Staff Appraiser

Salary: $24.73 Hourly
Location : 900 Concourse Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703, SD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01835
Department: Equalization
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain


Position Description

Position Objective :
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.
Position Functions

Essential Functions:

• Identify properties to be appraised on maps by using legal descriptions and parcel identification numbering systems
• 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

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.
Qualifications

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:

• 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

Additional Information

Working Environment:

• 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.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.
Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.
Life Insurance
Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Employee Assistance Program
Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
Retirement Plan
Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.
Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
Supplemental Insurance
AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.
Paid Time Off
Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.
Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.
Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.
All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.


This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.
01


Select the option that best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

• I am not familiar with MS Excel, but very willing to learn.
• I am familiar with Excel, have used it on occasion, but could benefit from more training.
• I have used Excel periodically and am comfortable with this application.
• I consider myself an advanced user of Excel and have used it extensively.

02


The Staff Appraiser's job is to determine the market value of real estate properties using field inspections, measurements, statistical analysis and market studies. In addition, the Staff Appraiser must be able to explain the assessment process to property owners and defend appealed assessments in public hearings. Based on these requirements, please describe the skills you have that would make you a good candidate for the position.
03


Real estate appraisal requires the ability to make qualitative decisions. Please describe your experience related to this process.
Required Question