Assessor I

Position Description

Perform specialized and technical field and office work in the assessment of real estate properties. Appraise all types of residential properties (vacant and improved - single family residential, condominium, townhome, duplex and triplex) to establish valuation for assessment purposes.

Assessor Certification Premiums and Test Reimbursement :

Provided that Assessor I's and Assessor II's are eligible to receive one certification premium for all hours paid, as follows :

Assessors who achieve and maintain an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) designation shall be paid an additional $1.335 per hour.

Assessors who achieve and maintain a Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA) designation or Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) designation of the International Association of Assessing Officers shall be paid an additional $2.867 per hour.

Additionally, the City shall reimburse the employee for the cost of the certification test if the employee successfully passes the test.

Work Location : This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform specialized and technical field and office work in the assessment of real estate properties.
• Perform appraisals of new, existing and remodeled residential properties including single family detached, condominium, townhomes, duplexes and triplexes to estimate their market value, ensuring valuation decisions reflect market value and are defendable.
• Determine property classification based on use, including the proper application of special programs.
• Prepare necessary documentation to support mass appraisal valuation
• Perform appraisal analysis and market valuation interpretation using a computerized mass appraisal system.
• Process, compile, and update residential appraisal data and relevant statistics including sales ratio, coefficient of dispersion, price related bias, and price related differential.
• Assist in preparing statistical studies for year-end summaries and internal review.
• Maintain accurate property records, ensuring accurate data is collected during quintile revaluation, permit review, and sale inspections.
• Responsible for accurate, timely residential property valuation changes, including locates, viewing, measuring structures and calculating square footage, grades and rates, sites and improved properties.
• Complete property combinations and divisions by analyzing and make decisions regarding appropriate distribution of property characteristics and valuations.
• Complete accurate and timely reviews and verify residential sales obtaining information from the seller, buyer, realtors and / or title companies and provides sales analysis for internal use, public distribution, Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota.
• Maintain pictures and sketches on residential properties.
• Develop and maintain information within and using numerous software applications including Tyler (computerized mass appraisal system), APEX (sketching software), ELMS (land management system), Project Docs, SharePoint, eCRV (state sales database and workflow), mapping software and appraisal writing software and Microsoft Office products.
• Resolve routine and complex appraisal, assessment, classification and property tax issues as needed, often requiring a high degree of sensitivity and conflict resolution skills.
• Prepare supporting documents for market value and classification of property during the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. Prepare valuation and classification change documentation to be submitted.
• Perform research and analysis in the preparation of appraisals, represent the city and testify as a witness in Minnesota Tax Court appeals.
• Create and maintain appraisal templates that are USPAP compliant.
• Deliver accurate, impartial and understandable sales, homestead and classification information to taxpayers and elected officials.
• Ensure property owner and taxpayer concerns are identified and resolved quickly.
• Provide information to taxpayers, including explanation of legal requirements of assessments, property assessment methods, policies and procedures.
• Promote positive public relations with citizens, handling conflict with tact and diplomacy.
• Communicate with attorneys, tax representative and negotiate and defend the estimated market value of properties.
• Stay abreast of changes in Minnesota statutes, which are related to the assessor's office, and maintain knowledge of current appraisal theory and techniques and assessment procedures.
• Keep assessor leadership team informed of significant matters with area of accountability.
• Participate in process improvement and employee engagement exercises.

Working Conditions : Combination of office and field work

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education : Bachelor's Degree in an applicable study area such as Real Estate, Urban Planning, Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Architecture, Engineering, Business Administration or Finance

Minimum Experience : One (1) year of experience in office and field work related to the assessment of real estate properties

Equivalency : An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Licenses / Certifications :

Valid Driver's License

No Certification required at hire, but Certification as a Minnesota Assessor is required within the first three years

Preferred Qualifications

Department of Commerce Appraisers License and Associate Membership in the Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers

An updated resume to your application is strongly encouraged but not required.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps : a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and / or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and / or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the AFSCME General Unit (CAF). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit : AFSCME General Unit - City of Minneapolis

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.