About the job

Company Description

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Role Description

Residential Appraisers value and classify all residential and agricultural properties in the County, including complex or difficult appraisals; inform and explain assessment procedures and individual assessments to the public or local boards of appeal and equalization; review previous assessments for problems or errors; and perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of post-secondary education or training
OR, an equivalent combination of education and real estate related experience

Required license(s):

Ability to obtain CMA (Certified Minnesota Assessor) within 1 year of hire
Must achieve and maintain minimum assessor licensing levels as required by state statute
Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) License or higher
Trainee Real Property Appraiser License or higher
Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Real Estate or related field of study

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Classify and appraise all assigned residential and agricultural properties according to proper assessment procedures and state statutes.
Inspect residential and agricultural properties to verify and compile complete property records for both existing and newly constructed properties, including independent and accurate determinations of all factors effecting value such as building size, age, condition, quality of construction, obsolescence, availability of utilities, locational factors or any other relevant determinations.
Study and analyze construction cost, sales data and market trends for assigned areas to establish rates to be used for mass appraisal work and values.
Update department records and computer systems pertaining to current assessments and property data utilizing the county’s computer assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) system.
Reappraise individual parcels to determine if any physical, economic or functional changes have occurred and to determine proper statutory classification.
Answer questions and provide information regarding assessment procedures, relevant statutes, the valuation process and appeals.
Meet with taxpayers to discuss taxpayer concerns, explain the appraisal and property taxation process, and review property characteristics and values; prepare in-depth appraisals and analysis to negotiate resolution of disputes with taxpayers and tax representatives; defend assessed value to appeal boards or MN Tax Court when necessary.
Analyze sales data to establish land valuation rates and schedules; review plats, legal descriptions, maps and aerial photos to determine the location and value of newly platted land.
Learn and efficiently operate all new and existing computer software and hardware.
Become knowledgeable of statutes related to assessing and accurately interpret and implement any legislative changes.
Assist in training of new employees on reassessment and new construction techniques, as well as overall department policies and procedures.
Review all electronic certificates of real estate value (e-CRV) for assigned areas, preform verification surveys on sales, and determine proper validity for inclusion in ratio-studies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-12 are essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

Knowledge of appraisal theories and techniques.
Ability to learn and follow all statutes related to valuation and classification of property for property tax purposes.
Knowledge of the rules, regulations and laws pertaining to appraisal and zoning.
Knowledge of math concepts, parcel numbering and ability to interpolate from records and maps.
Ability to classify and appraise all County residential and agricultural properties.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with the public, department, and County associates in a professional manner.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and organize work efficiently and effectively.
Ability to deal with hostile situations on the telephone and in person with tact and sensitivity.
Ability to use computers and computer programs proficiently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, and vibration; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases and poor ventilation; extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, and intense noise may occur on the job. Must have the physical ability to work outside in all weather and inspect properties. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, tablet, printer, telephone, calculator, copy and fax machines, CAMA Appraisal System, tape measure, digital camera, letters, brochures, and spreadsheet programs.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE: Work is performed in a hybrid model with work performed via a combination of telework, within a County office building, and field inspections of properties. Work is generally preformed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m., however some flexible scheduling is available with manager and supervisor approval.

Benefits

Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
Excellent work-life balance
Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
Pension with a generous employer contribution
Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
We assign you a score based on your qualifications
Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
We extend an offer and conduct background checks