Appraiser

Position Details In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, the Appraiser is responsible to classify and accurately appraise residential, agricultural and commercial properties in Freeborn County for ad valorem taxation purposes.
The Appraiser utilizes standardized mass appraisal practices to determine the market value of each property impartially and in a fair and equitable manner.
This requires physically reviewing properties, analyzing sales data and resolving value disputes.
Duties and Responsibilities - Maintains the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system to include property classification, property characteristics, sketches, photos, land CERs, tillable acres, etc.
- Maintains tax system to include value, classification, homestead status, land detail and to review MP lists.
- Reviews eCRV’s and conducts sales verification research.
Accuracy of this process is vital to the determination of market trends and ultimately map factor adjustments resulting in fair and equitable appraisals at market value.
Process is overseen and reviewed by the MN Department of Revenue.
- Physically reviews assigned portion of 1/5 of the county’s properties each year as required by MN Statutes.
Reviews property details, determines grade and condition, takes photographs, and performs accurate and timely data entry.
- Physically reviews all new construction in a designated area.
Reads blueprints, measures, sketches and photographs the new improvements.
Determines the affect new construction has on overall property value and determines the dollar amount of new construction.
Performs accurate and timely data entry.
- Resolves value disputes informally and formally.
Physically inspects property, reviews comparable sales, and defends values before local boards, taxpayers, and the County Board.
- Responds to taxpayer inquiries via phone, email and in person.
- Conduct desktop reviews from aerial photography.
- Reads and interprets legal descriptions to verify accuracy and remediate any discrepancies.
- Calculates real property and mobile home tax estimates and market values.
- Works with taxpayers to determine proper homestead classifications for different property types and situations.
- Administers and interprets various property tax programs by reviewing applications and following and processing guidelines to ensure proper tax treatment.
- Prepares and defends assessments and represents the assessor at local and county boards of appeal and equalization; compiles statistical data and identifies trends.
- Monitors assessment levels and measurements of assessment uniformity to ensure that acceptable assessment standards are met.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities - Attends training/educational sessions, seminars and regional meetings to keep current in new appraisal techniques and technology; undergoes training and examination to maintain certification; and attends regional and state meetings with other appraisers.
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.
Position Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Considerable knowledge of property appraising theories and principles.
- Knowledge of Freeborn County administrative policies, procedures and ordinances as they apply to assessing.
- Significant knowledge of property tax laws and Department of Revenue requirements.
- Knowledge of construction materials and methods.
- Considerable knowledge and skill with statistics and applied mathematics.
- Skill in conducting sales ratio studies and the analysis and development of assessment schedules and staff guidelines.
- Knowledge of assessment related equipment operations such as cameras, measuring wheels, acreage scale grids and valuation manuals.
- Skill in property inspection and reading construction blueprints, surveys and maps.
- Skill with automated taxation systems.
- Skill operating computers and relevant software.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written and interpersonal skills as applied to interactions with co-workers, officials, and the general public.
- Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved; supervisor generally sets operating benchmarks, goals and objectives.
- Ability to manage complex work requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts to achieve organizational objectives in matters requiring cooperation, explanation and persuasion.
Education and Experience - Requires a four-year degree in Business Administration or related field.
- Two years of appraisal, real estate, construction or related experience.
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses/Certifications This position will require the acquisition and maintenance of the following additional certificates/licenses: - Licensed as Accredited Minnesota Assessor - Valid Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility Equipment and Tools Responsibilities - Frequently operates office equipment.
- Frequently drives County vehicles.
Physical and Mental Requirements This job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing.
There is prolonged exposure to computer keyboards and video screens.
This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 40 pounds of force.
The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions Work is performed in an office environment as well as in the field for property inspections.
Travel is required to other facilities, meetings training, etc.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Competencies Common to All County Positions - Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
- Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
- Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
- Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
- Represent Freeborn County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.
*****Completed applications along with cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 PM Friday, December 15th, 2023.
Minimum starting pay is $26.
89 - $39.
52 based on experience and qualifications.
***** FREEBORN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Behaviors Preferred Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them Loyal: Shows firm and constant support to a cause Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
41 CFR 60-1.
35(c)