Extra Help* Property Transfer Assistant

Humboldt County; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Humboldt County Assessor's Office in Eureka, CA is seeking an Extra Help Property Transfer Assistant to support the property tax assessment process. Under general supervision, you will analyze recorded deeds, review transfer documents, perform title checks and assist the public.

Typical hours are Mon–Fri, 8 am to 5 pm; this is a non-benefitted position open until filled. Two years of office support experience and familiarity with real property records are preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of office support experience with knowledge of legal descriptions of real property and property maps.
• Familiarity with the title transfer process.
• Ability to communicate with the public over the counter and by telephone.

Responsibilities

• Analyze recorded deeds to determine reappraisal status.
• Review property transfer documents and perform title searches.
• Provide information to the public about titles, deeds, and reassessment rules.
• Assign parcel numbers; review legal descriptions for new districts.
• Update assessment maps and post basic information.
• Organize own work and meet critical deadlines.

Skills

Interpreting property descriptions

Record research

Office organization

Prioritizing deadlines

Customer service

Arithmetic calculations

Communication

Team collaboration

Tools

Drafting equipment

Job description

*Extra Help* Property Transfer Assistant

Assessor's Office

Please note:

• This recruitment is for a non-benefitted extra help position.
• This recruitment is open until filled. County Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
• Applications will be collected and forwarded to the department on a weekly basis.

Job Highlights:

The mission of the Humboldt County Assessor's Office is to create equitable, timely, and accurate property tax assessments to fund public services in accordance with the California Constitution and the laws and regulations of the State of California and the State Board of Equalization. We are committed to integrity, mutual respect, and teamwork within our office, in conjunction with other County departments, and in our services to the public.

Work Location:

Humboldt County Assessor's Office
825 5th Street, Room 300
Eureka, CA 95501

Work Hours:

Mon - Fri, 8 am to 5 pm with 1 hour lunch

Under general supervision, analyzes recorded deeds, property transfer regulations and other legal documents to determine reappraisal status; reviews property transfer documents and performs title searches to determine reappraisal status of real and personal property according to property tax laws; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class requires specialized knowledge of property tax rules and regulations, legal property descriptions and the legal instruments pertaining to property transfers. Incumbents exercise independence and discretion in the application of rules and procedures. This class is distinguished from Property Transfer Supervisor in that the latter is the first full supervisory level, responsible for assigning, reviewing and directing the work of a small group of property transfer assistants and cadastral drafting technicians.

• Searches a variety of recorded documents to determine changes in ownership, transfer of properties, boundary or breaks in the chain of title for real property within the County.
• Reconciles boundary discrepancies by survey analyses and arithmetic computation.
• Determines transfer and/or reappraisal status of properties; indicates and verifies current ownership of parcels.
• Reviews legal property descriptions to verify boundary lines of parcels.
• Provides information to the public over the counter and by telephone, regarding titles, deeds, legal descriptions and reassessment rules and provisions.
• Assigns parcel numbers; reviews legal description for new districts.
• Updates assessment maps by posting basic information; prepares maps for agricultural preserve contracts.
• Enters information on transfer of title on property records.
• Organizes own work, sets priorities and ensures that critical deadlines are met.
• Organizes and maintains various files; operates standard office equipment as required.
• Performs general office support work including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.

Knowledge of:

• Legal instruments, including maps, related to the transfer of real property.
• Practices and terminology related to real property records and mapping.
• Basic ordinances and regulations pertaining to real property tax assessment.
• Basic drafting equipment and techniques.
• Records management practices and procedures, including indexing and cross-referencing.
• Correct English usage, including grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages.
• Office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and explaining property descriptions, maps and related documents.
• Preparing, maintaining and researching a variety of detailed records.
• Posting to and modifying property maps, transfer and ownership.
• Prioritizing work, coordinating activities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing and maintaining accurate files and records.
• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work

Desirable Education and Experience:

• Two years of office support experience which provided a knowledge of legal descriptions of real property and property maps and/or familiarity with the title transfer process.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.