Part Time Deputy Recorder (up to 29 hrs/wk)

Brown County (MN); New Ulm (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Brown County (MN) is seeking a part-time Recorder Functions professional to record real estate transactions, determine filing fees, and ensure accurate scanning and filing of instruments. The role utilizes the Tri-Min system and involves title research, maps, and GIS support.

The position also handles Vital Statistics tasks, assists the public with searches, and coordinates with county departments. Requires knowledge of real estate law, accurate drafting of descriptions, and strong

Qualifications

• Knowledge of real estate law, reading and drafting legal descriptions, Title Standards, records retention, GIS, abstracting, and UCC.
• Excellent computer and word processing skills; ability to read and understand legal descriptions.
• Ability to draw out legal descriptions and organize records for public use.

Responsibilities

• Record real estate transactions and documents for the county.
• Calculate, collect and document filing fees; maintain scanning, indexing and filing.
• Maintain GIS and Landlink records; verify legality per statutes and standards.
• Assist the public with searches in real estate and vital records; provide high-level customer service.
• Collaborate with Planning & Zoning, Auditor/Treasurer, Assessor, and GIS to ensure compliance.
• Prepare Real Estate Title Research Reports and certs; proof legal descriptions for Torrens certificates.

Skills

Real estate law

Legal descriptions

GIS

UCC knowledge

Records retention

Computer skills

Word processing

Customer service

Attention to detail

Education

Two year post-secondary associate’s degree in legal secretary, paralegal, legal assistant, or related field

One year post-secondary education and one year related experience in a real estate agency, real estate loan department, or law office

Two years equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Tri-Min computer system

Landlink software

Job description

Recorder Functions

• Records real estate transactions for the County.
• Calculates, collects and documents the receipt of required filing fees.
• Ensures accurate scanning, indexing and filing of all real estate instruments.
• Utilizes and maintains the Tri-Min computer system.
• Determines the legality of accepting certain documents, based on conformance with recording standards, title standards and statutes; interprets statutes for customers.
• Records deeds, mortgages and other real estate documents; analyzes certificates of titles for the disposition of encumbrances and approves documentation of easements.
• Reviews, deciphers and draws out legal descriptions in order to ensure consistency with adjacent properties and proper closure of metes and bounds.
• Organizes and maintains documents related to plats, surveys and monument records for use by surveyors and the general public. Receives and sets up new plats in Landlink software.
• Reviews incoming documents received for recording, accepting or rejecting.
• Maintenance and transfer updates in the county’s tax system regarding real estate recordings, with the exception of mobile home properties.
• Approves and processes tax parcel splits and combinations.
• Works collaboratively with other departments (Planning & Zoning, Auditor/Treasurer and Assessor and GIS administrator) to ensure regulations and internal procedures are adhered to regarding tax parcel splits and combinations.
• Prepares Real Estate Title Research Reports; Judgment, Tax Lien and property tax searches; Abstracting of Real Estate Title and certifies Condition of Register for Torrens property.
• Proofs legal descriptions for Torrens certificates.
• Processes Federal & State tax liens.
• Verifies and approves well certificates and electronic Real Estate Values.
• Maintains Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Implements the Safe at Home Law utilizing a parallel confidential recordation system.
• Assists the public in searches in real estate and vital records.
• Furnishes information as requested and subject to legal authority by phone, fax, mail or in person.
• Assists attorneys, surveyors, bankers, and title companies in researching and gathering information concerning real estate.
• Maintains knowledge of and interprets relevant state and local laws, policies and procedures.
• Prepares a variety of reports and documents.

Vital Statistics

• Verify State security paper, daily and when orders are received; process birth, death, marriage and military discharge applications for copies; process marriage license applications; research historical birth, death, marriage records upon customer requests; file and preserve ordination credentials, notary public registration and military discharge papers; update computer systems with marriage certificates filed.
• Serve as agent for initial passport applicants daily and take photographs as needed; track receipt of applications in timely manner on a weekly basis; report passport filings to Department of State monthly; make sure current forms are available; and prepare for annual audit. Agents require initial certification with the Department of State and annual recertification thereafter.

Other Duties

• Maintains knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Attends training and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.

Education

• Two year post-secondary associate’s degree in legal secretary, paralegal, legal assistant, or related field; OR
• One year post-secondary education and one year related experience in a real estate agency, real estate loan department, or law office; OR
• Two years equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements

• Must be bondable and insurable due to cash-handling.
• Regular attendance.
• Knowledge of real estate law, reading and drafting legal descriptions, Title Standards, records retention, GIS, abstracting, and Uniform Commercial Code.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations,etc.
• Excellent computer and word processing skills.
• Ability to read and understand real property legal descriptions and land measurements.
• Ability to draw out legal descriptions.
• Knowledge of records management principles and practices.
• Ability to work with the public and to provide a high level of customer service.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills needed to convey professionalism.
• Good organization and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of passport procedures and requirements.

This is a part time position working up to 29 hrs. per week. Entry hourly wage range of $25.79 to $28.91, DOQ.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER