Commercial Appraiser

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, performs work of considerable difficulty in appraising income-producing properties, including complex commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments for tax assessment purposes. Appraisers must meet licensing requirements established by the MN Department of Revenue. Duties include performing field inspections on all property types (mostly income-producing), analyzing real estate sales transactions, applying accurate data in the valuation process, responding to taxpayers concerns about property valuation and classification, acting as mentor/adviser to Residential and Senior Residential Appraisers, and representing Scott County at local and county boards of review and tax court.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Performs physical inspections of property and buildings according to assessment cycle and annual inspections plans and timelines; inspects properties as needed related to permit review or valuation appeals. 
• Compiles and analyzes property market data to allow reliable estimates of property values; determines valuation and classification of properties per MN Tax Law; determines and utilizes the most appropriate approach to value based on the specific property.
• Appraises value of a variety of property types, including income-producing property, and estimates property taxes as necessary; inspects new construction, partial construction, alterations/additions, parcel modifications, and as requested due to valuation issues. 
• Enters property data in the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal System (CAMA); uses the system to build sketches, note features, list classification/valuation/permit data, and other information about the property. 
• Responds to complex and/or difficult questions or concerns from taxpayers regarding the assessment process, property values, classification and taxes. 
• Analyzes, verifies, and validates property sale terms and characteristics to ensure compliance with state guidelines and industry standards.
• Performs work throughout all appeal processes and presents relevant information and property value reports on behalf of the county before local and county boards of appeal and equalization; prepares formal appraisals and testifies in Tax Court.  
• Maintains various computerized property records systems; performs data entry related to appraisal and assessing activities.
• Provides training and mentorship to less experienced Senior Residential Appraisers and Residential Appraisers. 
• Reads and understands blueprints and construction specifications as a regular part of work tasks.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's Degree in real estate or related field and one year of appraisal/assessment experience (equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered); and have the ability to obtain the CMA and income qualification within 12 months of hire.; OR
Certification as a Minnesota Assessor (CMA) and the ability to obtain the income qualification within 12 months of hire; and 3 years of progressively responsible appraisal/assessment experience; OR
Certification as a General Real Property Appraiser from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the ability to obtain the CMA and income qualification within 12 months of hire; and 3 years of progressively responsible appraisal/assessment experience.
Must obtain Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) license from the Minnesota State Board of Assessors within 2 years of hire; The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for certification as Senior Accredited MN Assessor (SAMA). Certification as an Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS), Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE), Cadastral Mapping Specialist (CMS), Personal Property Specialist (PPS), and/or Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES) desirable. Experience desired as a Certified Residential and/or Certified General.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision of the Deputy County Assessor. Work is performed according to state guidelines and is reviewed through conferences, written reports, and periodic evaluations of work for accuracy and adherence to policies.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge and understanding of Minnesota's complex tax classification laws is essential for competency in this position, especially in dealing with income-producing properties.

Knowledge and understanding of the income, cost, and sales comparison approaches to value and applying these methods in the valuation of commercial, industrial, multifamily, and unique properties.

Knowledge of construction concepts and terminology.

Knowledge of techniques for effective customer service.

Knowledge of tax litigation concepts.

Abilities – Ability to organize and understand sales of income-producing properties in order to identify market trends and determine market factors such as capitalization rates, equity dividend rates, and various multipliers.

Ability to understand and utilize the CAMA software.

Ability to read and understand blueprints and construction specifications, analyze construction concepts that may or may not impact value.

Ability to recognize trends and utilize appropriate market factors in appraising similar commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments

Ability to safely and efficiently operate county vehicles.

Ability to independently recognize, evaluate, and properly resolve taxation department issues that require good judgment.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to exercise professional judgement in job tasks due to market, location and property characteristics.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will climb ladders, enter crawl spaces, exerts force to maneuver items, and lifts and/or navigate up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.