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ASSESSOR - CHAIR - ASSESSORS

City of Manchester, Manchester, NH, United States


Pay Range

– $96,002.90 – $136,877.17/Salary DOE – plus a comprehensive benefits package

General Statement of Duties
Oversees the process of fair and equitable property taxation in compliance with the state constitution, state law, and local ordinance. Locates, identifies, and appraises real estate for the purpose of taxation; performs directly related work as required. Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and activities of the Assessor’s Office/Department; performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure professional standards are applied to property assessment procedures. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of employees in the class of Assessor–Residential, Assessor–Commercial, Office Administrator I, Appraisers, Appraisal Technician, Customer Service Representative and Engineering Technician. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, business and community organizations, State officials and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in both a general office environment and at various field sites throughout the City.

Examples of Essential Work

Measures, lists, and values new construction projects, plats, and other field projects;

Oversees the processing of local property tax abatement requests and appeals;

Revalues and sets values on existing properties in residential, commercial, industrial, and exempt classes;

Maintains and administers a tax roll of City tax revenue;

Authorizes enrollment and coordinates periodic re‑qualification of recipients of exemption programs;

Updates the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on the status of the tax base;

Computes, prepares, and submits documentation to the State Department of Revenue Administration for use in determining the annual tax rate;

Analyzes inspection data and makes appropriate changes to existing records and assessments;

Performs extensive statistical analysis of assessments for the assigned purpose of recommending changes in assessments and revaluation projects;

Reads and interprets blueprints, plats, and condominium articles and amendments;

Handles tax appeals as a quasi‑judicial Board of Appeal, including on‑site inspections, fee appraisal analysis, area and equity studies for market value and disposition of appeals;

Represents the City at Board of Tax and Land appeal hearings;

Administers the preparation and disposition of City‑owned/Tax Deeded properties through direct sale, auction and/or sealed bidding process;

Represents the City in all matters of taxation through extensive knowledge of State laws governing Ad Valorem taxation, appraisal standards, fundamental ratio standards, and assessment procedures;

Projects and determines amount of overlay monies necessary for each tax year;

Supervises and directs litigation cases at the State Board of Tax and Land Appeals and State Superior Court, and may act as an expert witness, contribute appraisals and/or additional support documentation;

Oversees operations of the City’s Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal System (CAMA) and related software programs;

Performs special projects for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen as requested;

Advises and supports the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and its various committees, including providing valuation reports to the Lands and Building Committee;

Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of departmental staff in implementing the expressed goals, policies, and directives of the Assessor’s Office;

Develops policies and procedures designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations and to ensure professional standards are applied to property assessment procedures;

Develops and administers the department budget;

Manages office staffing;

Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;

Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;

Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;

Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;

Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and

Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of the procedures, methods and techniques used in the appraisal of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and exempt land and property for Ad Valorem tax purposes;

Thorough knowledge of building construction practices and building and land costs;

Thorough knowledge of State Law for appraisals and the assessment process;

Ability to communicate effectively and maintain working relationships with other City employees, home builders, and the general public;

Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations and conclusions on property appraisals;

Ability to provide administrative direction within a municipal department;

Ability to supervise, train, evaluate and lead the work of others;

Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;

Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;

Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;

Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time‑sensitive deadlines;

Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;

Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related; and

Three to five years of experience in mass appraisal or fee simple appraising in both residential and commercial properties; or

Six to eight years of experience in mass appraisal or fee simple appraising in both residential and commercial properties; or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications

Designation as a Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) certified Property Assessor Supervisor or an equivalent certification from another jurisdiction;

Designation as a Certified New Hampshire Assessor (CNHA) and/or State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser (NHCG);

Individuals certified from another jurisdiction must obtain NH certifications within one year of employment (Note: failure to acquire NH certifications will result in termination);

Successful completion of the International Association of Assessing Official’s (IAAO) or equivalent organization’s course in Advanced Income Approach to Valuation;

Valid driver’s license.

Essential Physical Abilities

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;

Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform on‑site inspections and review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form;

Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related office equipment;

Sufficient mobility and flexibility which allows employees to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, push, pull, climb, reach and grasp occasionally;

Sufficient strength and endurance with or without reasonable accommodations, which permits the employee to lift and carry, through a full range of motion, up to 10 pounds occasionally, 5 pounds frequently and 2 pounds continuously;

Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to all areas of the City.

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