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Deputy City Assessor

Employer
City of Fargo
Location
Fargo, North Dakota
Salary
$79,539.20 - $84,281.60 Annually

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Job Details

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under direction, performs various technical duties in the appraisal of new and existing real property within the city to determine appropriate property values for real estate tax purposes.  Work is performed independently and requires incumbents to draw upon training and experience in choosing the most appropriate method of valuing property from the available alternatives that meet departmental standards.  Establishes methods and performs the most complex appraisals including unique and one-of-a-kind properties.  Supervises appraisal staff on a regular basis and assists the City Assessor in developing department policies & procedures. Evaluates, maintains, and administers department code of professional appraisal practices and standards.
 
Scope of Responsibility:
 
Assist the City Assessor in supervising the performance of 13 staff members within the department and assists in management of the department budget. In addition there is considerable exposure to loss through legal challenges if assessments are not sustained.
  PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES:

  1. Assists in developing and implementing operating policies and procedures within the department in order to accomplish departmental goals and objectives.
    1. Coordinates with the Assessor in planning and scheduling projects and determining priorities;
    2. Identifies process improvements for department operations, makes recommendation and implements approved processes;
    3. Researches and attends training on the national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and incorporate these standards into department processes and procedures;
    4. Researches industry trends and attends ongoing formal training in real estate and appraisal to be knowledgeable of the continually changing external factors affecting the real estate market.
    5. Represents the department at City Commission and other meetings as needed;
    6. Acts on behalf of the Assessor in the absence of the Assessor.
       
  2. Using independent judgment assists the Assessor in providing supervision and leadership to department personnel.  
    1. Participates in decisions on matters of hiring, transfer, suspension, lay off, recall, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward, adjusting grievances or disciplining employees under the span of control;
    2. Leads unit in creating and maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective performance of staff;
    3. Collaborates with the Assessor in conducting ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and recommends performance review content for department employees;
    4. Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
    5. Implement training and compliance monitoring to the appraisal staff on the national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP);
    6. Assists in planning the work schedule to meet department demands and to limit overtime costs to reasonable and necessary levels;
    7. Encourages employee growth and development by providing or encouraging learning opportunities;
    8. Assesses staff development needs and directs the provision of staff training.
       
  3. Performs technical appraisal activities.
    1. Collects and analyzes market sales data and income and expense information to formulate proper costs and depreciation to apply to properties.
    2. Inspects complex building permit projects by measuring new property or changes to existing property; analyzes data to determine effect on property value and estimates new value.
    3. Performs review assignments of independent appraisals done for right-of-way and mitigation property acquisitions on city involved projects, where appraiser certification is required.
       
  4. Determines appropriate property value for real estate tax purposes on all types of commercial and residential properties, for reappraisals and new construction.
    1. Compiles and analyzes physical property characteristics, including materials and dimensions, subjective characteristics including quality and condition, and identifiable internal and external factors to produce initial data sets;
      1. Reviews and verifies plans for new construction;
      2. Periodically enters properties to take measurements, observe condition, finishes, upgrades;
      3. Verifies property information, discusses assessment with property owners, creates sketches and takes detailed field notes, and takes photographs;
    2. Interprets the compiled data sets, ensures accuracy of information, and selects appropriate information, to produce accurate and defendable property values;
      1. Sets up models and cost tables, develops market comparisons, verifies sales information;
    3. Values land by recording and tracking sales, performing calculations and determining value to assign;
    4. Inspects and analyzes physical characteristics on incomplete, damaged, substandard or environmentally hazardous properties; interprets and applies adjustments to value.
    5. Researches industry trends and attends ongoing formal training in real estate and appraisal to be knowledgeable of the continually changing external factors affecting the real estate market, gain new skill sets, and to obtain and maintain licensing requirements.
  5. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
    1. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
    2. interacts with the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information; responds to inquiries from other governmental agencies, property owners, the general public, etc. on appraisal process, department policies and procedures, records and other assessment matters;
    3. Provides advice and technical support to brokers, developers, other agencies and peers on decisions affection the appraisal and assessment function;
    4. Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments includes negotiations with another party to achieve a common work related objective;
    5. Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are key to the function or the city.
       
  6. Maintains departmental records including legal descriptions, exemptions, commercial sales files, and other related documents.
  7.  Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, public administration or a related field and eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in real estate appraisal, including three years experience at a level equivalent to a Property Appraiser III and certified national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.  Supervisory training and/or experience preferred.  The possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a valid Class I City Assessor's Certificate. The possession of, or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe, a North Dakota General Real Property Appraiser Certificate. A valid driver's license is also required.
 
Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

  • Working knowledge of appraisal principles, practices, and techniques and real estate terminology
  • Working knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to property taxes
  • Knowledge of building construction costs and practices
  • Knowledge of governmental administrative practices including budgeting, purchasing and policy formulation;
  • Knowledge of human resource management practices such as training, discipline, delegation, etc.;
  • Proficiency in reading real estate descriptions, plats, maps, contracts, mortgages and blueprints
  • Proficiency in performing appraisals including collecting, recording, and analyzing data and applying appropriate appraisal methods
  • Proficiency in performing statistical and mathematical computations sufficient to calculate area, volume, sales ratios, percents, regression, graphing, etc.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer
  • Advanced level proficiency with Microsoft Excel to create sophisticated models and tables, and with Access database; intermediate level knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications
  • Excellent customer service and public relations skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms
  • Ability to select competent personnel and to train them to perform their duties in an effective and efficient manner;
  • Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale.
     

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in a normal office environment and less frequently in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings including private homes, commercial and industrial properties when performing appraisals. Work is generally light with considerable variety.  Work occasionally involves inspections of properties and construction sites, and frequently involves moving between buildings and rooms.  Regular driving is required to collect field data and attend meetings. There is considerable attention to detail required and specific deadlines.  There is extensive use of a computer and other office equipment.  Occasionally there is exposure to disagreeable working conditions such as new construction sites, poorly maintained properties, pets, inclement weather conditions and occasionally dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.
 
Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions. 
 
Light Work:  Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Employment contingent on successfully passing background and drug screen.

Company

Vision

We to be an employer of choice through collaboration, engagement, and development in order to deliver an exceptional career experience for the people serving the great City of Fargo.

Values

We will respect each other and all stakeholders by delivering honest and empathetic customer service. We commit to develop and maintain a culture that values the health, safety, and equitable treatment of all stakeholders.

Company info
Website
Telephone
701-241-1321
Location
225 4th Street North
Fargo
ND
58102
United States

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