Description

Position Summary:

This position appraises residential, commercial, industrial, and income-producing properties to determine market value for tax purposes under the direction of the County Assessor. Responsibilities include property inspections, data analysis, and defending valuations. The role involves communicating with the public, attorneys, and tax representatives on MN tax laws, property tax programs, and appeal processes. Requires an AMA certification, valid MN driver’s license, and fieldwork in various conditions. Ideal candidates have experience in appraisal, real estate, construction, or assessment, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office, CAMA, and GIS, but we are willing to train the right candidate.

Appraiser I

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this classification.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Review and estimate the market value on agricultural, residential and mobile homes.
Review property, collect data on building measurements, cost, building features, and neighborhood characteristics.
Check and view all improvements and estimate depreciation on property to determine the effect on market value.
Make determinations of value for property tax purposes based on valuation guide and other relevant factors in addition to reviewing and inspecting of the property.
Analyze deeds and other documents to establish ownership of properties for tax property tax purposes.
Determine the market value of land whether vacant or improved taking into consideration all factors which affect land value.
Make field checks of all building permits.
Inspect, measure, and photograph property, and talk with tenants and owners to collect and verify data used as public records for other government departments, tax payers, and the general public.
Inspect all new real estate improvements and changes to property to determine the effects on market value and determine market value of property.
Prepare documents for Board of Equalization hearings (at city or township councils), set up appointments with property owners to view and discuss differences, and present to the board.
Review, analyze and inspect the sales of property in accordance with Minnesota Department of Revenue standards to the market and to use accurate valuation and assessment ratio.
Effectively communicate with attorneys, tax representatives, and taxpayers to ensure fair market value and defend the assessed value.
Inspect and value existing and new property divisions, combinations, and classification changes.
Establish and maintain the appropriate computerized property valuation modules and utilize mass appraisal techniques to validate the assessment.
Educate and inform taxpayers on Minnesota tax laws, procedures, property tax programs and methods of appeal.
Work with other city and county departments and with town boards and city councils to request and provide information.
Respond to urgent and unplanned projects and requests.
 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:  

Ability to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks.
Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.
Knowledge of building construction material and workmanship.
Able to work on new construction sites.
Computer skill and knowledge of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, property tax system, CAMA system, and GIS
Ability to listen, comprehend and effectively communicate information both written and orally to a wide variety of individuals
Ability to make arithmetical computations and tabulations with speed and accuracy
Ability to interpret and explain complex rules, regulations and computations
Knowledge of real estate terminology and legal property descriptions
Knowledge of tax and assessment laws
Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people, particularly the public and other governmental offices
Ability to exercise self-control, confidentiality, responsibility, courtesy and patience
 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

High School diploma or GED plus two years of post-secondary education.
Three (3) years of experience either in real estate, appraisal, construction or assessment
 Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
 

Required Training

40 hours of continuing education every four years.
Ethics course
 

Required Certifications/Licenses

Certified Minnesota Assessor (four weeks of classes and four test levels).
Valid Minnesota driver's license and proof of insurance.
 

Preferred Experience:

Knowledge of building construction material and workmanship.
Experience in GIS programs and applications
Experience in legal descriptions
Experience with CAMA and Tax systems
 

Internal/External Relationships:

County Zoning, Auditor- Treasurer, Recorder, Highway, and Veterans departments
Town boards and city councils (Board Equalization)
Attorneys, real estate agents, appraisers, and title companies.
The general public not limited to property owners.
 

Working Conditions: 

Duties are performed in both an office setting and at property sites.
Office work is primarily sedentary in a standard indoor office environment where the incumbent has contact with the public in person and over the phone.
Fieldwork requires travel and outdoor work in all seasons on uneven terrain, including walking from property-to-property.
Field duties involve exposure to hazards at building sites. May also include contact with angry and potentially dangerous people and animals.
Position will require traveling to other locations for training.

Physical Requirements Of This Position:

Hear and speak to communicate effectively by phone or in person with homeowners, employees, agencies and others as well as to present complex information to groups.
Apply manual dexterity to take notes on measurements and other information and to operate a computer keyboard and mouse to enter data, prepare reports, correspond and search for information.
Apply visual acuity to read computer screens and printed documents, drive to and evaluate properties and see both close-up and distances in performing appraisals.
Sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time to process work documents or do computer-based work.
Apply physical coordination in order to safely drive an automobile and/or light truck throughout the county under various road and weather conditions.
 Duties include being able to perform the following movements on an occasional to continuous basis: walking, bending, reaching, turning/twisting, sitting, standing, grasping and finger manipulation.
 Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally to carry equipment
 

Equipment Required To Perform This Job:

Desktop phone
Desktop computer / laptop
Smart phone
Digital camera
Tape measure
Calculator
Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system
APPRAISER II - Position Summary
Under the direction of the County Assessor, this position is responsible for performing appraisals on residential and income-producing properties, including complex commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments, for determining a fair and equitable market value for property tax purposes in accordance with the MN Department of Revenue. This position includes communicating with the public, attorneys, and tax representatives, providing information on MN tax laws, procedures, property tax programs, and the process of appeal for the county.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Duties listed are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Appraiser II

