Senior Certified Appraiser - Grade 6 - $24.56 - $33.81
Certified Appraiser- Grade 5 - $22.68 - $31.20

Senior Certified Appraiser

Job Summary

To estimate values and determine classification of properties for real and personal property taxation.  To process and verify sales that occur in the county and to aid in proposing new valuation rates countywide.
 

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  
 

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.  
 

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1.    Estimates property valuation in a fair and equitable manner utilizing the cost, sales comparison, and income approaches to value.  Physically inspects property and records characteristics such as type of property, physical condition, structural components, size, nature, and type of improvements.
2.    Determines classification of properties in assigned jurisdictions for property taxation, in accordance with State Statutes and County Policy. 
3.    Enters data into a computer aided mass appraisal system (CAMA) for all areas of the County, utilizing knowledge of assessment standards and established procedures.
4.      Conducts the verification of property sales by interviewing buyers and sellers of property over the phone, using email, or in person.  Corrects information on eCRV documents and prepares the documents for later submittal to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. 
5.    Assists County Staff in the development of policies and manuals for the assessment of property.
6.    Testifies in Tax Court or other courts as an expert witness.
7.    Properly handles private data, such as social security numbers and income information, according to County Policy.
8.    Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with taxpayers, coworkers, county officials, state agencies, and the general public.  Effectively answers questions of the general public.
9.    Assists the County Assessor in proposing new land and building values for upcoming assessments.
10.    Assists the County Assessor and Assistant County Assessor in the training of new staff. .  
11.    Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints  from property owners and managers by explaining how property values and classifications were established and informs owners and managers of appeal procedures,  
12.    Researches, understands and applies changes in property tax law and procedures including 
navigating the Department of Revenue website and Minnesota Statues.
13.    Represents the County at the Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings.  Assists Board members and County Staff in the proper administration of these meetings.  Prepares written documents and gives live presentations to the County Board at appeal meetings. 
14.    Reads and interprets recorded real estate documents, blueprints, aerial photos, topographical and GIS maps as they relate to appraising property.
15.    Utilizes information from other county, city, state, and federal offices to complete appraisal and classification tasks.
16.    
17.    Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license issued by the Minnesota State Board of Assessors, plus three or more years of assessment experience.  Must obtain the professional designation of Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) within 5 years of earning the CMA designation as a condition of continued employment.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Must continue to meet all qualifications set forth by the Minnesota State Board of Assessors.

CMA licensing requirements check-off list can be viewed on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website. www.revenue.state.mn.us  An assessor’s license indicates one of four levels of licensure as approved by the Board of Assessors for an individual that has met certain requirements regarding assessment education and experience. The four levels of licensure are: 1. Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA); 2. Certified Minnesota Assessor Specialist (CMAS); 3. Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA); 4. Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA). 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

 

Knowledge of:
1.    County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 
2.    Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position.
3.    Cost and sales approach to valuation.
4.    Mass appraisal concepts and procedures.
5.    Basic zoning and shoreland ordinances and how it may affect valuation and classification.
6.    Local and Regional real estate market trends.
7.    Property tax laws to ensure correct application for valuation and classification and also determining a properties qualification for special programs.

Skill in:
1.    Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2.    Researching and understanding legal descriptions including an understanding of survey and legal document terminology.
3.    Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
4.    Preparing and making presentations to groups.
5.    Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 
6.    Effectively organizing and prioritizing work.
7.    Good conflict management skills, decision making skills, negotiating skills, and time management skills.

Ability to:
1.    Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat all county staff and the general public with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
2.    Work independently and make decisions quickly and accurately.
3.    Read and analyze various assessment related reports such as sales ratio studies.
4.    Work alone and navigate in remote areas of the county by vehicle and on foot. Must have the ability to walk or snowshoe through deep snow.
5.    Communicate well with fellow staff and the public utilizing written and oral communication skills.
6.    Read and interpret county ordinances, GIS maps, Blue Prints, aerial photos, topographical maps and other specialized documents relating to appraising property.
7.    Use office equipment such as a financial calculator, copier, fax machine, and phone. Must have the on-going ability to adapt to and use new technology and software programs proficiently.
8.    Demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
9.    Accurately enter large amounts of data under limited time frames.
10.    Accurately sketch and maintain pictorial documentation - downloading, labeling, attachment to file.
11.    Drive safely through all weather conditions and different types of terrain.
12.    Ability to work with mathematical concepts; to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions.
 

