Equalization Director

Meade County; Sturgis (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Meade County Equalization Department is seeking an Equalization Director to lead mass appraisal operations for property tax assessment in accordance with South Dakota statutes.

You will oversee staff, ensure accuracy of appraisals, develop compliant policies, manage budgets, and coordinate reappraisal projects, with a focus on maintaining timely and accurate assessments for the county and its taxing entities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to the occupation.
• Minimum five years of related experience directing and coordinating department work.
• Valid South Dakota driver's license.
• CAA certification or ability to obtain it.
• Knowledge of South Dakota laws related to real property assessment.
• Knowledge of appraisal methods and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of the Equalization Department and oversee staff workflow.
• Supervise quality and quantity control of appraisals and conduct reviews.
• Develop policies to comply with state statutes, USPAP, and IAAO standards.
• Direct and review all reappraisal projects.
• Enter factors for annual reappraisal neighborhoods and manage tax relief programs.
• Prepare and review county/board appeal packets and testify as needed.
• Oversee department budget and ensure timely reporting to the Auditor's Office.

Skills

Statutes knowledge

Appraisal standards

People management

Budget management

Oral and written communication

Supervision and guidance

Computers and software

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Equalization Director

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the mass appraisal of all real property for property tax purposes in compliance with South Dakota statutes.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the Equalization Department; oversee employee assignments and workflow, ensure compliance with county ordinances, policies, timelines and schedules.
• Supervise the quality and quantity control of appraisals and meet with office staff for individual and project reviews.
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state, county, USPAP, and IAAO appraisal standards.
• Direct and review all reappraisal projects.
• Enter all factors for annual reappraisal neighborhoods.
• Review agricultural adjustments and prepare ag reports for Department of Revenue.
• Direct the preparation of appeal packets for local and county boards of equalization, OHE hearings, and court. Testify as needed.
• Manage the discretionary formula program.
• Review the uploads of sales to the Department of Revenue sales ratio database.
• Create TIF Districts, new tax districts, and parcels.
• Oversee all tax relief programs.
• Oversee the preparation of county abstract for all taxing entities in the county; run reports and verify calculations; help Auditor’s Office with reports for tax levies; verify TIF calculations; prepare and submit Department of Revenue reports.
• Oversee and manage department budget.
• Maintain continuing education and remain educated on all legislative and industry changes.
• Research and compile data for Department of Revenue, the County Commission, and other agencies, boards, etc.
• Provide information and assistance to other county departments, banks, title companies, insurance companies, the Department of Revenue, municipal governments, taxing entities, surveyors, engineers, developers, and representatives of other counties.
• Train, assign, direct, motivate, supervise, evaluate, and discipline department personnel.
• Oversee the preparation for all rally vendor permits and temporary campground application. Supervise staff for in-field compliance checks of vendor permits.
• Perform any other related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of state statutes and county ordinances.
• Knowledge of Department of Revenue rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of tax assessment principles and practices.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in management and supervision.
• Skill in directing equalization operations.
• Skill in the management of budgets.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Ensure the Department of Revenue and statutory obligations are met and create department goals and objectives to meet requirements. The Director reviews work through staff meetings, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state statutes, Department of Revenue guidelines, Attorney General opinions, county ordinances, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied management, supervisory, and administrative duties. Strict regulations and deadlines contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct the operations of the Equalization Department. Successful performance contributes to the positive county growth and to the accuracy of assessments for property tax purposes.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county employees, elected and appointed officials, real estate professionals, representatives of taxing entities, representatives of lending institutions, attorneys, surveyors, representatives of state and federal agencies, and members of the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information or resolve problems via effective communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over all real property appraisers, and the administrative assistant.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the department, and to direct and coordinate work within the department, usually interpreted to require a minimum of five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain CAA certification.
• Knowledge of South Dakota laws relating to real property assessment.
• Knowledge of appraisal methods and statistics.