PROPERTY DESCRIPTION CLERK

Polk County, IA; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County is seeking a detail-oriented staff member to assist the public with property legal descriptions and maintain accurate real estate records. The role involves researching property histories, reviewing deeds and contracts, and updating tax parcels and maps.

The position requires careful data entry, proofreading, and the ability to interpret legal documentation. Responsibilities include responding to inquiries, researching property history, updating the real estate computer file, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
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Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries in person and by phone, assisting the public, county staff, engineers, agents, attorneys, abstractors and professionals regarding property legal descriptions, lot sizes, valuations, taxes, ownership and addresses.

Skills

Property descriptions knowledge

Legal documents knowledge

Homestead & military exemptions

Reading map symbology

Property tax cycle knowledge

Office practices

Proofreading

Typing skills

Draw legal descriptions

Data extraction from maps/docs

Problem solving

Verbal & written communication

Customer service & courtesy

Decision making (small)

PC operation

Mathematical calculations

Maintain accurate records

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience interpreting legal descriptions / platting maps / real estate search

Any equivalent education/experience

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.