Initially under close supervision, performs a variety of data gathering tasks and general clerical duties in support of Assessor Office personnel. While this position is prohibited from establishing value; since employee will not be a licensed appraiser, assistance to help certified appraisers is a major function of this position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Performs field work for the County Assessor's Office, which involves inspecting, verifying, and gathering data and other pertinent information on all taxable real and personal property in order for a certified appraiser to determine a value for tax purposes. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents perform routine data collection while learning how to independently work and while learning all pertinent County and departmental procedures as well as systems and practices. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision.

(Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions).

1. Discovers, lists and when appropriate, measures all types of improvements, both real and personal property. The above will primarily be achieved through direct field visits, but may also be verified through telephone calls, correspondence, aerial photography, conversation with real estate professionals, contractors, developers, engineers and property owners.
2. Confirms existing data, notes any differences, takes photos and makes extensive notes sufficient to assist a certified appraiser in establishing a value.
3. Determines the location of various improvements when parcel divisions or realignments occur.
4. Under the direction of a certified appraiser, performs data input of appraisal data, gathering and confirming sales data to include use of public records, correspondence, telephone interviews and field visits.
5. Coordinates with the City of Winnemucca and Humboldt County Building Departments to collect, organize, and maintain records of building permits and architectural plans of all buildings constructed in each jurisdiction. This also requires maintaining and tracking all permits for various stages of completion. This would include reviewing current permits against appraisal records and parcel maps to identify potential discrepancies in parcel number, address or location of improvements on the parcel and contact appropriate governmental agency to resolve discrepancies and correct records as necessary.
6. Performs extensive field work and visits various sites that involves walking long distances.
7. Acts as information source to property owners and other interested parties in the field, at the public counter, and over the telephone? explains appraisal and appeal procedures to taxpayers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (KSAs are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training).

Knowledge of:

• Basic policies and procedures related to the appraisal process.
• Basic concepts and terminology related to real or personal property appraisal and taxation.
• Laws, regulations, policies and procedures regarding valuation of real and/or personal property.
• Basic GIS mapping functions.
• Marshall & Swift® cost manuals.
• Data collection procedures utilized in real and/or personal property appraisal.
• Basic knowledge of materials, and terminology related to building construction? business arithmetic? correct business English? techniques for dealing with the public, in person and by telephone? standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment? standard record keeping principles and practices? computer applications related to the work.
• Information required on appraisal records and computer databases.
• Computer software specific to the department/division.
• General knowledge of the valuation of real and/or personal property and relevant statutes and regulations.
• Departments and agencies associated with the Assessor's Office.

Skill to:

• Use a variety of technical computer programs related to appraisal activities including CAMA system and GIS mapping applications.
• Establish and maintain general and technical record keeping systems.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Organize own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines? using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines, perform detail-oriented tasks? and must be able to complete a high volume of work while maintaining accuracy and adhering to statutory regulations and deadlines.
• Read and interpret legal descriptions, statutes and regulations, deeds of title, cadastral maps, building plans, and permits and descriptive sketches.
• Create detailed digital sketches including delineating and labeling building areas according to Marshall & Swift® cost manuals.
• Perform clerical and quality control duties to aid appraisers in the valuation process and in preparing information for Boards of Equalization and support clerical staff in these duties.
• Perform data entry and retrieval, word processing, and create spreadsheets.
• Develop computer logs, tables, and files.
• Perform complicated mathematical and geometric calculations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, property owners, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
• Use standard office equipment including but not limited to computers, telephones, copiers, digital cameras, calculators and FAX machines.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of training, education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to gain the required knowledge and ability is:

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent and six months of general clerical experience performing a variety of office clerical tasks, including the use of a computer or any combination of training and experience that would demonstrate the desired knowledge and abilities of the position.

Humboldt County is an Equal Employment Opportunity provider in the services it offers.