Appraiser - Part-Time/Limited Benefit at Ottawa County – West Olive, Michigan

Under the direction of Equalization Appraiser Ill's and the Assessing Division Managers, assists in the appraisal of all real and personal property. Assists in determining true cash value to ensure compliance with uniform assessment requirements of Section 211.34 of the Michigan General Property Tax Act. Conducts on-site reviews of physical property data including but not limited to size, quality, and condition of improvements. Assists appraisers and managers with the collection of market, financial, geological, hydrological, zoning and other data used in assessment administration projects to establish the true cash value of real property and personal property, in accordance with State Tax Commission approved techniques and standards.

This is a part-time, limited benefit position working no more than 600 hours per year based out of the Fillmore Complex in West Olive, MI. Travel to other county locations as needed.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides assistance in the appraisal of all classes of real property, including agricultural, commercial, developmental, industrial, and residential and timber cutover.
• Prepares appraisal record cards for selected parcels. Preparation includes new appraisal cards, drawing apex sketches, removing obsolete cards, etc.
• Contacts property owners to schedule appraisal appointments.
• Verifies measurements contained in parcel descriptions and identifies geological, hydrological and other natural features; soil type; buildable characteristics; drainage requirements; rights-of-way, frontage and accessibility; proximate land usage and availability of public utilities; groundwater and soil contaminants; and other features and characteristics affecting the value of the land.
• Assists Assessing Division Managers with local unit with various assessment administration projects including the processing of personal property returns.
• Collects, analyzes and correlates data for sales studies, land value studies, and economic condition factor studies.
• Provides information and assistance to local assessors and units of government.
• Provides basic assessment information to property owners, builders, real estate brokers, governmental agencies, businesses, residents and the public.
• Performs additional functions as required to ensure accurate valuation of property and uniform assessment of general property taxes throughout the County.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Must have either previous experience in assessment administration or related field or possess a related degree or professional license (appraiser, realtor, residential builder, etc.).

Licenses and Certifications:
Michigan Certified Assessing Officer or Michigan Certified Assessment Technician preferred. Otherwise, must work towards attaining certification with the Michigan State Tax Commission as a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer or Michigan Certified Assessment Technician.

Must complete all required continuing education credits for annual recertification and maintain current knowledge of Michigan property tax laws and Tax Commission rules and regulations.

Must possess a valid Michigan Driver's License.

• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database management and Internet software applications.
• Working knowledge of GIS software applications- and the interpretation of digital land base data.
• Knowledge of current socio-economic conditions and trends affecting property appraisal.
• Working knowledge of real estate terminology.
• Some exposure to statistical analysis.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with property owners, accountants, third-party tax preparers, community and business representatives, real estate professionals, local assessors, other local government employees and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

NOTE: Incumbents may assist with property appraisals at sites throughout the county and must be able to transport themselves to and from appraisal sites.

Physical Requirements:

• Must possess sufficient mobility with or without assistive devices to access all natural features, structures and/or improvements on developed and undeveloped agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and timber cutover parcels being appraised.
• Must have sufficient mobility with or without assistive devices to access all features of structures located on parcels being appraised.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity with or without corrective lenses to visually inspect property being appraised.
• Must be able to descend to and ascend from ground/floor level to take measurements and to inspect soil and geological land features; building foundations and other structural features, and other features of land and structures being appraised.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to access and move tax rolls, maps and other items weighing up to 25lbs.

Working Conditions:
A significant portion of the workload is performed outdoors and/or off-site. Essential job functions may require incidental exposure to inclement weather conditions, airborne particulates and contaminants, industrial chemicals and compounds, livestock and other animals, and other unpleasant or hazardous working conditions. Site appraisals involve an inherent risk of confrontations with uncooperative or aggressive property owners or occupants.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.