The City of La Crosse is currently in search of qualified candidates to fill a full-time position as an Appraiser I and join our assessment team. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to discover, list and value all taxable property within the City of La Crosse to ensure fairness, equity, and uniformity. 

As an Appraiser I, responsibilities will be to perform all duties and various tasks assigned in the office, field work, conducting appraisal work to establish assessed values for residential properties for ad valorem purposes in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 70; and defend assessment value and methods. Individuals in this classification will be responsible for establishing residential property values using independent judgement and discretion under the direction of the Chief City Assessor. Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $28.91to $33.12 per hour (75 hours bi-weekly) depending on candidate qualifications.

Requirements: Associate degree in Property Appraisal or a related experience in property assessment or real estate experience. Valid motor vehicle operator’s license and Assessor I certification required within 3-months of hire. 

Benefits: The City offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Benefit perks: low medical plan premium costs having a $400 deductible, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.9% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn sick days and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to background check and post-offer/pre-employment drug screen.Applications accepted until the position is filled, with an initial review of applications beginning April 15th, 2024. To be considered, applicants must submit an employment application, cover letter and resume by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi.

Purpose of Position
The purpose of this classification is to discover and list real and personal property; value property for assessment purposes according to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 70; and defend assessment value and methods.
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
 
Incumbents in this classification perform property appraisal on residential real estate and personal property. The work is performed under the direction of the Assessor.
 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 
The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
 
Analyzes property data to arrive at appropriate assessment. Conducts computer assisted sales and dispersion studies, comparisons studies for individual appraisals, and depreciation studies to establish valuations and fair market value estimate.
 
Reviews and defends property value opinions. Responds to taxpayer inquiries by reviewing assessment records and explaining valuation methods and laws. Reviews fee appraisals. Informs public and other agencies regarding assessment process methods and laws.
 
Prepares Board of Review appraisals. Testifies at Board of Review and trials.
 
Collects and evaluates market value data. Interprets legal descriptions, photos and maps to maintain plat maps. Inspects, describes and evaluates real property function, construction type/design, workmanship and other characteristics for value. Sketches new buildings and additions. Reviews blueprints and building permits for appraisals. Gathers economic and sales data for computer assisted mass appraisals. Gathers data for unique properties.
 
Maintains knowledge of techniques, property trends, markets affecting property valuation. Participates in continuing education and training required to maintain required certification and perform classification duties.
 
Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
 
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.
 
Enters data to computer records.
 
Answers telephone. Refers calls, and takes and related messages.
 
Schedules appointments.
 
 
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
 
Associate degree in Property Appraisal or a related field with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field preferred, with three years real estate appraisal experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator's license and Assessor I certification required.
 
Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.
 
Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
 
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as assessment forms, building permits, blueprints, sketches, real estate transfer forms, real property sales listings/sales, surveys, property descriptions, personal property statements, surveys, assessment rolls, state required reports, billing statements, computer software operating manuals, statutes, property valuation case law, appraisal textbooks/periodicals, maps, statistical reports, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.
 
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with taxpayers, real estate brokers, property inspectors, attorneys, tax representatives, Common Council, state legislators, Department of Revenue personnel.
 
Mathematical Ability
 
Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, ratios, present values and spatial relationships. Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.
 
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
 
Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
 
Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.
 
Physical Requirements
 
Ability to operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments such as motor vehicle, measuring devices, camera, drafting instruments, computer terminal, typewriter, photocopier and telephone.
 
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as data entry.
 
Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
 
Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
 
Environmental Adaptability
 
Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as repetitive computer keyboard use, irate individuals, intimidation, temperature variations or extremes, odors, toxic agents, animals and/or dust may cause discomfort and poses a limited risk of injury.
 
 
The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.