JOB
Otter Tail County is accepting applications for a full-time Appraiser to work in the Assessor's Office.This position performs technical work in the field, inspecting property to conduct the mass appraisal of all real estate and personal property for ad valorem tax assessment purposes; performing various computational and related assessment duties in the office and in field appraisal work in an effective and efficient manner; substantiating and defending all value and classifications of property to property owners, local and County Board of Appeals and Equalization; communicating to the public current Minnesota Property Tax laws and market values. The work is performed under the direction of the County Assessor.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
AssessingLocate, identify, view, physically inspect, photograph, measure, diagram, monitor and record data of all structures/real property to determine actual use and classification of property as required by the County Assessor and state statutory guidelines for ad valorem tax purposes.Investigate the quality of construction, construction materials, overall condition of the property, and its functional design. Analyze and evaluate continuous changes and advancements in architectural design and building technology. Estimate depreciation for condition and age.Ability to prioritize, schedule and complete an assigned diversified work load.Develop data and property information to be entered into the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system to establish valuation estimates for agricultural, residential, seasonal, multi-residential, and personal property taxpayers. Appraisers are responsible for entering data into the CAMA system.Income Qualified Appraisers establish valuation estimates for some commercial and industrial property taxpayers. Examine income records and operating costs of income properties.Maintain confidentiality with regards to private data and business proceedings as it relates to the assessment.Study sales ratio reports and verify Certificate of Real Estate Values to determine if information is accurate, and to monitor the local real and personal property market conditions for all types of property in assigned areas. Interpret how other factors such as zoning/planning ordinances affect market value.Use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.Public RelationsEstablish and maintain personal contact with property owners on a regular basis regarding appraisal information. Assist to interpret tax laws and maintain a professional relationship.Interview persons familiar with properties and areas, such as contractors, homeowners and realtors. Review and respond to complaints concerning assessment concerns from the public regarding value and tax issues, in person, by phone, by correspondence, or E-mail.Respond to questions from and provide information to local officials and the general public concerning property tax laws, policies, procedures and appeals.Gathering/Maintaining InformationReview permits, maps, blueprints, plats, aerial photos, GIS mapping and new construction.Maintain knowledge of current tax laws and mass appraisal principles, and of the three approaches to market value, i.e., costs, market, and income. Interpret and apply statistical information, median ratio, co-efficient of dispersion and basic descriptive statistical reports. Compute and analyze data to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, present values, and spatial relationships. Utilize a variety of advisory information such as sales ratios reports, building schedules, assessment manuals and guidelines, state statutes, State Department of Revenue rules and regulations.Analyze and interpret legal descriptions, creating parcel mapping for determination of exact parcel location.Schedule, organize, prioritize, and execute personal workload assignments to complete designated areas in a timely manner to meet County and State deadlines.Interpret appraisal training materials, computer software operating instruction, and accounting methods.Board of ReviewPrepare, organize, and analyze information for formal presentation for local Board of Equalization. Represent the County Assessor’s Office at Local Board of Equalization meetings and Open Book Meetings and advise taxpayers on the subsequent steps in the appeals process.Schedule appointments for re-evaluation purposes. Meet with taxpayers to settle disputes.Provide information and assistance to the County Assessor as requested in the defense of disputed market values resulting from tax court petitions.Internal OfficeInterpret legal descriptions and appraise market value of splits from existing real estate parcels.Adhere to the Minnesota State Board of Assessors Code of Conduct and Ethics for Licensed Minnesota Assessors in the performance of their duties.Serve as a resource person by assisting appraisal/office personnel. Provide training, guidance, and support for less experienced appraisal personnel in assessment practices and procedures. Assist other Appraisers with difficult assessments.Attend and participate in on-going training as required or requested. Interpret appraisal training materials, computer software instructions.May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.Other duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. Compensation is based on level of Minnesota assessor licensure.Provisional Appraiser (not yet licensed): $23.72 per hourAppraiser l (CMA license): The 2024 starting salary for this position is $23.72 per hour, depending on qualifications, with advancement to $35.60 per hour, DOQAppraiser ll (CMAS license): The 2024 starting salary for this position is $25.35 per hour, depending on qualifications with, advancement to $38.03 per hour, DOQAppraiser lll (AMA license): The 2024 starting salary for this position is $27.45 per hour, depending on qualifications with, advancement to $41.17 per hour, DOQThe selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalist will be required to pass a background investigation and reference check. A standard 12 month probationary period applies. How to ApplyTo apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. On-line applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted.When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.Veterans PreferenceEligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.Background InvestigationAll employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information. Equal Opportunity Employer