Property Appraiser 1

Our Services Impact EVERY Montanan!

Mission Statement

To be the nation's most citizen oriented, efficiently administered, state tax agency.

The Montana Department of Revenue administers almost 40 state taxes, property appraisals, liquor laws, and unclaimed property for the state of Montana. The Property Assessment Division manages Montana’s property tax laws, including the valuation of all taxable property for property tax purposes.

What We Can Offer You

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health, dental, and vision care; life insurance; and long-term disability. The State currently contributes $12,648/year toward these benefits.
Free health care for employees and eligible family member at Montana Health Centers.
Employee Assistance Benefits including counseling, legal assistance, well-being coaching, financial information, which are free resources.
Retirement plans- The State currently contributes 9.17%, vested after 5 years of continuous employment.
Paid vacation- starting at 15 days a year.
Sick leave- 12 days a year.
11 holidays, including a floating holiday, which can be used any time.
Flexible hours.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Visit the Health Care and Benefits Division for more information at In addition to employee benefits, there are a wide range of advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Revenue.

Duties

Job Overview:

This position resides in the Property Assessment Division of Department of Revenue. Duties include residential property reviews, discoveries, data research, and field appraisals. Complete inspections to determine the residential property final valuation. Analyze, assess, and classify land uses. Assist with specification, calibration, and benchmarking of land models, sales comparisons, and property characteristics. Support ongoing program operations and activities. Respond to taxpayer inquiries and explain appraisal activities. Provide dispute resolution and participate in appeal hearings. The position does not supervise other staff.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Conduct property reviews and discoveries to identify appraisal needs and priorities, recommend priorities based on property use, value, location, and other characteristics.
Review tax records, land use, improvements, valuation documents, and other information.
Identify properties for appraisal review.
Research and analyze individual residential property characteristics to estimate the impact on property values.
Analyze and evaluate appraisal information and determine final property value.
Examine site and improvement data, sanitation regulations, zoning, planning, covenants, deed restrictions, and other technical and legal documentation.
Compile and analyze construction cost data and determine the effects on property values.
Conduct field appraisals and site inspections of subject properties.
Perform comparable sales to identify valuation factors.
Collect data required for maps, plats, and sketches used in appraisals.
Determine the primary use for appraised properties.
Document professional assumptions and limiting conditions.
Determine comparable sales data and adjustments to valuations.
Estimate the value of site improvements.
Determine appropriate appraisal method (cost or market) for residential properties.
Verify information in title and ownership data, inspection reports, market models, and other sources.

Working Conditions

Work hours may exceed 40 hours from time to time, including weekends.
Office environment.
Working outside.
Lifting is infrequent, less than 15 pounds.
Travel is required, must have a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge of:

Appraisal methods for residential properties
Construction, mapping, GIS, and cadastral
Property sales and valuations procedures

Skills in:

Research and analysis
Accuracy and attention to detail
Conflict resolution
Microsoft programs and other data base applications
Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

You Would Be a Great Fit for This Position If You Have:

Self-motivation
Follow instructions
Provide timely customer service
Multitask and prioritize work under deadlines
Basic computer skills
Accuracy and attention to detail
Conflict Resolution
Ability to communicate with a wide range of personalities using discretion, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity.
Written and verbal communication
Outstanding Customer Service

Education / Experience

The above competencies are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

Two years of post-secondary education in business, accounting, economics, public administration, construction technology or training; and
One year of job-related experience.
Preferred work experience includes appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or related field.
Requires Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101), agricultural/forestland (AG Certification), commercial property appraisal (IAAO 102), and USPAP per ARM 42.18.206-208 and MCA Title 15; within the first year of employment.
Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Applicant Pool Statement

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary

$47,564 - $49,176 Yearly

Telework Eligibility

Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

Benefits Package Eligibility

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 50 % of the Time

Primary Location

Hamilton

Agency

Department of Revenue

Union

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Jun 17, 2025, 1:39:58 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

Ongoing

Required Application Materials

Resume

Property Appraiser 1

Job Description