Borough Assessor
Basic Function:
Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff and with independent duties as set forth in state law, the Borough Assessor is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing an effective and efficient program for the continual assessment of property in the Borough. The Borough Assessor ensures consistent application of State statutes and Borough ordinances relative to the appraisal process and directs functions of the Land Management Division. This is a highly visible position, both internally and externally, functioning with substantial autonomy.
Typical Duties:
1. Responsible for the overall supervision, direction, and development of department employees, including but not limited to hiring, training, discipline, and employee evaluation.
2. Coordinates and evaluates activities of property appraisers and support personnel engaged in evaluating, reporting, and verifying data and records; ensures statutory deadlines are met when producing assessment rolls.
3. Develops office procedures and records systems designed to produce and maintain property assessment and tax rolls, tax notices, and records.
4. Maintains a comprehensive database of all taxable property within the Borough. Responsible for administering property tax exemption programs as authorized by state law and borough code.
5. Assumes the responsibility for the technical accuracy and internal efficiency of the department's work product.
6. Evaluates existing methods of technical and procedural operations, implements necessary improvements; develops and initiates long and short-term appraisal programs. Formulates, gathers, and analyzes statistical data on real estate and economic conditions to model property market data.
7. Certifies the assessment roll; supervises the investigation and resolution of assessment complaints; reviews appraisal cases; defends appraisals and represents the department before the Board of Equalization; prepares and delivers testimony in court as needed.
8. Prepares and administers budgets; maintains required records and reports on departmental activities.
9 Supervise the Land Manager whose responsibilities include advising the borough administration and assembly on technical aspects of land management. Oversees the management of borough owned lands, nomination, and sales programs. Provide long range planning of land.
10. Represent the Borough at meetings and hearings as appropriate. Ability to meet at various locations on short notice and on evenings and weekends.
11. Develop and administer annual operating budgets.
12. Formulate and implement department policy, programs, and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible real estate appraisal work experience.
2. Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business administration, economics, or related field preferred.
3. Two (2) years experience as an administrative manager in a supervisory capacity or responsible supervisory background; management experience in a collective bargaining context preferred.
4. Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of real property appraisal, including mass appraisal. Prefer knowledge with land development and sales.
5. Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing real property appraisal and assessment in Alaska.
6. Possession of a professional certification with the International Association of Assessing Officers (CAE or RES), the Appraisal Institute (SRPA or SREA, or an Alaska Certified Assessor/Appraiser (ACAA) designation.
7. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures.
8. Demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely prepare and publicly present formal oral and written reports and technical studies. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, federal and state officials, and public and private groups. Ability to deal effectively and courteously with complaints.
9. Ability to communicate assessment policies and practices to the public.
10. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer for a variety of computer programs (MS Word & Excel required). Experience working with an electronic Assisted Mass Appraisal System and record management systems for property.
11. Ability to exercise authority and instill confidence in managing programs subject to high scrutiny.
12. Must have and be able to maintain a valid driver’s license. Must meet insurance standards and maintain insurability under the Borough's insurance program. If personal automobile is used for Borough business, proof of automobile insurance at statutory limits must be provided. (A current copy of driving record will be required at time of interview.)
13. This position requires a criminal background investigation and a credit history background check.
Job Contacts:
The general public, federal, state, and local agency representatives, elected and appointed officials, all department personnel and other borough department personnel, consultants, contractors, private and public interest groups.
Job Responsibility:
See basic functions and typical duties.
Work Environment:
General office where conditions are pleasant, good and clean. Conditions where accidents/hazards are negligible; requires short periods of light lifting, pushing or pulling (1-26 lbs.).