Staff Appraiser

Staff Appraiser

The role of the Staff Appraiser within the office of the Director of Equalization is to gather property data and assist with the assessment of real property for property tax purposes.

Essential functions include:

• Identify properties to be appraised on maps by using legal descriptions and parcel identification numbering systems
• Answer inquiries from the public in the office or at a property to explain appraisals, assessments, and property taxes.
• Conduct on site review of real property for the purpose of gathering property data.
• Review of property data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Record property data in the office computer assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) software for the purpose of real property assessment.
• Discovery of and collection of new data relevant to building permits and physical changes to real property.
• Determine accurate and consistent decisions on quality of construction, condition, and other factors that influence property value.
• Research property sales to verify data and determine if sales are open-market and representative of market value.
• Review current valuations and determine the need for changes in the values.
• Analyze information in spreadsheets, perform edit checks, and quality control data. Determine factors influencing property value, and make decisions on property value.
• Organize market data and write neighborhood market reports to explain market influences and changes in the market and valuation models.
• Explain and defend property assessments using evidence from the market during the appeal process in front of the Board of Equalization
• Under supervision, prepare written appraisal reports to be used as evidence and testify as needed through the appeal process
• Analyze statistical measures of accuracy and equity for neighborhood appraisals.
• After two years employment may assist in training others as needed
• Attends mandatory training as assigned
• Performs additional duties as assigned by Supervisor
• Maintains compliance with all County policies and procedures

Education and/or experience required:

• High school diploma required, College degree preferred
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel - including graphing, Word, and Power Point required
• Ability to gain the South Dakota CAA certification within one year required. Necessary self-study coursework to achieve certification is provided.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to frequently sit, walk, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, reach and lift, push or pull and manual dexterity is needed to type, write, use a calculator, answer the telephone, and measure buildings.
• Upper body strength is a requisite to lift/move a maximum of 20 lbs. unassisted; and lift/move a maximum of 50 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to talk and hear via the telephone and through face-to-face communication is needed, including ability to deal with challenging people
• Ability to perform the duties in an office and outdoors, occasionally in inclement weather

The work environment is split between inside the office performing typical office duties and outside inspecting properties by walking or driving. Overtime hours may be required especially during the appeal process. Travel will be required for recertification training. May work independently or as part of a team.