Certified Assessor

Mille Lacs County, MN; Milaca (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Mille Lacs County is seeking a Certified Assessor to determine equitable property values and classifications for real estate tax purposes in assigned areas of Minnesota. The role requires CMA licensure with CMA-IQ and AMA within set timelines and a valid Class D Driver's License.

The position involves inspecting properties, researching sales data, maintaining records, defending valuations at Board of Review, and guiding trainees in mass appraisal methods.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, and one year of experience in the property assessment field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current CMA licensure required; must obtain CMA-IQ licensure within two years of CMA licensure; must obtain AMA licensure within five years.
• Class D Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Appraises and determines value and classification for all property types for real estate tax purposes in residential and agricultural areas.
• Researches property ownership, interprets legal descriptions, maintains assessment records and maps.
• Ensures equitable assessments by inspecting properties and determining construction quality, condition, and depreciation.
• Establishes defendable market values using assessment procedures and responds to Board of Review and tax court requests.
• Processes specialty tax applications and communicates status to property owners.
• Explains determinations and assists with splits/combines for new values.
• Communicates professionally with the public and answers questions about assessments and tax laws.
• Performs accurate calculations and tax estimates when needed.
• Researches valuation benchmarks for mass appraisal and mentors trainees.

Skills

Valuation research

Data analysis

Public communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Property assessment education

Job description

The Certified Assessor accurately determines equitable appraisal values and appropriate classifications for all types of properties in assigned area, for tax assessment purposes, using standardized appraisal practices and techniques, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes.

This is a non-union position. Complete 2026 pay scale is $29.95 - $39.18/hr.

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.

1. 1. Appraises and determines appropriate property value and classification for all property types for real estate tax purposes, on residential and agricultural property in assigned areas. Locates and identifies all taxable property in assigned assessment areas, researches property ownership, interprets and draws out 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. 2. Analyzes, verifies, and researches sales data as reported on certificates of real estate value. Proofs field data and enters data into the CAMA system. Assists the County Assessor in adapting the information to the mass appraisal of property in assigned assessment areas.
3. 3. Ensures 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. 4. Establishes 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, and during property tax court litigation. 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. 5. Processes specialty tax program applications and determines approval or denial. Communicate application status and determinations to property owners; explain determinations. Assists with processing splits and combinations for new values.
6. 6. Communicates courteously and professionally with the public to exchange detailed and/or technical information and resolves issues regarding appraisal process, department policies and related matters, and services, programs, and activities of the County Assessor’s Office. Answers 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.
7. 7. Responsible for accurate calculations and tax estimates when requested.
8. 8. Researches and establishes valuation benchmarks for mass appraisal work through study of construction, sales data, and neighborhood trends.
9. 9. Responsible for training and aiding Assessor Trainees as needed.

• High school diploma or equivalent, , and one year of experience in the property assessment field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) licensure is required; must obtain Certified Minnesota Assessor-Income Qualified (CMA-IQ) licensure within two years of acquiring CMA licensure; must obtain Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) licensure within five years of acquiring CMA licensure.
• Class D Driver's License.

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