The Pembina County Director of Tax Equalization is seeking to fill the position of County Assessor. The Assessor is responsible for performing a wide variety of assessing and administrative functions, and serves as backup to the GIS Specialist. Duties include (but are not limited to) assessing property within the county for accurate valuation for tax purposes, conducting analysis of property sales, maintaining and updating property records, and reviewing property tax exemptions. The successful applicant will be a skilled communicator who is able to work independently, prioritize importance of work, and meet deadlines in a timely manner. High school diploma and a minimum of three years of related experience is preferred. Applicants must possess or be willing and able to obtain a Class II Assessor Certification within 1 year of hiring, and a Class I Assessor Certification within 2 years. Annual salary depends on experience, with a typical hiring range of $43,680- $61,440. Pembina County offers an excellent benefit package and a competitive wage. A complete job description and application is available at the Pembina County website. Completed Pembina County application and resume must be sent to lschlitt@nd.gov or 301 Dakota Street West #1, Cavalier, ND 58220 by October 13th, 2023. EOE

Pembina County, North Dakota

Job Description

Job Title: County Assessor Job Status: full-time, standard

Department: Tax Equalization FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Tax Director Location: Court House, 2^nd Floor

Date: 07/06/2023

Job Summary:

Under general supervision from the Tax Equalization Director, participate in the administration of the department. Responsible for performing a wide variety of assessing functions; serves as backup to the GIS Specialist.

Essential Job Duties:

• Appraise property and determine the accurate value of property for real estate tax purposes.
• Conduct analysis of property sales and other market data to determine the equitable value of property; review sales ratio data for accuracy.
• Inspect the interior and exterior of property; determine property class, condition, quality and percentage of completion.
• Maintain and update property inventory records and computer databases, files and other documentation (AS400, ArcGIS, Access/ProWest, CamaVision)
• Review and authorize property tax exemptions, ownership and legal description changes in accordance with mandated qualifications criteria.
• Respond to inquiries and provide assistance to taxpayers, other assessors, appraisers, realtors, financial institutions, and others in person, via telephone, email and mail.
• Maintain confidentiality of non-public records and makes available all data and information deemed a public record by the North Dakota Century Code.
• Serves as a technical resource and provides assistance to staff as required.
• Assists in preparation and reviews reports and records for submission as required by the State Tax Department, Board of County Commissioners, Board of Equalization or other state agencies.
• Participates in the process of utilizing GIS and soils software program for agricultural land values utilizing actual use and detailed soils.
• Reviews and appraises mobile homes/manufactured homes located within Pembina County. Responsible for issuing moving permits, quarterly Mobile Home Park Owner reports and gathering sales information regarding mobile homes.
• Work with tax/financial program to enhance reporting and overall efficiencies for the County.
• Work as liaison with tax/financial/soils program vendors for system enhancements.
• Pull data from tax/financial/soils program for enhanced reporting.
• Develop complex Excel spreadsheet models for in-depth reporting.
• Ideation of new methods, plans, and assessing concepts.
• Develop detailed project plans for office initiatives and projects.
• Develops, plans, and directs updated operating procedures and policies.
• Attends meetings, interim tax hearings, property appeals, and abatement hearings; confers with property owners and the general public to explain the assessment process, property exemptions, values, sales comparables, etc.
• Monitors state legislation for Century Code changes; interprets and applies legislative changes; applies assessment laws, ordinances, standards, policies and procedures.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement within existing processes in department.

The duties listed are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Accountabilities:

• The Assessor is held accountable for the accuracy of all parcel input. Any errors may result in loss of property tax revenue, damage to citizen or public relations, or potential litigation.
• Must have and maintain knowledge and understanding of assessment laws and any new legislative changes.
• Must have knowledge of Soil Maps, Soil Survey and Pembina County land valuation system for proper assessment of agricultural land.

Job Qualifications, Experience and Education:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. AND three (3) years related experience preferred.
• Must have a valid North Dakota Driver’s License.
• Must have or have the ability to obtain a Class II Assessor Certificate from the state of North Dakota within 1 year; AND a Class I Assessor within 2 years.

• Preferred knowledge of valuation and equalization principles and practices; assessor processes, procedures, terminology and accepted standards; and assessment reports, records, and documentation.
• Proficiency in the operation of a computer, including in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products (including Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to read and interpret legal descriptions and geographical references on maps.

Working Conditions/Physical and Mental Demands:

• Frequent use of PC keyboard and monitor.
• Be able to lift in excess of 10# on infrequent basis.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment (copier, fax, calculator, etc.) May encounter exposure to variable/extreme weather conditions, rough terrain, construction equipment/ materials, insects and animals.
• Must be able to maneuver around construction sites, climb ladders/stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and perform repetitive motion tasks.
• Must be able to attend occasional meetings, trainings, etc. outside of standard work hours.
• Occasional travel outside of the immediate area may be required for continuing education opportunities and State Board of Equalization.