Real Estate Assessor 1
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Real Estate Assessor 1 is the entry-level position in the series of real estate assessor jobs, performing real estate appraisal and assessment work determining values of land, residential buildings and other building and yard improvements for tax assessment purposes. This position is differentiated from related jobs in this series by the assignment of residential and agricultural property, except for other properties assigned for developmental purposes.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to a supervisory assessment position.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Receives on-the-job guidance, instruction, and assistance in the proper procedures for collecting assessment data and appropriate methods for determining the assessment of real property.
Studies site, building, and other plans, specifications, and other sources to gather data required for appraisals such as zoning, size, use, location, quality of construction, depreciation, cost, income, and sales comparison data.
Makes inspections of existing, newly constructed, and partially constructed buildings, as well as vacant parcels, for the purpose of gathering assessment data. Measures, photographs, and lists data about properties.
Determines and/or verifies information on factors such as sales, size, and type of construction, including quality of workmanship and materials, land classifications, and use.
Differentiates between real and personal property for building improvements.
Reviews and analyzes information collected. Determines appraisal value of residential and agricultural properties. Correlates estimates made by various recognized valuation methods, including cost, sales comparison, and income approaches to arrive at a fair appraisal value.
Converses with property owners, authorized managers or agents, developers, attorneys and others, giving information, answering questions, and resolving complaints about current assessment, appraisal techniques, and/or appraised value.
Compiles building permits, maps, aerial photography, etc. for field review.
Accepts and processes applications and amendments for Clean and Green properties. Notifies higher-level personnel when violations occur. Initiates billing process via calculation of estimated rollback taxes.
Analyzes monthly sales for submission to the State Tax Equalization Board to determine the County’s Common Level Ratio.
Inspects and photographs properties under appeal, reviews appraisals, and prepares data for the Revenue Appeals Board hearings.
Runs and analyzes various reports including Permit Tracking, Act Sales, Homestead/Farmstead exclusions, Exemptions, etc.
Monitors changes in laws and administers assessments pertaining to Act 319, Act 515, Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA), Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Act 4, Act 66, Act 43, Act 149, Exemptions, etc.
Completes time sheets and mileage forms for reimbursement.
Attends individual and staff meetings to determine overall work progress, particular issues requiring attention, and address staff concerns.
Enters and reviews data in the assessment system, Word, Excel, Outlook, and various other programs.
*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Completion of a high school, or general equivalency, diploma; AND
Must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for at least six (6) months; AND
Employees assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION – As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a motor vehicle driving record check.
UPON HIRE - Within three (3) years of the date of employment, incumbents must successfully obtain a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE) certification as required by the Assessors Certification Act; AND
Must successfully complete a minimum of 90 hours of basic course work as required; AND
Successfully complete a comprehensive examination covering all phases of the appraisal process and the assessment function.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS - Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and present valid proof of vaccinated status, in order to be eligible for hire with the County of Northampton. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people are considered fully vaccinated two (2) weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series (such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) or two (2) weeks after a single-dose vaccine (such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).
The County of Northampton will follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines with regard to booster(s) and when individuals are considered fully vaccinated.
ADVANCEMENT & RETENTION REQUIREMENTS - Upon successful completion of the Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE) certification, incumbents will be eligible for advancement to the title Real Estate Assessor 2. The inability of an employee in this title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to the title listed above may be considered as just cause for separation of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Basic knowledge of building construction practices.
Basic knowledge of mathematical methods and techniques used to determine shape, size, and area of structures or parcels of land.
Ability to determine property value for assessment purposes from information gathered.
Ability to learn and utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the unit.
Ability to learn, determine, secure and apply factors affecting residential and agricultural property values.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, property owners, and the public.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.