Property Appraiser

Job Title

Assessor's Office

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Professional level office and field work providing technical assistance to the Assessor principally in connection with the inspection and appraisal of real and personal property for taxation purposes and related work as required. Works under the general supervision of the Assessor in accordance with prevailing statutes, policies and procedures.

Position Description and Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs extensive field inspections generated by building permits.
• Measures buildings and structures, calculates building areas, inspects alterations and repairs.
• Enters data collected and completes sketches, utilizing computer assisted mass appraisal system (CAMA) for property valuation and assessments.
• Reviews building plans and accurately transfer information to CAMA system.
• Responds to public inquiries relating to residential real property and business personal property assessments including valuation methods. Investigates complaints of taxpayers and, with the advice and direction of the Assessor and/or Assistant Assessor, assists in the correction of any inequities discovered and verified.
• Provides customer assistance in understanding data collection and its processes.
• Assist Assessor with sales verification and analysis report program. Review MLS listings, sales questionnaires and conducts sales inspections to determine validity of sales transactions.
• Confer with property owners, attorneys and real estate agents on current values of residential real property.
• Lends assistance as required in all aspects of the work of assessing and record keeping.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of residential real property values.
• Knowledge of mapping skills, valuation techniques, modern principles, practices, and methods of estimating property values for assessment purposes.
• Familiarity with Connecticut State Statues and laws governing assessment and appraisal.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and methods, as applied to assessment practices.
• Ability to accurately measure, calculate and make estimates of residential real property values for assessment purposes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, attorneys, other town department representatives, residents/homeowners, and the general public in discovering, listing, and/or valuing residential real property using principles of good customer services.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, in person or by telephone, using tact, diplomacy, sensitivity and ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to adhere to strict timelines and deadlines in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes.
• Ability to use independent and objective judgement in deciding techniques of appraisal and the reliability of information obtained to establish fair assessments.
• Knowledge of and skills with CAMA software and assessment administration applications (preferably with eQuality and QDS), MS Word, Excel.

Conditions and Qualifications

REQUIRED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The physical and mental effort demands as well as the environmental conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must be able to sit at a desk or stand at an assigned location and work continuously for extended periods of time.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Ability to use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision and the ability to adjust vision.
• Works in office setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
• Includes exposure to video display terminals on a daily basis.
• Ability to file letters, correspondence, reports, etc. in file cabinet drawers ranging in height from 1' to 7' from the floor

Minimum Qualifications: Associate's Degree, or equivalent, from an accredited college or technical college in public administration, business administration, real estate or a closely related field. Candidates should also have taken basic and advanced courses in property appraisal and assessment. Candidates should have at least two years varied and professional experience in the field of property valuation, appraisal, and assessment. An additional two years of relevant appraisal experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be certified as a Connecticut Municipal Assessor, or able to obtain certification as a Connecticut Municipal Assessor within four (4) years of appointment. A current Residential Real Estate Appraisal Certification can be substituted for the Connecticut Municipal Assessor Certification.
• Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility.

Benefits

The Town of Simsbury offers a wide variety of benefits to employees. New employees have access to:

• Health Insurance (Choice of HMO or HDHP/HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance (up to 2x salary)
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retiree Health & Dental Insurance
• 457 Retirement Savings Plan
• 2 Weeks of Vacation per Year
• 13 Paid Holidays plus 4 Floating Holidays/Personal Days

Please consult the CSEA: A&P Collective Bargaining Agreement for additional details on the terms of the benefits referenced above.