Language Skills

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
 

Mathematical Skills

High Skills – Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as mean, median, coefficient of dispersion, price related differential, and calculation of area and volume of a variety of shapes. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
 

Reasoning Skills

High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:  

Apple iOS for iPad or similar, County Payroll Software/E-time, geographic information system, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Minnesota Counties Information Systems (MCIS) property tax and Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) systems, and Apex digital sketching software.

 

Ability to Travel

Travel is generally required on a daily basis, in all types of weather, for assessment of county parcels. It is also required for trainings and meetings in and out of Aitkin County on an occasional basis. 
 

Code of Conduct and Ethics

Licensed Minnesota assessors are required to abide by the ethical and professional guidelines established in the Code of Conduct and Ethics developed by the Commissioner of Revenue. The purpose of this code of conduct and ethics is to instill public confidence in property assessment and promote fairness and uniformity of assessment practices. As a counterpart to this code of conduct and ethics, there is also an ethics seminar required for all licensed assessors to be completed once in every four year period starting July 1, 2004.
 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.
 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and can on occasion be loud, such as during appeal meetings with several people talking in a room with poor acoustics.

A wide variety of conditions are possible when doing physical property inspections.  This includes the potential of encountering dangerous dogs and possible meth lab locations. Work is performed year round, including in summer heat and winter cold extremes.

When in the field, viewing properties, employees walk while carrying their equipment (clipboard or iPad, camera, tape measure, etc.). Oftentimes they are alone in remote areas. Sometimes the walk is short (up a driveway) and other times it can be long (2+ miles one way). Going over, under or around obstacles, such as trees, fences, and gates is common. Appraisers encounter people (friendly and not so friendly) and pets, deer, bear, wolves, snakes, flies, spiders, ticks and mosquitoes, poison ivy, etc.   

 

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, handheld computer and remote access equipment, printer, 10-key calculator, measuring tape, camera, financial calculator, shredder, emergency weather-alert system, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

 

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, daily balancing, daily stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, daily pushing, pulling, daily lifting, carrying, occasional feeling (texture of building materials), use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light work, exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.  

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.
 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

1/28/2022

 

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism


 

Certified Appraiser

Job Summary

To appraise and classify all real property for property tax purposes so that assessments and valuations are applied fairly and equitably to the properties and structures within Aitkin County.  
 

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  
 

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.  
 

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1.    Estimates property values in a fair and equitable manner utilizing the cost, sales comparison, and income approaches to value.  Physically inspects property and record characteristics such as type of property, physical condition, structural components, size, nature, and type of improvements.
2.    Classifies property in accordance with State Statutes and County Policy for property tax purposes.
3.    Enters data into a computer aided mass appraisal system (CAMA) for all areas of the County utilizing knowledge and procedures of established assessment standards. 
4.    Conducts the verification of property sales by interviewing buyers and sellers of property over the phone, using email, or in-person.  Corrects information on eCRV documents and prepares the documents for later submittal to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
5.    Assists the County Assessor and Assistant County Assessor in the training new staff.
6.    Assists County Staff in the development of policies and manuals for the assessment of property.
7.    Testifies in Tax Court or other courts as an expert witness.
8.    Properly handles private data, such as social security numbers and income information, according to County Policy. 
9.    Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with taxpayers, coworkers, county officials, state agencies and the general public.  Effectively answers questions from the general public. 
10.    Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints from property owners and managers by explaining how property values and classifications were established and informs owners and managers of appeal procedures.
11.    Represents the County at the board of appeal and equalization meetings.  Assists Board members and County Staff in the proper administration of these meetings.  Prepares written documents and gives live presentations to the County Board at appeal meetings.
12.    Reads and interprets recorded real estate documents, blueprints, aerial photos, topographical and GIS maps as they relate to appraising property. 
13.    Attends continuing education courses as required by State law to maintain licensure. 
14.    Utilizes information from other county, city, state, and federal offices to assist the public or other offices in data collection.
15.    Analyzes and interprets tax laws under the direction of the County Assessor.
16.    Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license issued by the Minnesota State Board of Assessors.  This includes one or more years (12 full months) of assessment experience.  Must obtain the professional designation of Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) within 5 years of earning the CMA designation as a condition of continued employment.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Must continue to meet all qualifications set forth by the Minnesota State Board of Assessors.

