Property Appraiser 1

Water Resources Office; Plentywood (MT); On-site; USD 54,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Department of Revenue in Plentywood, MT, seeks a Property Appraiser 1 to conduct residential property reviews, field appraisals, and data research for final valuation. The role supports tax administration, involves site inspections, and requires knowledge of appraisal methods and land use.

The position emphasizes accuracy, research, and clear communication with taxpayers, with potential for advancement within the Property Assessment Division.

Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary education in business, accounting, economics, public administration, construction technology or training.
• One year of job-related experience is desirable.
• Requires Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101) and USPAP training within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Conduct property reviews and discoveries to identify appraisal needs and priorities.
• Review tax records, land use, improvements, valuation documents, and other information.
• Research and analyze residential property characteristics to estimate impact on values.
• Determine appropriate appraisal method (cost or market) for residential properties.
• Conduct field appraisals and site inspections of subject properties.
• Perform comparable sales analysis and adjust valuations accordingly.
• Document professional assumptions and limiting conditions.
• Respond to taxpayer inquiries and explain appraisal activities.

Skills

Research and analysis

Accuracy and detail

Microsoft Office

Written and verbal communication

Education

Two years post-secondary education in business or related field

Montana residential property appraisal certification (IAAO 101) & USPAP training

Tools

GIS/CAD knowledge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description - Property Appraiser 1 (26142713)

Position Title:

MISSION STATEMENT

To be the nation's most citizen oriented, efficiently administered, state tax agency.

The Montana Department of Revenue administers approximately 40 state taxes, property appraisals, alcohol beverage laws, cannabis laws, and unclaimed property for the state of Montana. The Property Assessment Division manages Montana’s property assessment and valuation of all taxable property for property tax purposes. PAD is comprised of the Geographic Information System Unit, Program Support Unit, Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal Unit, Industrial Unit, Division Administration team, and approximately 30 local field offices in various counties in Montana.

What We Can Offer You

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health, dental, and vision care; life insurance; and long-term disability. The State currently contributes $12,648/year toward these benefits.

Free health care for employees and eligible family member at Montana Health Centers.

Employee Assistance Benefits including counseling, legal assistance, well-being coaching, financial information, which are free resources.

Retirement plans- The State currently contributes 9.17 %, vested after 5 years of continuous employment.

Paid vacation- starting at 15 days a year.

Sick leave- 12 days a year.

11 holidays, including a floating holiday, which can be used any time.

Flexible hours.

Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Visit the Health Care and Benefits Division for more information at https://benefits.mt.gov/. In addition to employee benefits, there are a wide range of advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Revenue.

DUTIES

Job Overview

This position resides in the Property Assessment Division of Department of Revenue . Duties include residential property reviews, discoveries, data research, and field appraisals. Complete inspections to determine the residential property final valuation. Analyze, assess, and classify land uses. Assist with specification, calibration, and benchmarking of land models, sales comparisons, and property characteristics. Support ongoing program operations and activities. Respond to taxpayer inquiries and explain appraisal activities. Provide dispute resolution and participate in appeal hearings. The position does not supervise other staff.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct property reviews and discoveries to identify appraisal needs and priorities, recommend priorities based on property use, value, location, and other characteristics.
• Review tax records, land use, improvements, valuation documents, and other information.
• Identify properties for appraisal review.
• Research and analyze individual residential property characteristics to estimate the impact on property values.
• Analyze and evaluate appraisal information and determine final property value.
• Examine site and improvement data, sanitation regulations, zoning, planning, covenants, deed restrictions, and other technical and legal documentation.
• Compile and analyze construction cost data and determine the effects on property values.
• Conduct field appraisals and site inspections of subject properties.
• Perform comparable sales to identify valuation factors.
• Collect data required for maps, plats, and sketches used in appraisals.
• Determine the primary use for appraised properties.
• Document professional assumptions and limiting conditions.
• Determine comparable sales data and adjustments to valuations.
• Estimate the value of site improvements.
• Determine appropriate appraisal method (cost or market) for residential properties.
• Verify information in title and ownership data, inspection reports, market models, and other sources.

Knowledge of:

• Appraisal methods for residential properties
• Construction, mapping, GIS, and cadastral
• Property sales and valuations procedures

Skills in:

• Research and analysis
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Microsoft programs and other database applications
• Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

You would be a great fit for this position if you:

• Self-motivation
• Follow instructions
• Provide timely customer service
• Multitask and prioritize work under deadlines
• Basic computer skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of personalities using discretion, active listening, critical thinking, and problem sensitivity.
• Written and verbal communication

Successful applicants are required to successfully pass DOR tax and background check(s). DOR is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

***This is an incomplete list of job duties. For a complete job description please contact Human Resources. ( [e-mail] or 406-444-9858)

(All computer systems and tax guidelines will be trained on the job.)

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Please submit the following application material:

Resume

Submissions incomplete or missing relevant materials will not be reviewed or considered. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. When attaching documents, mark each as”relevant” to ensure they are viewable.

Applicant Pool Statement:If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Special Requirements

Eligibility for employment will be subject to the following:

• Criminal Background Check. Circumstances involving convictions will be reviewed
• Tax status must be current. Circumstances involving tax status issues will be reviewed
• Lifting is infrequent, less than 15 pounds.
• Travel is required, must have a valid driver’s license.

REMOTE/TELEWORK:

This position may be eligible to work from an approved worksite; however, the successful candidate must be a primary resident of Montana as a condition of employment. This position would be required to report to the Department of Revenue office assigned by the supervisor. Employees must meet and sustain Department of Revenue telework eligibility requirements and supervisor's approval to participate in the DOR Telework Program. Full-time teleworking is not available.

Training Assignment:

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Effective May 26, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ .

Eligibility to Work

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card". The State of Montana does not sponsor.

Special Information

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Successful applicants are required to successfully pass DOR tax and background check(s).

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

The above competencies are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

Two years of post-secondary education in business, accounting, economics, public administration, construction technology or training; and

One year of job-related experience.

Preferred work experience includes appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or related field.

Requires Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101), and USPAP per ARM 42.18.206-208 and MCA Title 15; within the first year of employment.

Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

The minimum level needed within one year of work is:

Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101), per ARM 42.18.206-208 and MCA Title 15

Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice training (USPAP), ARM 42.18.206-208

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary

$54,396.00 - 56,576.00 Yearly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 50 % of the Time

Primary Location

Plentywood Agency : Department of Revenue Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.