County Assessor

Winona County is accepting applications for this position until 4:00 p.m. December 5, 2024.

This position starts at $3,552.68/bi-weekly (DOQ) with advancement up to $4,834.70/bi-weekly.

Characteristics of Class:
Under administrative direction of the County Administrator, an employee in this class performs work of considerable difficulty in the appraisal of real and personal property by reviewing local appraisal efforts, advising Assessor's office personnel of legal and professional requirements and making appraisals. Advises the Board of Equalization, County Board, and State Department of Revenue on changing conditions affecting the appraisal of property values. Responsible for maintaining accurate and current knowledge of all matters relating to the department. Responsible for supervising all subordinate employees within the department as well as coordinating the work of local assessors. Performs related work as required. Work is usually performed in an office setting or in the field as required.

Examples of Duties:
Any one position may not include all duties listed, nor do the examples include all duties which may be required of this position.

• Oversee value and assessment of all real and personal property at market value. Exempt property shall be assessed every six years.
• Assist local Boards by providing technical expertise regarding appraisals and statutes.
• Attend meetings of Board of Review and Equalization, provide professional advice, and participate in the meetings as required by state statutes.
• Estimate market values of all property using sales, income information, and cost estimates. Prepare reports on trends of valuation within the county.
• Final approval or denial of requests for abatement of taxes or reduction of assessed tax value.
• Be actively involved with Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MnCCC) and Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) at both local and state levels.
• Recommend hiring, evaluate and supervise subordinate employees.
• Responsible for training and professional development of employees.
• Respond to all property tax inquiries and grievances.
• Exercise public relations skills to improve community awareness and understanding of appraisals, abatements, and property valuation.
• Manage the department’s valuation system including determining tables, methodology, level of assessment and setting up and maintaining all security measures on the system.
• Defend tax court petitions. Work with attorneys. Review and hire independent appraisers if necessary. Negotiate possible settlements.
• Assist in the determination of legal boundaries, areas of wetland and special districts, locations and measurements on real estate parcels.
• Work with the Department of Revenue and Legislature on new legislation, law interpretation, and revising legislation. Testifies before legislature.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Any combination of training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills and abilities, listed in their relative order of importance:

 For Pre-Employment:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Real Estate Appraisal, related field, or six or more years of related appraiser experience.
• Must be a Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor or an Accredited Minnesota Assessor as required by the Minnesota Department of Revenue with the ability to become Senior Accredited within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated leadership experience. Leadership experience can include:
  • Experience as a manager, supervisor, lead worker or team lead
  • Completion of a structured leadership development program
  • Work experience that demonstrates management and leadership skills as required in Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor license
• Knowledge in the appraisal of property values.
• Knowledge of state statutes affecting the valuation of real and personal property and classification.
• Ability to coordinate the work of local assessors and subordinate employees.
• Ability to deal with tax representatives and attorneys regarding tax petitions.
• Knowledge of construction costs and depreciation methodology.
• Ability to prepare complex reports and present them in a manner which will be clearly understood by government officials, subordinate employees, and the general public.
• Ability to deal with public concerns over assessment practices in a firm but pleasant manner.
• Computer knowledge relating to tax packages, land calculations, sales ratio, and coding of property according to use.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:
 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Real Estate Appraisal, or related field.
• Senior Accredited Minnesota Appraiser license from the Minnesota State Board of Assessors.
• Work experience in a MN County Assessor’s Office.
• Work experience in computer systems (i.e., valuation system, tax systems, GIS mapping).
• Work experience in developing and administering budgets.
• Work experience in labor management relations (from a management side).
• Work experience working with Boards in a professional work environment.