General Description POSTING TYPE: Open competitive DEPARTMENT: Assessing Services HOURS: Full-time SALARY RANGE: $67,643 - $105,693 Annually (108 Grade level) LOCATION: Hastings UNION: None CLOSE DATE: Continuous with first review of applicants 9/23/2024 Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is Be More and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. The Commercial Appraiser is responsible for accurately and equitably valuing and classifying commercial, industrial, apartment, and complex special purpose properties according to relevant state statutes, for Ad Valorem (property) tax purposes; responds to difficult questions or concerns; involved in all aspects of appeals filed; performs related duties as assigned. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions. Appraise commercial, industrial, apartment, and complex special use properties using the three approaches to valuation and mass appraisal statistical modeling techniques. Inspect vacant land, and improved properties to gather physical attributes and characteristics. Perform market research by gathering data including actual income and expense data, occupancy levels, rental rates, expense rates, and capitalization rates to determine potential market performance of income producing properties. Verify and compile data on all transactions of assigned properties. Verify sales by interviewing buyers, sellers, and operators of real estate to determine their validity for inclusion in the Department of Revenues annual sales ratio study. Compile sales data and enter in ACE-Assessor Commercial Exchange database. Maintain a complete record of each property, which may include over 150 fields of data. Respond to complex questions and concerns from taxpayers, attorneys and tax representatives regarding the assessment process, property valuation, classification, and tax calculations. Investigate and review requests for reduction of assessed valuation or change in classification. Complete review appraisals including Market grids and Income Proformas. Deal effectively with property owners at open book and Board of Review meetings resolving appraisal issues. Responsible for the litigation of court petitions. Handle all aspects of commercial, industrial, apartment, and special purpose property tax petitions including: reviewing compliance with income data disclosure, negotiating fair settlements with tax attorneys, preparing narrative appraisals, and defending values through testimony in Minnesota State Tax Court. Work with other commercial appraisers on appropriate application of appraisal/assessing techniques, and provide work direction to others, such as county attorneys, assigned to assist in the commercial appraisal division. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Knowledge of the statistical methodologies involved in mass appraisal of commercial, industrial, apartment, and special use properties, as well as State mandated guidelines monitoring our overall level of assessment. Knowledge and skills of implementation associated with appraisal techniques including, but not limited to, the Cost Approach, Income Approach, and Sales Comparison Approach. Ability to implement appraisal techniques with mass appraisal modeling to establish annual market valuations of a l commercial, industrial, apartment and special use properties throughout Dakota County. Ability to utilize personal tablet for day to day activities including organization and effective time management. Ability to analyze and interpret instruments of transfer for reliability and validity. Ability to work independently and make quality decisions while prioritizing workload to meet deadlines. Ability to apply complex problem solving techniques in response to customer disputes and tax issues. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and knowledge of the terminology pertaining to the development of real estate and associated building costs. Ability to interpret income and expense statements and understand investor motivations pertaining to capitalization rates for specific property types. Ability to work effectively with real estate professionals, attorneys, local officials and the public in a professional manner. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Administration Center in Hastings, MN, as well as various properties as required. Work is generally performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00am to 4:30pm). Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, and vibration; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases and poor ventilation; extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, and intense noise may occur on the job. Must have the physical ability to work outside in all weather to inspect properties. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, tablet, copy and fax machines, CAMA Appraisal System, cash flow programs, tape measure, laser measuring device, recording devices, digital camera, mass mailing, statistical software, internet based ACE commercial data exchange system, letters, brochures, and spreadsheet programs. Benefits Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits Excellent work-life balance Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year) Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year Pension with a generous employer contribution Ability to work from home some of the time Selection Process You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer We extend an offer and conduct background checks