Appraiser
: Job Details :

Salary : $63,398.40 - $88,816.00 AnnuallyLocation : Mankato, MNJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 2024-00094Department: Property and Environmental ResourcesDivision: Property ValuationOpening Date: 11/27/2024Closing Date: 12/17/2024 11:59 PM CentralDESCRIPTIONUnder the general supervision of the Property & Environmental Resources Supervisor - County Assessor, this position supports the mission of the Property and Environmental Resources Department by providing quality and efficient services to the public. The Appraiser is responsible to provide accurate estimates of value for property in Blue Earth County. This position performs a variety of property appraisal tasks, including viewing and inspecting property and valuing and updating department records; responding to information requests regarding properties and to concerns regarding property assessments; seeks to resolve disagreements and disputes by analyzing property sales data; conducts equalization meetings; and updates records regarding property splits. The Appraiser must make sound decisions and communicate effectively with diverse populations. DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Appraises properties according to proper assessment procedures. Compiles and analyzes data on properties. Inspects properties and buildings and determines such characteristics as building age, quality of construction, availability of utilities or other necessary components.

Performs record maintenance of property data. Enters and verifies accurate property related information on computer, including sketching building outlines. Keys notes regarding appraisal on computer. Utilizes computer software functionality and features to list information appropriately to arrive at equitable valuations.

Reviews and verifies sales data for all types of property sales to observe trends. Analyzes sales by type (residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, seasonal, recreational) and location to assist in determining assessment levels required. Compares sales information to completed appraisals to improve appraisal methods and valuations. Monitors costs of various buildings, including residential structures, bins, pole buildings, hog barns, cabins, and other structures.

Responds to concerns regarding assessments. Interprets regulations to seek and resolve disagreements and disputes. Meets with property owners who disagree with initial appraisal. Explains reasoning that led to appraisal. Performs on-site reappraisal as needed.

Updates records regarding property splits. Reads and interprets legal descriptions. Calculates soil type acreage utilizing accepted methodology to determine average crop productivity and delineation of other land types as apparent and as required. Calculates new value for each parcel.

Responds to information requests regarding property value, classification, and taxes. Retrieves requested information from files, computer, assessment manuals, and maps to respond to public or employee requests. Calculates value and tax estimates as requested.

Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.

Interacts positively with internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and customers. Answers questions pertaining to software, consults and communicates with department management, county staff, other county technical staff and vendors.

Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.

Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Conducts equalization meetings. Listens to questions posed by taxpayers and Board members. Explains calculation of value. Evaluates accuracy of appraisal. Adjusts appraisal if necessary. Notes changes on records as recommended by the Board.

Assists with sales ratio studies and statistical data analysis. Provides input to County Assessor based on statistical studies.

Answers internal and external questions specific to Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system functions and assists staff as necessary in training and education as it relates to CAMA software.

Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.

Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma/GED
• A minimum of three (3) years working with computers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Real estate property appraisal experience.
• Property construction experience.
• Certified Minnesota Assessor License OR Minnesota Appraiser License.
• Experience in a County Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor, Recorder or Mapping Office.
• Experience or education related to Geographic Information System (GIS) programs and applications.
• Post-secondary training in real and personal property valuation.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, real estate, urban/regional planning, mathematics, economics, GIS, business administration, public administration, or related field.
• Fluent in understanding and speaking languages other than English such as: Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, or Arabic.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the State of Minnesota.
• Must possess licensure by the State of Minnesota as a Certified Minnesota Assessor within 18 months of hire.
• Must possess licensure by the State of Minnesota as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor within 36 months of obtaining the Certified Minnesota Assessor licensure.
• Must have available transportation and be able to travel to and from properties for field work as necessary.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to county policy and the Minnesota Statutes.

HOURS OF WORKMonday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.Benefits OverviewAFSCME, No. 65 - Courthouse & Human ServicesThe County of Blue Earth provides a comprehensive, balanced, competitive total compensation package. The County's benefit programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or dependent care assistance, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings. Benefits begin upon date of hire.The following outlines County offered total compensation benefits. This document provides an overview and does not offer all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents and/or collective bargaining agreements, the plan documents will prevail.Regular, Full-Time EmployeeWage/Salary ScaleBlue Earth County features a 12-Step Pay Plan. Our advertised salary ranges include all 12 Steps. A selected candidate will typically be offered Step 1 of the salary range. Additional salary considerations are subject to negotiation and dependent on skills and experience directly related to the position.Vacation LeaveVacation accruals, utilization, and payouts are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement and/or the employee handbook.Blue Earth County Years of Service Bi-Weekly Accrual Rate0 - 5 years - 3.85 hours6 - 9 years - 4.77 hours10 - 13 years - 5.69 hours14 - 18 years - 6.62 hours19 - 24 years - 7.54 hours25 + years - 8.46 hours Sick LeaveEmployees accrue sick leave at a rate of 7.34 hours for each full month of service.Paid HolidaysBlue Earth County recognizes 11 (88 hours) paid holidays, and employees receive one floating holiday per year.Health InsuranceEmployees may choose from 3-health insurance plans and either single or family coverage. Insurance Rates (Monthly) - Effective: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025Plan 1: CMM $0 DeductibleEmployee: Single - $128.21 / Family - $1,130.37Employer: Single - $1,153.90 / Family - $2,637.53Total Cost: Single - $1,282.11 / Family - $3,767.90Plan 2: CMM $300 DeductibleEmployee: Single - $0.96 / Family - $756.33Employer: Single - $1,153.90 / Family - $2,637.63Total Cost: Single - $1,154.86 / Family - $3,393.96Plan 3: HDHP with HSAEmployee: Single - $0.00 / Family - $439.14Employer: Single - $901.87 / Family - $2,211.29Total Cost: Single - $901.87 / Family - $2,650.43Blue Earth County contributes to a health savings account (HSA) when the employee elects the HDHP. Single coverage HSA contributions equal $1,600, and family coverage HSA contributions equal $3,200.Life InsuranceEmployees are provided with Term-Life Insurance at no cost to them:

• $20,000 term-life/$20,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• After ten (10) years of continuous employment with Blue Earth County, the policy will increase to $35,000 term-life/$35,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)

RetirementThe County and the employee contribute to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) based on a percentage of the employee wage:General/Coordinated PlanEmployee: 6.5%Employer: 7.5% Voluntary Benefits Available

• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Nice Healthcare
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Deferred Compensation (457b)
• Roth IRA
• 529 Educational Roth
• Supplemental Life
• Spouse & Child(ren) Life Insurance
• AFLAC

01 The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02 Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters or Higher
• None of the above

03 Which of the following best describes your years of experience working with computers?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years

04 Please describe your experience working with computers including any applications, software, programs or operating systems that you are proficient in using. If you do not have experience, type N/A. 05 which of the following best describes your post-secondary degree field of study?

• Real estate
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Urban or Regional Planning
• Economics, statistics or mathematics
• Public administration or business administration
• Construction Management
• Other field of study
• No post-secondary field of study

06 Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience in real estate appraisals, including property tax assessment and private appraisal work?

• No experience
• Less than 9 months experience
• More than 9 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 6
• More than 6 years, but less than 7
• More than 7 years

07 Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience in construction, including general construction work such as framing?

• No experience
• Less than 9 months
• Less than 9 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years

08 Which of the following professional licenses do you currently hold?

• Certified Minnesota Assessor
• Accredited Minnesota Assessor
• Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor
• Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser
• Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser
• Certified General Real Property Appraiser
• None of the above

09 What is your Minnesota State Board of Assessors or Minnesota Appraiser License number? If you do not currently hold a license, type N/A. 10 Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience working in a County Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor, Recorder, or Mapping Office?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 6
• More than 6 years

11 Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience appraising rural and/or agricultural properties?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years

12 What amount of post-secondary training and coursework in real and personal property valuation, appraisal, or assessing have you taken within the last five years?

• No training or coursework
• Less than 30 hours
• More than 30 hours, but less than 120 hours
• More than 120 hours, but less than 240 hours
• More than 240 hours, but less than 360 hours
• More than 360 hours

13 List and describe the training and coursework you counted above. If you do not have experience, Type N/A. 14 Which of the following best describes your education and training in Geographic Information System (GIS) programs and mapping?

• No training or coursework
• Less than 30 hours
• More than 30 hours, but less than 120 hours
• More than 120 hours, but less than 240 hours
• More than 240 hours, but less than 360 hours
• More than 360 hours
• Certificate or degree in GIS

15 Please indicate the following software/systems that you are PROFICIENT in using. Please select all that apply.

• Microsoft Office Word
• Microsoft Office Outlook
• Microsoft Office Excel
• Microsoft Office SharePoint
• Tyler Technologies Enterprise Appraisal and Tax
• Aumentum (Thomson Reuters)
• Vanguard CAMAvision
• Beacon Schneider
• None of the above

16 Select the work experience you have had in any of the following areas (select all that apply).

• Property valuation
• Property taxation
• Resolving differences of opinion
• Legal descriptions
• Document recording/property ownership
• General land records functions
• Calculating areas and perimeters
• Sketching on paper a representation you see visually
• Drawing or reading building plans
• Understanding building, zoning and construction codes
• N/A - I do not have experience in this area

17 Please list the languages other, than English, that you are able to understand and speak. (Please select all that apply.)

• Spanish
• Somali
• Chinese
• Sudanese
• Arabic
• Other
• None of the above - I do not speak or understand any languages other than English.

18 Why do you want this position with Blue Earth County? 19 OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Describe any other special training you've completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position. 20 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and education records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?

• Yes
• No

21 Do you currently have a valid Minnesota driver's license or a valid driver's license from another state?

• Yes, I have a valid Minnesota driver's license.
• Yes, I have a valid driver's license from another state.
• No, I do not currently possess a valid driver's license.

Required Question