City Assessor

Core Purpose of Position

The City Assessor provides strategic leadership and professional oversight of the Citys property assessment function to ensure fair accurate and equitable property valuations for taxation. Operating within a highly regulated legislative framework the role is essential to the Citys financial stability revenue integrity and public trust.

As the Citys authority on assessment matters the City Assessor applies advanced valuation theory and legislative expertise while advising senior administration and City Council on assessment-related impacts.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Assessment and Valuation

• Direct and perform mass appraisal and individual assessments for residential commercial and industrial properties.
• Apply cost income and sales comparison approaches in compliance with legislation and professional standards.
• Conduct inspections review permits and assess improvements affecting value.
• Analyze market sales rental income and cost data to develop defensive valuation models.

Assessment Roll & Legislative Compliance

• Prepare maintain and certify the Annual and Supplemental Assessment Rolls within legislated timelines.
• Ensure compliance with municipal provincial and applicable federal legislation.
• Verify classifications exemptions and tax status.
• Lead general revaluation projects including planning and change management.

Appeals Litigation & Representation

• Prepare valuation reports and evidence for Boards of Revision and the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.
• Defend assessments professionally and transparently.
• Integrate relevant case law into assessment practices.

Leadership & Management

• Lead supervise and develop the assessment services team.
• Plan and monitor workloads to meet statutory deadlines.
• Manage inspections market studies sales verification and roll maintenance.
• Promote professionalism accountability and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder & Government Relations

• Act as the Citys primary liaison with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) auditors provincial agencies and industry bodies.
• Represent the City on provincial committees and working groups.
• Advise on legislative changes and municipal impacts.

Communication & Advisory Role

• Provide clear accurate advice to City Council administration and the public.
• Explain assessment methods values and tax impacts to stakeholders and ratepayers.
• Support informed decision-making through analysis and reporting.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Integrity and professional judgment.
• Strategic thinking.
• Leadership and team development.
• Accountability and results oriented.
• Clear communication and public confidence.
• Adaptability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications (Education Training Experience)

• Degree in Urban Land Economics Assessment and Appraisal or related field.
• Minimum 7 years progressive experience in municipal assessment or appraisal.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
• Licensed Assessment Appraiser of Saskatchewan (LAAS) or Municipal Assessment Appraiser of Saskatchewan (MAAS) designation or equivalent an asset.
• Accreditation with the Saskatchewan Assessment Appraisers Association (SAAA).
• Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) or Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute (AACI) designation an asset.
• Experience leading general revaluation projects and change initiatives.
• Valid Class 5 drivers license.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Key Technical Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of assessment and taxation legislation.
• Advanced mass appraisal valuation and statistical modelling expertise.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and appraisal systems.
• Knowledge of zoning land use construction methods and materials.
• Ability to maintain accurate audit-ready documentation.
• Understanding of assessment-related case law and appeals.