PROPERTY DESCRIPTION CLERK

Polk County; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County in Des Moines, IA seeks a Property Description Assistant to support the public and county staff by researching property legal descriptions, deeds, and plat maps. You will review documents from the Recorder's Office, identify parcels, and update the real estate records with accurate owner changes and parcel divisions.

Responsibilities include answering inquiries in person or by phone, researching property histories, and maintaining organized files.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent
• At least 1 year experience interpreting legal descriptions or real estate maps
• Ability to research and analyze maps and legal documents
• Strong proofreading and attention to accuracy
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Responsibilities

• Assist the public and professionals with property legal descriptions
• Research property history using transfer books and maps
• Review legal documents and locate parcels in records
• Enter and verify changes in real estate computer files
• Maintain and organize files of processed documents
• Refer complex documents to property description technicians

Skills

Property descriptions

Legal descriptions

Map interpretation

Data extraction

Research and analysis

Communication skills

Proofreading

Computers & typing

Mathematical calculations

Recordkeeping

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Real estate computer system

Job description

Under general supervision, assists the general public and others regarding property legal descriptions; conducts research of property history and reviews deeds, contracts, other legal documents and descriptions to maintain accurate real estate records.

1. Responds to inquiries, in person and over the phone, and assists the general public, other County employees, engineers, real estate agents, attorneys, abstractors, and other professionals regarding property legal descriptions, lot size, valuations, taxes, ownership and property addresses, tax parcels, plat maps, and office policies and procedures.
2. Conducts research for customers on history of property utilizing transfer books, grantee/grantor books, microfilm and archives; provides copies of documents and plat maps.
3. Reviews legal documents from the Recorder's Office, (e.g., warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, contracts, condemnations, etc.); identifies location of parcel designated in the legal description utilizing real estate computer system; determines action necessary to update real estate file including owner changes and parcel division, return to, or removal from tax rolls.
4. Enters and verifies changes in the real estate computer file; reviews and updates military and homestead exemptions.
5. Updates counter books with changes in address, new plats, retired property, etc.; examines parcel map books and identifies errors for correction.
6. Refers complex documents to the property description technicians for processing.
7. Maintains file of processed documents.
8. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of terms, procedures, and techniques used in writing and drawing property legal descriptions.
• Knowledge of legal documents related to real estate transactions.
• Knowledge of legal requirements for homestead and military exemptions.
• Knowledge of how to read and interpret symbology on real estate maps.
• Knowledge of the property tax cycle process.
• Knowledge of and the ability to maintain departmental policies, practices, and standards.
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
• Excellent proofreading skills, attention to accuracy and detail.
• Basic keyboard and typing skills.
• Ability to draw legal descriptions.
• Ability to research, analyze, and extract data from maps and other legal documents.
• Ability to resolvemoderately complex problems or discrepancies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with the general public and other County employees using courtesy, patience, and tact.
• Ability to make minor decisions, in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and other general office equipment.
• Ability to accurately perform somewhat complex mathematical calculations.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete office records.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and
• One year experience in interpretation of legal descriptions, platting maps, or real estate research, or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.

Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.