9/04; 1/13/14

REVIEWED: 6/6/14;

(Title changed from Assessor Trainee 3/24/99)

The City of Buffalo's benefit package is designed to give our employees and their love one's, comfort, safety, and stability they need in serving our community each and every day.

Our Offerings Include

• Medical and vision, Dental, Life Insurance (basic) and (supplemental)
• New York State Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Assistance Program for employee/family members
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Liberal holidays & vacation
• Growth Opportunities and Steady earnings potential