Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial

Position Summary

To appraise commercial, industrial, apartment and basic special use real estate; to gather data on all taxable and exempt properties in Ramsey County; update data to ensure that physical characteristics of a property are correctly described, including the land data, physical condition, quality and obsolescence of the property; and perform related duties as assigned. In addition to basic cost and sales analysis, a Real Estate Appraiser – Commercial may be assigned to perform income analysis for apartments and other basic commercial properties.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

This is a fully remote/mobile position. In person attendance occasionally required for meetings or office needs.

Examples of Work Performed

• Appraise basic commercial, industrial, apartment and special use properties using mass appraisal statistical modeling techniques, direct capitalization or gross rent analysis.
• Verify and compile data on all sales transactions of assigned properties; include the interview of all buyers, sellers, brokers, closers, attorneys, developers and any other parties relevant to the transaction to determine the sales validity for inclusion in the Department of Revenue’s annual sales ratio study; and organize and enter this data in the Assessor Commercial Exchange (ACE) database.
• Determine the estimated values of vacant land and estimate the contribution to value of the land component of improved properties; keep up to date on various land markets for assigned property types to assist in the development of CAMA commercial and apartment land models.
• Respond to questions and concerns from property owners, attorneys and tax representatives regarding the assessment process, commercial property valuation methods and 20 plus property tax class rates involving commercial related properties.
• Maintain and complete an accurate record of each assigned commercial, industrial, apartment and special use property which may include over 150 fields of data for 80 different property use types.
• Perform cost analysis based on estimated value of the land, cost of improvements and analysis of depreciation by accurately identifying and costing various building components and special features of assigned commercial and special use properties.
• Investigate and review requests for reduction of assessed valuation or change in classification through the Open Book, Board of Equalization and Abatement process; complete appraisal reports including the use of market and income proformas; communicate with property owners for the correct financial information needed to process appeals.
• Litigate the less complex commercial, industrial and apartment court petitions. Perform all aspects of tax petitions for income producing properties including: reviewing compliance with income data disclosure, negotiating fair settlements with tax attorneys, preparing narrative appraisals and defending values through testimony in Minnesota Tax Court.
• Perform market research for all property types assigned, which could be up to 80 property use types, include gathering actual income and expense rates, occupancy levels, and capitalization rate to determine potential market performance of income producing properties.
• Review and analyze various commercial real estate market surveys and publications to keep current with various assigned markets.
• Determine the proper tax classification for individual properties as required by Minnesota statute.
  
  

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Two years of post-secondary education. .

Experience: Three years of property taxation, real estate or related functions and/or real estate assessment or appraisal experience.

Licensure and Certification Requirement: Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) within five years of obtaining licensure as a Commercial Minnesota Assessor (CMA); licensure as an Income Qualified CMA at date of hire and must have a valid Class D Driver's License.

Licensure as a Certified General real property appraiser by the Minnesota Department of Commerce with the ability to get a temporary Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license may substitute for the AMA; obtain an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) licensure under Minnesota Statues within the five-year time from the date the temporary license is issued.

Substitution: Two additional years of real estate or related experience may substitute for the post-secondary education requirement listed above. A bachelor’s degree in Real Estate or closely related field may substitute for the required experience.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%
  
  

The examination for Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application. Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@ramseycountymn.gov

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total Rewards Guide 2026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
• Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
• MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
• VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
  
  

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
• Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
  
  

• Paid time off
• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
• Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
• Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
• Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
  
  

• Retirement benefits
• Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
• New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
• Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
• Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
  
  

• Transit and parking
• Fully funded Metropass.
• Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
  
  

• Employee well-being
• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
• Wellness programming
• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
  
  

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
• Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
• Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
  
  

• Career development
• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
  

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total Rewards Guide 2026.pdf

01

• Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
• Yes
• No
  
  

02

• Select the option that best describes your highest level of completed education.
• High school diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above
  
  

03

• If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion and type of degree. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.
  
  

04

Which best describes your property taxation, real estate or related functions and/or real estate assessment or appraisal experience?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 5 years
• 5 years of experience or more
  
  

05

Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."

06

Do you currently hold a valid Class D driver's license?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

Which valid licensure do you currently hold? Select all that apply.

• Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA)
• Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA)
• Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA)
• Certified General real property appraiser by the MN Department of Commerce with the ability to get a temporary Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license
• None of the above
  
  

08

Which best describes your experience as it relates to the mass appraisal of income producing properties?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 5 years
• 5 years of experience or more
  
  

09

Which best describes your experience in the valuation of income producing properties?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 5 years
• 5 years of experience or more
  
  

10

Which best describes your leadership experience in an appraisal or assessor's office, especially in the areas of mentoring, reviewing work, and training others?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 5 years
• 5 years of experience or more
  
  

11

Describe the experience indicated in questions 8, 9 and 10. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."

• Required Question