Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today's professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.Job Description:Primary functions of the job are to perform field and desk inspections to appraise and assess real and/or personal property for tax equalization purposes, calculate fair market value and sales and/or appraisal ratios of properties, examine complaints and settles disputes related to appraisals, and maintain records. Employees work as part of a team and are responsible for ensuring that the team meets its objectives.Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to perform successfully all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.This position may require irregular hours. It will also require travel by the employee in the employee's own vehicle.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following)
- Appraises and assesses real and/or personal property for tax equalization purposes and calculates fair market value and sales and/or appraisal ratios of sample properties in the equalization studies.
- Updates property record cards, which involves: inputting new data, researching projects, correcting cards, and performing valuations.
- Performs field inspections of parcels, which involves: interviewing owners and responding to questions, collecting data, photographic sites, and organizing files.
- Performs general office activities in support of unit operations, which includes: answering phones, maintaining files, processing address changes, researching information, and performing other related activities.
- Reviews complaints concerning appraisals, meets with taxpayers and other local officials and attempts to settle disputes and to answer questions regarding the interpretation of tax laws and regulations.
- Responds to requests for information from taxpayers.
- Maintains property tax records and maps and audits assessment rolls.
- Conducts property research and special assessment studies and prepares special reports.
- Participates in/on a variety of meetings and/or other related groups in order to receive and convey information.
EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE (minimum requirements)
- High School Diploma or G.E.D., as well as college level courses in Business Administration, Real Estate, Accounting, or a related field
- Two to four years of directly related experience in real estate appraisal.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES (minimum requirements)
- State of Michigan Assessor Level II certification.
- Requires a valid driver's license and personal vehicle insurance and must maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's Vehicle policy.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (legal or contractual pre-employment obligations and/or requirements, such as drug testing, background check, etc.)A background check may be required initially and periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job. Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of a persons' identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position; review of Department of Motor Vehicles records; Department of Justice fingerprint scan; and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's or employee's suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSWork involves gathering and analyzing information to determine the best course of action, based on general guidelines or rules of operations requiring the use of judgment to choose alternatives, many of which may be correct, but one is better than another depending on the situation. Errors at this level could cause serious, but short-term consequences involving significant financial impact or cost, reduced service to the public, and/or strong negative citizen reaction requiring intervention from a higher-level manager and could impact others outside of the department.Compared to the Appraiser I classification, this job requires Level II certification in Assessment Administration and more years of directly related experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS- May occasionally work in an outdoor environment with potential exposure to weather-related heat and cold, rain, wind, and related elements
- May be required to climb or balance; reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
- May occasionally be required to lift/move up to 50 pounds.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES (minimum requirements)
- Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
- Knowledge of construction materials, zoning laws, interest rates and land economics
- Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of property appraisal and tax assessing as applied to land, buildings and personal property
- Knowledge of current state and local laws governing real estate and tax assessments
- Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data
- Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies
- Skill in operation of modern office equipment such as personal computer, facsimile, copiers, scanners and telephones
- Physical ability to perform the job responsibilities such as walking over terrain, as required by job assignment
- Ability to analyze factors which influence the value of property and to exercise sound judgment in determining property values
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity
- Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job
- Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently
Starting wage will increase to $21.68 after January 1st.Compensation:Starting Hourly Rate: $21.05 USDGrand Traverse County is a great place to live, work and play. Come join our team and experience what northern Michigan is all about, apply today!You really should see what we have to offer:
- Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
- Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
- Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
- Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
- Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
- Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
- Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 72 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
- Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
- Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment. We also offer a deferred compensation 457b Plan.
- Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
- Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.
- Long Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.