Assessor Trainee

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

Job summary

The Mille Lacs County Attorney's Office seeks an Assessor Trainee to determine equitable appraisal values and classifications for residential and agricultural property in assigned areas for Minnesota tax assessment purposes.

This non-union position offers a path to CMA certification and requires strong math skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex valuation concepts to the public.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assists with providing accurate calculations and tax estimates when requested.

Job description

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.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assists with providing accurate calculations and tax estimates when requested.

Minimum 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.

Selection 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.

Benefits Overview

The following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following the month of hire. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy language are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have any questions about the benefits, please contact the Administrative Services Office at [e-mail].

Medical Insurance

Single Coverage Total Monthly Premium

Single Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Single Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

Family Coverage Monthly Total Premium

Family Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Family Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

RTS Medica Passport

2000-25% HSA

$971.66

$0

$93.75

$2,582.30

$932.30

N/A

850-40

$1,093.56

$121.90

N/A

$2,906.28

$1,256.28

N/A

400-35

$1,155.78

$184.12

N/A

$3,071.64

$1,421.64

N/A

RTS Medica Elect

2000-25% HSA

$850.20

$0

$208.33

$2,259.52

$609.52

N/A

850-40

$956.86

$0

N/A

$2,543.00

$893.00

N/A

400-35

$1,011.30

$39.64

N/A

$2,687.68

$1,037.68

N/A

RTS Medica VantagePlus

2000-25% HSA

$825.90

$0

$229.17

$2,194.96

$544.96

N/A

850-40

$929.52

$0

N/A

$2,470.34

$820.34

N/A

400-35

$982.42

$10.76

N/A

$2,610.90

$960.90

N/A

Employees may choose to contribute additional funds to their HSA each year, up to the IRS limit of $4,400 for singles, and $8,750 for families. Once at age 55, employees can contribute an additional $1,000 (to either single or family) as long as they are not covered under Medicare. The IRS limit applies to the total employer and employee contributions combined. Employer contributions (if eligible) will go into a Health Savings Account.

Dental Insurance

There is no cost to the employee for single coverage. Family coverage costs the employee $76.46 per month.

Vision Insurance

Vision coverage is available and paid for by the employee at the following monthly rates:

• Employee Only - $5.85
• Employee + Spouse - $11.69
• Employee + Children - $11.31
• Family - $18.35

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s) Available

Plan options include medical and dependent care FSAs, as well as a premium only plan (pre-tax deduction of medical and dental premiums). These amounts cannot be changed during the year unless there is a qualifying life event. All funds must be used by the claims deadline.

• FSA Medical/Health max election of $3,400 per year
• Limited Purpose FSA max election of $3,400 per year (funds can only be used for vision, dental or orthodontia expenses when paired with an HSA until medical deductible has been met)
• FSA Dependent Care max election of $7,500 per year per family ($3,750 if married and filing separately)

Paid Time Off

Holidays: Full-time employees have approximately 14.5 paid holidays per year, including floating holidays, subject to the terms of the Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement as applicable.

Vacation: Full-time employees earn 11 to 23 days per year, depending on tenure. Part-time employees earn pro- rated accruals.

Sick Time: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year. Part–Time employees earn pro-rated accruals.

Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Benefits Provided

Employees fall under the General, Police & Fire, or Correctional defined benefit plan depending on their position. PERA rates and handbooks available on-line: http://www.mnpera.org

Contribution amounts are based on the employee’s pay each pay period.

• Coordinated Plan 7.5% 6.5%
• Police & Fire Plan 16.2% 10.8%
• Correctional Plan 10.25% 6.83%

Deferred Compensation Program Available

Deferred Compensation Plans are available through Nationwide: https://www.nrsforu.com/rsc-web- preauth/index.html

Life Insurance

There Is No Cost To The Employee For $15,000 In Basic Life Insurance Coverage. Rates For Voluntary Additional Coverage For Employee Or Spouse Vary According To Age Category

AgeofEmployee Or Spouse EmployeeMonthlyCost Per $1,000

• Underage 35
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60-64
• 65-69
• 70-74

Dependent Life & Child Life Insurance Packages Available

Child life is available as a $10,000 policy on each child; the cost is $1.30 per month. Dependent care is available as a $2,500 policy on all tax dependents; the cost is $0.66 per month.

Long-term Disability Insurance Plan Available

Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100Monthly Benefit

• Underage 25
• 25-29
• 30-34
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60+

Short-term Disability Insurance Plan Available

Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100WeeklyBenefit

• UnderAge 30
• 30-34
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60-64
• 65+

Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance Available

01

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select your highest level of education COMPLETED by the close date of this posting.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completed coursework, but no degree
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

03

Do you have at least six months of experience working with mathematical calculations on a regular basis, with a high degree of accuracy?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe where you obtained this work experience, including name of employer, dates of employment, and duties/responsibilities.

05

Are you willing to deal with and calm individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue, often in isolated situations on the taxpayer's property?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you willing to work with potential hazards such as uneven terrain, moving equipment, pets, wild animals, and unknown conditions of properties, including potential sunburn, poison ivy, and insect bites when outdoors?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question