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APPRAISER I or II

City of Fargo, Glencoe, MN, United States


Position Summary This position appraises residential, commercial, industrial, and income‑producing properties to determine market value for tax purposes under the direction of the County Assessor. Responsibilities include property inspections, data analysis, and defending valuations. The role involves communicating with the public, attorneys, and tax representatives on MN tax laws, property tax programs, and appeal processes. Requires an AMA certification, a valid MN driver’s license, and fieldwork in various conditions. Ideal candidates have experience in appraisal, real estate, construction, or assessment, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office, CAMA, and GIS, but we are willing to train the right candidate.

Appraiser I Essential Functions / Responsibilities

Review and estimate the market value on agricultural, residential, and mobile homes.

Review property, collect data on building measurements, cost, building features, and neighborhood characteristics.

Check and view all improvements and estimate depreciation on property to determine the effect on market value.

Make determinations of value for property tax purposes based on valuation guide and other relevant factors.

Analyze deeds and other documents to establish ownership of properties for tax purposes.

Determine the market value of land whether vacant or improved, taking into consideration all factors that affect land value.

Make field checks of all building permits.

Inspect, measure, and photograph property; talk with tenants and owners to collect and verify data used as public records.

Inspect all new real estate improvements and changes to property to determine effects on market value.

Prepare documents for Board of Equalization hearings, set up appointments with property owners to view and discuss differences, and present to the board.

Review, analyze, and inspect sales of property in accordance with Minnesota Department of Revenue standards for accurate valuation.

Communicate with attorneys, tax representatives, and taxpayers to ensure fair market value and defend assessed value.

Inspect and value existing and new property divisions, combinations, and classification changes.

Establish and maintain computerized property valuation modules and utilize mass appraisal techniques to validate the assessment.

Educate and inform taxpayers on Minnesota tax laws, procedures, property tax programs, and methods of appeal.

Work with other city and county departments, town boards, and city councils to request and provide information.

Respond to urgent and unplanned projects and requests.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks.

Maintain regular and timely work attendance.

Knowledge of building construction materials and workmanship; able to work on new construction sites.

Computer skill and knowledge of software programs including Microsoft Office, CAMA system, and GIS.

Ability to listen, comprehend, and effectively communicate information written and orally to a wide variety of individuals.

Make arithmetical computations and tabulations with speed and accuracy.

Interpret and explain complex rules, regulations, and computations.

Knowledge of real estate terminology and legal property descriptions.

Knowledge of tax and assessment laws.

Interact effectively with a wide variety of people, particularly the public and other governmental offices.

Exercise self‑control, confidentiality, responsibility, courtesy, and patience.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED plus two years of post‑secondary education.

Three (3) years of experience in real estate, appraisal, construction, or assessment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Training

40 hours of continuing education every four years.

Ethics course.

Required Certifications / Licenses

Certified Minnesota Assessor (four weeks of classes and four test levels).

Valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Preferred Experience

Knowledge of building construction materials and workmanship.

Experience in GIS programs and applications.

Experience in legal descriptions.

Experience with CAMA and tax systems.

Internal / External Relationships

County Zoning, Auditor‑Treasurer, Recorder, Highway, and Veterans departments.

Town boards and city councils (Board Equalization).

Attorneys, real estate agents, appraisers, and title companies.

General public, including property owners.

Working Conditions

Duties performed in both an office setting and at property sites.

Office work primarily sedentary in an indoor environment; interaction with public in person and phone.

Fieldwork requires travel and outdoor work, uneven terrain, walking from property to property, and all seasons.

Field duties involve exposure to hazards at building sites and potential contact with angry or dangerous people and animals.

Requires traveling to other locations for training.

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity to take notes, use tape measure, and operate computer equipment.

Visual acuity to read screens and documents, drive, and observe distances.

Sit or stand at desk for extended periods performing computer work.

Coordination to safely drive automobile or light truck across varied road and weather conditions.

Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Ability to perform walking, bending, reaching, standing, grasping, and other routine movements in the field.

Equipment Required

Desktop phone; desktop computer/laptop; smart phone.

Digital camera; tape measure; calculator.

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system.

Additional Notes All positions at McLeod County are subject to a background check, which may include criminal history, credit, driver’s license, pre‑employment physical assessment, pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening, and psychological testing.

Assessor I – Job Requirements The Assessor I position requires a high school diploma or GED, two years of postsecondary education, and at least three years of experience in real estate, appraisal, construction, or property assessment, or an equivalent combination. Candidates must either hold, or be willing and able to obtain, Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) credentials, and complete required continuing education and ethics training. A valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of insurance are required due to regular fieldwork travel. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, ability to interpret regulations, and proficiency with basic computer software including Microsoft Office and standard appraisal systems. Knowledge of construction materials, property valuation concepts, GIS, and CAMA systems is helpful but not required, as this is a trainable position for applicants who show aptitude and willingness to learn. The role requires regular field inspections in varying weather conditions, physical ability to measure and photograph property, and capacity to work effectively with the public, property owners, and other county departments in a professional and courteous manner.

Assessor II – Job Requirements The Assessor II position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of postsecondary education focused on clerical, real estate, or related coursework, and at least five years of experience in real estate, appraisal, construction, or assessment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must hold an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) certification and maintain required continuing education, including ethics and PACE courses. This role demands advanced knowledge of property valuation, including the ability to analyze income and expense statements, legal documents, leases, and complex commercial or multi‑family property data. Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office, CAMA systems, GIS applications, and other property tax software. Strong analytical abilities, clear communication skills, and the ability to interpret and explain complex tax laws and assessment procedures are essential. A valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of insurance are required for extensive fieldwork throughout the county, including inspections in varied weather and property conditions. The position requires professional interaction with property owners, attorneys, tax representatives, and government officials, as well as the ability to defend valuations and present information to boards and public bodies.

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