Senior Assessor

Our City Our Future

St. Johns is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. Johns is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff more than 1200 strong who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. Johns and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality we want you to help us make St. Johns a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager - Assessments this position is primarily responsible for assigning a fair market value to all property located in the City of St. Johns in accordance with the Assessment Act through the application of three approaches to value (Cost Approach Direct Sales Comparison and Income Approach).

Accountabilities

Reviews and interprets maps registered construction plans legal description and survey plans subdivision plans residential and commercial property listings deeds of sale rent rates vacancy rates capitalization rates operating expense ratios costing data and other relevant information as required in order to complete analysis for mass appraisal purposes.
Inspects residential and commercial properties as required for the purpose of data collection sales review and property record update.
Works closely with other City departments such as LIS PERS Taxation and Legal regarding property records and assessment related items.
Provides direction oversight and mentorship to assessor trainees by advising in problem solving areas and giving technical guidance.
Works with property owners to complete assessment review to ensure accurate analysis and market value conclusion. This includes site visits exchange of information and one on one meetings as required.
Prepares Assessment Appeal court submission to support and defend concluded assessed value.
Defends property assessment values at the Assessment Review Court on behalf of the City and attends court hearings as an expert witness at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Liaises with other professionals such as appraisers lawyers accountants developers etc. who represent property owners for the purpose of establishing fair market assessment value during the assessment and appeal process.
Communicates with general public over the phone email or in person to explain assessment process rationale for completed valuation.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

Education Three (3) year diploma in a relevant post-secondary education in a related field such as Engineering Technology Mathematics Business or Economics supplemented by completion of the Appraisal/Assessment program recognized by the Appraisal Institute of Canada (CRA or AACI) or Institute of Municipal Assessors (AIMA or MIMA) or equivalent designation in Appraisal/Assessment.

Experience Six (6) years experience with at least three (3) years current commercial which must include assessment/valuation of income producing properties. Successful completion of the Citys six (6) year internal Assessment Trainee program is also required for those who are currently enrolled.

Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated ability to make accurate mathematical calculations and interpret building plans file diagrams GIS maps and survey documents. Exceptional organizational analytical problem-solving and time-management skills are required with the ability to reprioritize work assignments in order to respond to urgent requests. Must be able to work independently with limited supervision in time-sensitive demanding situations. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills high attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively with people in a tactful diplomatic manner. A good working knowledge of relevant assessment legislation and computer software applications such as Excel and Word are also required. Knowledge of Harris Govern and Arc GIS and Assessment Analyst are considered definite assets.

Other
A valid Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5 License with primary access to a vehicle and Business Insurance are required in addition to a current Criminal Record of Conduct.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment with periodic exposure to outside elements.

Physical Requirements

Normal physical effort is required for day to day movement about the workplace. Must have finger dexterity/grasping ability to operate issued equipment/devices or a computer.

Hours of Work

9:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday (33.75 hours per week)

Applicants must be members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1289 or should be prepared to join the Union immediately upon appointment.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. Johns does not accept applications in person by email fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. Johns is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the communitys diversity.