Position Duties 

Review and estimate the market value on residential, apartments, commercial, industrial, or other income producing properties.
Review property, collect data on building measurements, cost, building features, and neighborhood characteristics.
Review all improvements and estimate depreciation on property to determining the effect on market value.
Make determinations of value for property tax purposes after review and inspection of property taking into consideration all factor which affect land value.
Analyze deeds and other documents to establish ownership of properties for tax property tax purposes.
Perform field checks of all building permits.
Inspect, measure, and photograph property, and talk with tenants and owners to collect and verify data used as public records for other government departments, taxpayers, and the general public.
Inspect all new real estate improvements and changes to property to determine the effects on market value and determine market value of property.
Inspect and value existing and new property divisions, combinations, and classification changes.
Analyze leases, income and expense statements, condominium declarations, purchase agreements, appraisals, certificate of real estate values, contracts for deed, plat maps and other legal documents to help estimate market value.
Establish and maintain the appropriate computerized property valuation modules and utilize mass appraisal techniques to validate the assessment.
Communicate with attorneys, tax representatives, and taxpayers to ensure fair market value and defend the assessed value.
Prepare documents for Board of Equalization hearings, set up appointments with property owners to view and discuss differences, and present to the board.
Work with other city and county departments and with town boards and city councils to request and provide information.
Educate and inform taxpayers on Minnesota tax laws, procedures, property tax programs and methods of appeal.
 

Non-Essential Functions

Perform other job-related duties as assigned or apparent.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Ability to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks.
Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.
Ability to listen, comprehend and effectively communicate information both written and orally to a wide variety of individuals.
Ability to make arithmetical computations and tabulations with speed and accuracy.
Ability to interpret and explain complex rules, regulations, and computations.
Ability to exercise self-control, confidentiality, responsibility, courtesy, and patience.
Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people, particularly the public and other governmental offices.
Computer skill and knowledge of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, property tax system, CAMA system, and GIS.
Knowledge of income statements and expenses.
Knowledge of real estate terminology and legal property descriptions.
Knowledge of tax and assessment laws.
Knowledge of office practices and procedures.   
 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent, plus two years of post-secondary education clerical and/or real estate education or substantially equivalent experience in real estate/ appraisal/ assessment or a closely related field.
And five (5) years of experience either in real estate, appraisal, construction, or assessment
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
 

Required Training

60 hours of continuing education every four years.
Ethics course
PACE courses
 

Required Certifications/Licenses

Accredited Minnesota Assessor
Valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of insurance
 

Preferred Experience

Knowledge of building construction materials and workmanship.
Experience in GIS programs and applications
Experience in legal descriptions
Experience with CAMA and Tax Systems
 

Relationships

Extensive contact with property owners, taxpayers, and the general public - by phone or in person.
Department staff and supervisory
County Zoning, Auditor-Treasurer, Recorder, GIS, and Veterans’ staff
Town boards and city councils
Attorneys, real estate agents, appraisers, and title companies.
 

Supervisory Responsibilities

None
 

Working Conditions

Duties are performed in both an office setting and at property sites.
Office work is primarily sedentary in a standard indoor office environment, where the incumbent interacts with the public in person and over the phone.
Fieldwork requires travel and outdoor work in all seasons on uneven terrain, including walking from property to property.
Field duties involve exposure to hazards at building sites. May also include contact with unhappy and potentially dangerous people and animals.
Risks and hazards associated with the job can be minimized to some extent by general risk management procedures, proper equipment, and rescheduling appointments/visits as needed.

Physical Requirements Of This Position

Apply manual dexterity to take notes on measurements and other information and to operate a computer keyboard, tape measure, and mouse to enter data, prepare reports, correspond, and search for information.
Apply visual acuity to read computer screens and printed documents, drive to and evaluate properties, and see both close-ups and distances in performing appraisals.
Sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time to process work documents or do computer-based work.
Apply physical coordination to safely drive an automobile and/or light truck throughout the county under various road and weather conditions. Physical ability to climb stairs, kneel, stand, grasp, balance, walk, stoop, reach, push and pull while working in the field appraising property.
Hear and speak to effectively communicate in person and over the phone with homeowners, employees, and others.
Ability to lift 25 pounds.
 

Equipment Required to Perform This Job

Desktop computer/laptop
Desktop telephone
Digital camera
Tape measure
Calculator
 

Additional Notes

All positions at McLeod County are subject to a background check. This may include, but is not limited to, the following checks:  criminal history, credit, driver’s license, pre-employment physical assessment, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and psychological testing.
 

Requirements

Assessor I – Job Requirements
The Assessor I position requires a high school diploma or GED along with two years of postsecondary education, and at least three years of experience in real estate, appraisal, construction, or property assessment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must either hold, or be willing and able to obtain, Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) credentials, and must complete required continuing education and ethics training. A valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of insurance are required due to regular travel for fieldwork. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to interpret regulations, and proficiency with basic computer software, including Microsoft Office and standard appraisal systems. Knowledge of construction materials, property valuation concepts, GIS, and CAMA systems is helpful but not required, as this is a trainable position for applicants who show aptitude and a willingness to learn. The role requires regular field inspections in varying weather conditions, physical ability to measure and photograph property, and the capacity to work effectively with the public, property owners, and other county departments in a professional and courteous manner.

Assessor II – Job Requirements
The Assessor II position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of postsecondary education focused on clerical, real estate, or related coursework, and at least five years of experience in real estate, appraisal, construction, or assessment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must hold an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) certification and maintain required continuing education, including ethics and PACE courses. This role demands advanced knowledge of property valuation, including the ability to analyze income and expense statements, legal documents, leases, and complex commercial or multifamily property data. Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office, CAMA systems, GIS applications, and other property tax software. Strong analytical abilities, clear communication skills, and the ability to interpret and explain complex tax laws and assessment procedures are essential. A valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of insurance are required for extensive fieldwork throughout the county, including inspections in varied weather and property conditions. The position requires professional interaction with property owners, attorneys, tax representatives, and government officials, as well as the ability to defend valuations and present information to boards and public bodies.