Description

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
 

1. Perform specialized and technical field and office work in the assessment of real estate properties.
2. 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.
3. Determine property classification based on use, including the proper application of special programs.
4. Prepare necessary documentation to support mass appraisal valuation
5. Perform appraisal analysis and market valuation interpretation using a computerized mass appraisal system.
6. Process, compile, and update residential appraisal data and relevant statistics including sales ratio, coefficient of dispersion, price related bias, and price related differential.
7. Assist in preparing statistical studies for year-end summaries and internal review.
8. Maintain accurate property records, ensuring accurate data is collected during quintile revaluation, permit review, and sale inspections.
9. Responsible for accurate, timely residential property valuation changes, including locates, viewing, measuring structures and calculating square footage, grades and rates, sites and improved properties.
10. Complete property combinations and divisions by analyzing and make decisions regarding appropriate distribution of property characteristics and valuations.
11. 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.
12. Maintain pictures and sketches on residential properties.
13. 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.
14. Resolve routine and complex appraisal, assessment, classification and property tax issues as needed, often requiring a high degree of sensitivity and conflict resolution skills.
15. 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.
16. Perform research and analysis in the preparation of appraisals, represent the city and testify as a witness in Minnesota Tax Court appeals.
17. Create and maintain appraisal templates that are USPAP compliant.
18. Deliver accurate, impartial and understandable sales, homestead and classification information to taxpayers and elected officials.
19. Ensure property owner and taxpayer concerns are identified and resolved quickly.
20. Provide information to taxpayers, including explanation of legal requirements of assessments, property assessment methods, policies and procedures.
21. Promote positive public relations with citizens, handling conflict with tact and diplomacy.
22. Communicate with attorneys, tax representative and negotiate and defend the estimated market value of properties.
23. 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.
24. Keep assessor leadership team informed of significant matters with area of accountability.
25. Participate in process improvement and employee engagement exercises.

Working Conditions: Combination of office and field work

Requirements

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
 

1. Knowledge of Minnesota property tax and real estate laws, and City of Minneapolis ordinances as they apply to the assessment process and current appraisal techniques.
2. Knowledge of appraisals for all types of residential, including income producing properties, and related appraisal theory and techniques.
3. Knowledge of the assessment process and mass appraisal techniques
4. Knowledge of complex valuation methodology.
5. Knowledge of tax court processes and procedures.
6. Basic residential construction knowledge including product quality.
7. Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge of all aspects of real estate market trends, appraisal principles and practices in accordance with national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP).
8. Knowledge of computer applications including Tyler, APEX, ELMS, Project Docs, GIS, and Microsoft products.
9. Knowledge of department goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
10. Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
11. Good written and oral communication skills including public speaking and presentation skills.
12. Knowledge of de-escalation, conflict management and resolution techniques.
13. Negotiation skills, combining diplomacy and persuasiveness.
14. Strong cultural agility understanding and skills
15. Ability to communicate and deal tactfully and respectfully with a diverse population.
16. Ability to work under pressure and with short deadlines.
17. Ability to read legal descriptions, blueprints and appraisals, interpret and explain property tax laws, state statutes, and City policies and procedures.
18. Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
19. Physical ability to work in the field year-round, including measuring and inspecting the interior and exterior of properties. 

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