County Appraiser

Sedgwick County Government; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Paid leave

Retirement Plans

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A local government agency in Wichita, KS is seeking a County Appraiser to oversee equitable property valuation, manage a $6.1 million budget, and lead a team of approximately 70 employees. The ideal candidate will hold a Kansas appraiser certification and have experience in data analysis and change management. The salary range is up to $150,000, with relocation assistance and a comprehensive benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• Qualified as a Kansas appraiser under KSA 19-430.
• County or municipal government experience is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee equitable property valuation and appraisal systems.
• Manage a budget of $6.1 million with a team of 70 employees.
• Lead modernization initiatives for appraisal processes.
• Develop a departmental strategic plan.
• Ensure compliance with Kansas statutes.

Skills

Kansas appraiser certification

Real property appraisal

Data analysis

Budget management

Change management

Education

Certified general real property appraiser

Registered mass appraiser

Residential evaluation specialist

Certified assessment evaluation designation

Job description

MTG is pleased to partner with Sedgwick County, KS (Pop. 523,828) to seek a visionary leader to serve as County Appraiser responsible for overseeing equitable property valuation, modernizing appraisal systems, and restoring public trust through transparency and innovation.

The County Appraiser is appointed to a renewable four-year term and is responsible for the fair and equitable valuation of all real and personal property for ad valorem tax purposes. This role is mandated by Kansas law and ensures compliance with state statutes and directives from the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Property Valuation Division.

The Position

This position reports directly to the County Commissioners and is responsible for managing a budget of $6.1 million, along with overseeing a team of approximately 70 employees across five key divisions: Administration, Land Records, Resident Services, Commercial Services, and Special Use.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advisor & Liaison to Commission

• Provide expert guidance to the Board of County Commissioners and elected officials.
• Represent the department at public meetings and legislative hearings.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on property tax appeals and hearings.
• Develop a departmental strategic plan to clearly outline what will be accomplished and when.
• Lead departmental operations, budgeting, and long-term planning.
• Ensure compliance with Kansas statutes and Department of Revenue standards.
• Oversee fair market value assessments and property inventory management.

Technology & Innovation

• Lead modernization initiatives by integrating digital platforms to enhance appraisal accuracy, operational efficiency, and streamline the online appeals process.
• Develop and implement tech-enabled strategies to improve service delivery and efficiency.
• Apply advanced data analysis and mass appraisal techniques.

Appeal Process Reform

• Address high appeal rates by improving transparency and public communication.
• Streamline the appeal process to be more citizen-friendly and locally resolved.

Change Management, Communications & Collaboration

• Challenge outdated practices and foster a culture of innovation.
• Engage stakeholders to implement best-practice solutions and align teams.
• Improve public perception by planning for an interactive and engaged level of communications with the community.

Qualifications

• Qualified as a Kansas appraiser under KSA 19-430:
• Certified general real property appraiser pursuant to article 41 of chapter 58 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated and amendments OR
• Registered mass appraiser pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the secretary of revenue OR
• Hold a valid residential evaluation specialist (RES) or certified assessment evaluation (CAE) designation from IAAO.
• County or municipal government experience is helpful but not required.
• The county allows a 12-month period to obtain required certifications; however, continued employment is contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications within that timeframe.

Other Important Information

Application Instruction and Deadline Date – Qualified candidates should submit résumé, cover letter, and contact information for four or more supervisory and/or professional references online at www.GovHRjobs.com by Monday, November 3, 2025.

Confidential questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to: Joan Walko, MGT Senior Consultant, [phone].

Salary Range: Up to $150,000 and is subject to negotiation based on qualifications.

Relocation Assistance is available to the selected candidate.

Comprehensive Benefit Package: The County offers excellent benefit options for full-time employees that include:

• Health Coverage: Excellent coverage with nominal employee contribution.
• Paid leave: 12 days (0-5 years) accrued monthly for vacation and sick leave each. Eleven (11) paid holidays.
• Retirement Plans: Optional Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (pre or post tax).
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits: Include life, accident, cancer, illness, disability and pet insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Sedgwick County Commitment to making the application, interview, and pre-employment testing process accessible to all qualified persons in compliance with ADA, EEOC, Non-Discrimination, Veterans Preference and all federal and state employment laws.