Assessment Technician

"Detail-driven and community-minded? Build your career as the City's next Assessment Technician."
 

Purpose and Overview

Under the general supervision of the City Assessor, the Assessment Technician performs specialized technical and administrative work related to property assessment and real estate records management.  This position serves as a key liaison between the public, city staff, county offices, and other governmental agencies to ensure accurate and up-to-date property records, legal descriptions, and assessed values.  The role supports the Assessor and Appraiser through data entry, property classification, records verification, and the preparation of assessment and tax documentation.

General Responsibilities

1. Acts as a liaison between the department, the public, real estate professionals, and governmental agencies such as the Register of Deeds - answering inquiries, providing information and forms, explaining assessment procedures and laws, and retrieving relevant records.
2. Assists the Assessor and Appraiser in conducting the physical inventories of real property.
3. Investigate, verify, and maintain property ownership records and legal descriptions for City of Superior parcels; identify, resolve, and correct errors as needed.
4. Maintain and update all real estate property records; review and verify paperwork and calculations related to assessments, improvements, ownership, and property descriptions.
5. Verify property descriptions and other data on real estate transfer returns in accordance with Department of Revenue standards, noting errors,
6. Calculate and enter property splits, combinations, and appraisal-related data into computer systems.
7. Issue parcel numbers for certified survey maps, land divisions, condominiums, annexations, subdivision plats, and other land transfers.
8. Assign addresses for new construction and parcels, collaborating with Planning/Zoning, Building Inspection, 911, Police, and Fire Departments to ensure consistency and accuracy.
9. Calculate and input special assessments in the Business Improvement District (BID) and input manufacturing values for tax statements..
10. Prepare and mail notices of changed assessments as required by law.
11. Draft correspondence, including letters, emails, and memos, as needed.
12. Run and print tax rolls prior to the open book period; assist in documenting assessment changes before the Board of Review meeting.
13. Schedule appointments for Assessor staff to meet with property owners for Open Book meetings or as needed.
14. Support the Assessor in preparing required reports for the Board of Review.
15. Ensure that the Assessor's computer system (Market Drive) and County tax system (LandNav) are balanced before tax bills are printed.
16. Process city tax bills from the county, ensuring correct assembly and mailing for property owners with multiple parcels.
17. Utilize the Geographic Information System (GIS) to maintain accurate information regarding parcel lines, parcel numbers, measurements, acreage, and related data.
18. Receive and sort incoming mail as needed.
19. Perform related work as required.

Knowledge 

1. Working knowledge of principles and procedures pertaining to the valuation of property.
2. Working knowledge of assessment laws, principles and procedures.
3. Working knowledge of computerized system to track assessment records.
4. Working knowledge of ESRI ArcMap software.
5. Working knowledge of general office procedures.
6. Working knowledge of numerical and alphabetical filing system.
7. Some knowledge of building construction practices.
8. Some knowledge of operation of calculators and various computer programs.

Skills 

1. Perform duties with accuracy and attention to detail.
2. Read, write and interpret legal descriptions.
3. Read maps and survey data.
4. Make accurate mathematical calculations.
5. Utilize standard GIS system functions
6. Prepare concise, accurate, and factual permanent records
7. Understand and explain statutes related to assessment.

Ability

1. Perform duties with accuracy and attention to detail.
2. Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. 
3. Exercise independent judgement.
4. Work efficiently under deadlines
5. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and the public
6. Safely lift and move material including boxes and maps weighing up to 25 pounds.

Education & Experience Requirements

Two years of clerical related experience in an Assessor's office or related field office.  Clerical experience would include typing, filing and data entry on a computer and some experience working with legal property descriptions and mapping.

Upon hire, the employee must attain certification as an Assessment Technician from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
 

Special Requirements

Must become certified by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue at or above the level of Assessment Technician and maintain that certification.

Must possess valid driver’s license or be able to provide transportation when necessary as approved by the supervisor.

Must pass medical examination requirement for specified occupational grouping and drug screen prior to hire.
 

No residency requirement.

Position Conditions
The Assessment Technician primarily works in an office but may require some occasional field work taking photos of gathering data.  Most time is spend at a desk entering information into a computer.  Will also visit the Douglas County Register of Deeds office to research old deeds if there are questions on ownership or legal descriptions.

The City of Superior Offers
Full time employees are eligible for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), Health/Dental/Life Insurance and Paid Time off.
Non-Exempt/eligible for comp time and overtime.
https://www.superiorwi.gov/65/Assessor
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/superiorwi