CMA licensing requirements check-off list can be viewed on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website. www.revenue.state.mn.us  An assessor’s license indicates one of four levels of licensure as approved by the Board of Assessors for an individual that has met certain requirements regarding assessment education and experience. The four levels of licensure are: 1. Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA); 2. Certified Minnesota Assessor Specialist (CMAS); 3. Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA); 4. Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA). 
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

 

Knowledge of:
1.    County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 
2.    Knowledge and understanding of assessment processes and laws (State & local statutes) as they relate to residential, seasonal, agricultural and vacant land and tax exempt properties.
3.    Appraisal principles and practices.
4.    All types of building construction.
5.    Cost and sales approach to valuation.
6.    Mass appraisal concepts and procedures.
7.    Basic zoning and shoreland ordinances and how it may affect valuation and classification.
8.    Local and Regional real estate market trends as it relates to market value.
9.    Property tax laws to ensure correct application for valuation and classification and also determining a properties qualification for special programs.

Skill in:
1.    Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2.    Researching and understanding legal descriptions including an understanding of survey and legal document terminology.
3.    Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
4.    Preparing and making presentations to groups.
5.    Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 
6.    Effectively organizing and prioritizing work.
7.    Good conflict management skills, decision making skills, negotiating skills, and time management skills.
8.    Detailed inspection of properties to collect data regarding measurements, building features, improvements or deterioration, neighborhood and land characteristics, and photos.

Ability to:
1.    Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat all county staff and the general public with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
2.    Work independently and make decisions quickly and accurately.
3.    Read and analyze various assessment related reports such as sales ratio studies.
4.    Work alone and navigate in remote areas of the county by vehicle and on foot. Must have the ability to walk or snowshoe through deep snow.
5.    Communicate well with fellow staff and the public utilizing written and oral communication skills.
6.    Read and interpret county ordinances, GIS maps, Blue Prints, aerial photos, topographical maps and other specialized documents relating to appraising property.
7.    Use office equipment such as a financial calculator, copier, fax machine, and phone. Must have the on-going ability to adapt to and use new technology and software programs proficiently.
8.    Demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
9.    Accurately enter large amounts of data under limited time frames. 
10.    Accurately sketch and maintain pictorial documentation - downloading, labeling, attachment to file.
11.    Drive safely through all weather conditions and different types of terrain.
12.    Ability to work with mathematical concepts; to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions.
 

Language Skills

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
 

Mathematical Skills

High Skills – Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as mean, median, coefficient of dispersion, price related differential, and calculation of area and volume of a variety of shapes. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
 

Reasoning Skills

High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:  

Apple iOS for iPad or similar, County Payroll Software/E-time, geographic information system, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Minnesota Counties Information Systems (MCIS) property tax and Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) systems, and Apex digital sketching software.

 

Ability to Travel

Travel is generally required on a daily basis, in all types of weather, for assessment of county parcels. It is also required for trainings and meetings in and out of Aitkin County on an occasional basis. 

Code of Conduct and Ethics

Licensed Minnesota assessors are required to abide by the ethical and professional guidelines established in the Code of Conduct and Ethics developed by the Commissioner of Revenue. The purpose of this code of conduct and ethics is to instill public confidence in property assessment and promote fairness and uniformity of assessment practices. As a counterpart to this code of conduct and ethics, there is also an ethics seminar required for all licensed assessors to be completed once in every four year period starting July 1, 2004.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.
 

Work Environment

TThe noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and can on occasion be loud, such as during appeal meetings with several people talking in a room with poor acoustics.

A wide variety of conditions are possible when doing physical property inspections.  This includes the potential of encountering dangerous dogs and possible meth lab locations. Work is performed year round, including in summer heat and winter cold extremes.

When in the field, viewing properties, employees walk while carrying their equipment (clipboard or iPad, camera, tape measure, etc.). Oftentimes they are alone in remote areas. Sometimes the walk is short (up a driveway) and other times it can be long (2+ miles one way). Going over, under or around obstacles, such as trees, fences, and gates is common. Appraisers encounter people (friendly and not so friendly) and pets, deer, bear, wolves, snakes, flies, spiders, ticks and mosquitoes, poison ivy, etc.   

 

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, handheld computer and remote access equipment, printer, 10-key calculator, measuring tape, camera, financial calculator, shredder, emergency weather-alert system, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

 

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, daily balancing, daily stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, daily pushing, pulling, daily lifting, carrying, occasional feeling (texture of building materials), use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light work, exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.  

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.
 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

05/13/2014
Rev. 01/21/2021

 

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism