Assessor

Assessor Position

The Town of East Hartford is seeking a skilled and experienced Assessor to oversee the assessment of real and personal property for municipal tax purposes. This leadership role is responsible for managing all technical and administrative aspects of property valuation, preparing the Grand List, and ensuring compliance with Connecticut General Statutes. The Assessor is essential in maintaining fair and equitable property assessments and will supervise a team of dedicated assessment professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate real and personal property for assessment purposes.
• Prepare and maintain the annual Grand List.
• Conduct field inspections to verify property data.
• Recommend assessment policies and procedures.
• Plan and direct departmental activities to meet statutory deadlines.
• Make complex technical decisions regarding property valuation.
• Supervise and guide staff involved in assessment processes and public service delivery.

The Assessor operates under the general direction of the Finance Director and ensures compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

The Town of East Hartford proudly stands as an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a work environment free from discrimination. We firmly uphold the principles of equality, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is unwavering, and we enthusiastically encourage applicants from all walks of life to join our team.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct field inspections of properties; measure structures and improvements; update field cards and calculate appraisal values.
• Plan, organize, and direct department operations; assign and evaluate staff responsibilities.
• Oversee discovery of taxable property, valuation processes, ownership determination, and tax relief programs.
• Analyze and value residential, commercial, and industrial properties using cost and income approaches.
• Review property transfers and land divisions; recalculate values as needed.
• Maintain and utilize valuation data management systems.
• Respond to taxpayer inquiries and reassess properties damaged by fire or other events.
• Maintain a sales library and analyze property sales for compliance with state equalization standards.
• Direct updates to engineering maps and assessment records.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and assessment methodologies.
• Advise municipal boards and commissions on assessment-related matters.
• Represent the town in assessment appeals and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Prepare and manage the department's annual budget, monitor expenditures.
• Participate in hiring, training, and performance management of staff.
• Determine taxpayer eligibility for various tax relief and abatement programs.
• Evaluate and recommend revaluation firms; assist in contract development and oversight.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of property assessment principles, practices, and laws (especially Connecticut statutes).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in property valuation software and GIS systems.
• Excellent communication and public relations abilities.
• Ability to interpret legal documents, financial statements, and technical data.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, subordinates, property owners and the general public.
• Considerable ability to complete work within deadlines.

Job Qualifications and Licensing:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, Business, Real Estate, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in property assessment, including supervisory experience.
• Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor (CCMA) designation required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.

General Guidelines:

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.