Assessor Trainee

Mille Lacs County; Milaca (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Mille Lacs County in Milaca, MN seeks an Assessor Trainee to determine equitable appraisal values for residential and agricultural properties for tax assessment. This non-union, on-site role offers a 2026 salary range of $24.74-$32.36 per hour and requires a high school diploma or GED with six months of math or real estate experience, plus potential CMA licensure within two years.

Responsibilities include property identification, researching ownership, maintaining assessment records, analyzing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus six months of experience with mathematical calculations or real estate.
• Ability to obtain CMA license within two years from hire date.
• Class D Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with appraising and determining value for real estate tax purposes in residential and agricultural properties.
• Research property ownership, interpret legal descriptions, and maintain assessment records.
• Analyze sales data and assist in mass appraisal efforts.
• Assist in establishing defendable estimated market value using assessment procedures and research.
• Prepare reports and respond to requests from property owners; defend assessment decisions at Board of Review meetings.
• Provide accurate tax estimates when requested and communicate with the public regarding valuation and tax procedures.

Skills

Math skills

Real estate knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Assessor Trainee determines equitable appraisal value and appropriate classification for all non-commercial and non-industrial, real, and personal property in assigned areas for tax assessment purposes.

This is a non-union position. Complete 2026 salary range is $24.74 - $32.36/hour.

Exam plans #00913 and #00914 are being posted in conjunction. Only one of the two postings will be filled.

This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

Responsibilities

1. Assists with appraising and determining appropriate value, for real estate tax purposes, on residential and agricultural property in assigned areas. Locates and identifies all taxable property in assigned assessment areas, research property ownership, interprets legal descriptions, and accurately maintains and updates assessment records on each assigned property. Maintains maps, files, sales records, etc. for assigned areas. Ensures that all newly constructed properties are accurately added to the tax rolls.
2. Analyzes, verifies, and researches sales data as reported on certificates of real estate value. Assists the County Assessor in adapting the information to the mass appraisal of property in assigned assessment areas.
3. Assists with ensuring equitable assessments are established on all properties by taking into account all factors affecting value of a specific property, and by performing functions including, but not limited to: physically inspecting properties to accurately determine quality of construction and physical condition; measuring, photographing, sketching, and providing detailed descriptions of all structures; determining property classifications; verifying homestead classification; determining land acreage, breakdowns, and valuation; and establishing the depreciation of all structures.
4. Assists with establishing a defendable estimated market value for all property in assessment areas by utilizing appropriate assessment procedures and information gathered from research. Makes reports and defends assessment decisions at Board of Review meetings. Responds to requests by property owners for re-evaluation. Responsible for accurate correspondence and information (verbal and written) concerning valuation, assessment procedures, and the property tax system.
5. Communicates courteously and professionally with the public to exchange detailed and/or technical information and assists to resolve issues regarding appraisal process, department policies and related matters, and services and activities of the County Assessor's Office. May be required to answer questions and handles routine complaints regarding assessments, tax laws, values, structure, computations, and legal descriptions of property. Assists with informational meetings for the public on tax law changes and updates.
6. Assists with providing accurate calculations and tax estimates when requested.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D., and six months of experience working with mathematical calculations or real estate, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to obtain a Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license within two years from the date of hire.
• Class D Driver's License.

Application Process

Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Qualifying candidates will be invited to participate in a written exam. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.

First review of applications will take place on October 30, 2026, with the written exam to take place the first week of November (anticipated approximately 30-45 minutes in duration).

Applications will be reviewed every one week thereafter.