Chief City Assessor

Innovative Public Advisors; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 109,600; Full time

Job summary

City of La Crosse is seeking a Chief Assessor to lead the Assessment Office and ensure accurate, equitable, and legally compliant valuations of residential, commercial, and personal property in accordance with Wisconsin statutes. The role oversees maintenance, revaluations, reporting, and exemption determinations while supervising staff and engaging with residents and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive mass appraisal experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Property Appraisal and Assessment or a related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Finance, Statistics, Property Assessment, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible real property appraisal experience, including complex income‑producing properties, supervisory responsibilities, and large‑scale public sector mass appraisal.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue Assessor 2 and Assessor 3 certifications are required at the time of hire and must be maintained.
• Professional assessor or appraisal designation is preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead the City of La Crosse’s Assessment Office and ensure accurate, equitable, and legally compliant property valuations.
• Oversee the assessment program, including maintenance, revaluations, administration, reporting, and exemptions determinations.
• Provide technical expertise to City leadership and supervise assessment staff.
• Collaborate with residents, businesses, developers, officials, and state agencies to promote fairness, transparency, and public confidence in the assessment process.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Property Appraisal and Assessment

Bachelor's degree in Business/ Economics/ Public Finance/ Statistics/ Property Assessment or related field

Job description

About The Position

The Chief Assessor is responsible for leading the City of La Crosse’s Assessment Office and ensuring the accurate, equitable, and legally compliant valuation of all residential, commercial, and personal property in accordance with Wisconsin statutes. The Chief Assessor oversees the City’s assessment program, including annual maintenance, revaluations, assessment administration, statutory reporting, and property tax exemption determinations. This position provides technical expertise to City leadership, supervises assessment staff, and works collaboratively with residents, businesses, developers, elected officials, and state agencies to promote fairness, transparency, and public confidence in the assessment process.

Welcome to La Crosse

Nestled along the Mississippi River and framed by dramatic limestone bluffs, the City of La Crosse is one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive and vibrant communities. Home to approximately 53,000 residents, La Crosse serves as the economic, educational, healthcare, and cultural center of western Wisconsin. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historic character, and urban amenities creates an exceptional quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The City provides a comprehensive range of municipal services, including public safety, public works, planning and development, parks and recreation, engineering, and utility services. Residents enjoy 47 city parks, miles of scenic trails, an active riverfront, vibrant arts and entertainment, nationally recognized festivals, and abundant year‑round recreational opportunities. The community is also home to three higher education institutions, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, and the La Crosse Center—the region’s premier convention, entertainment, and event venue—which hosts concerts, sporting events, conventions, and community celebrations throughout the year.

The Ideal Candidate

The City of La Crosse seeks an experienced, collaborative, and highly skilled assessment professional to serve as its next Chief Assessor. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical expertise in property valuation and mass appraisal, along with the leadership ability to manage a high‑performing Assessment Office. The individual will exercise sound judgment, maintain the highest ethical standards, and ensure fair, equitable, and legally compliant property assessments while fostering public confidence in the City’s assessment process.

The successful candidate will be an approachable and responsive leader who communicates complex assessment and taxation concepts in a clear and understandable manner. They will build positive working relationships with residents, property owners, developers, elected officials, City staff, and state agencies while providing outstanding customer service. The ideal candidate will also bring a forward‑thinking mindset, using data analysis, technology, and industry best practices to continually improve assessment operations and support informed decision‑making throughout the organization.

Expected Hiring Range

$100,000 – $109,600 (DOQ).

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Property Appraisal and Assessment or a related field is required. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Finance, Statistics, Property Assessment, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible real property appraisal experience, including complex income‑producing properties, supervisory responsibilities, and large‑scale public sector mass appraisal.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue Assessor 2 and Assessor 3 certifications are required at the time of hire and must be maintained through continuing education.
• Professional assessor or appraisal designation is preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package and enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).