Description
Position Summary
To appraise and classify all types of residential, complex residential and small income residential real estate; and may include apartment, commercial, industrial real estate. Assist in the development of Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software models, including the calibration of cost tables, and the development and calibration of income, market and land models. Prepare written narrative appraisals for valuation appeals. Represent Ramsey County in valuation matters before the Minnesota Tax Court and negotiate resolutions of disputed valuations subject to the guidelines provided by the supervisor. Review potential settlements negotiated by staff for fairness and suitability; and perform related duties as assigned. This is the lead worker or assistant supervisor class in this classification series. The employees in this class provide daily supervisory oversight to a team of commercial, industrial, apartment or residential staff appraisers, direct the work of staff appraisers, and review work performed.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Flexible Workplace:
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy
Examples of Work Performed:
- Promote a diverse, culturally competent and respectful workplace.
- Provide leadership and supervision of staff and office functions. Provide work direction to staff appraisers and monitor their daily work product reviewing for quality, productivity, uniformity and completion of assignments.
- Monitor and maintain understanding of real estate market activity, trends and cycles, and be able to incorporate this knowledge and information into the development and defense of the assessment, into staff training and mentoring, and into communicating the work of the office to citizens.
- Estimate value utilizing the cost approach by determining proper land valuation, building component costs, and correct calculation of accrued depreciation; estimate value utilizing the market approach by evaluating recent sales of comparable properties; estimate value by properly employing the income approach to market value; properly reconcile these approaches to a final conclusion of value as needed for both mass appraisal and individual appraisal assignments.
- Evaluate and reconcile income/expense statements to determine market value through application of the income approach; employ direct capitalization, discounted cash flow (DCF) or gross rent multiplier (GRM) when valuing income producing property; ensure effective application of the cost, sales comparison and the income approaches to value.
- Determine the market value of improved or vacant land parcels based on the highest and best use; implement recommended changes to land models; review relevant cost information and recommend changes to the CAMA system.
- Represent the Property Records & Revenue Department on valuation issues before the Ramsey County Special Board of Appeals and Equalization; prepare written narrative appraisal reports; represent the County and supply expert witness testimony as part of litigation before the Minnesota Tax Court or District Court concerning value and classification issues.
- Respond to customer inquiries to explain how property values were established and inform property owners of appeal procedures.
- Negotiate regularly with property owners and their representatives to secure a successful resolution of pending tax litigation, and on case-by-case, reviews the petitions and their proper resolution with the Supervisor and/or County Assessor.
- Assist the supervisor in the planning, development and implementation of training for the appraisal staff.
- Review and verify sales for the State Sales Ratio. Review sale verifications submitted by staff to ensure quality, thoroughness and compliance with stated policies.
- Coordinate appraiser and administrative activities relating to special classification programs and tax exemption, both internally and externally.
- Update departmental files and records to reflect the outcome of property appraisals and the addition of new construction values to the tax rolls and review permit list and work performed to ensure new construction values are properly added to the tax rolls in a time effective manner.
- Perform complex appraisals of upper-bracket residential properties, complex residential properties and small income residential properties.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Two years of post-secondary education.
Experience: Seven years of assessment and/or real estate appraisal experience in appraising all types of real property.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience
Requirements
Certifications/Licensure: Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) at time of appointment; licensure as a Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA) within two years from date of hire; and a valid Class D driver's license.
Licensure as a Certified General and/or Certified Residential real property appraiser by the MN Department of Commerce with the ability to get a temporary Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license may substitute for the AMA; obtain an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) licensure under Minnesota Statues within the five-year time from the date the temporary license is issued; and licensure as a Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA) within six years from date of hire.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Principal Real Estate Appraiser will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Principal Real Estate Appraiser. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
