Assessor

The Assessor is responsible for assisting in the application of established formulas to the information collected in field investigations and data verification to determine assessments for residential and commercial properties in accordance with the Municipal Government Act and its attached Regulations and Ministerial Guidelines for regular annual and cyclical property reviews. The Assessor collaborates with the team to maintain and update descriptive data about all properties in Sturgeon County as well as develop benchmarks and processes that enhance the quality of assessments. This role also supports the annual defense of all market value assessments through education of the public and formal defense at assessment review boards.

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We are seeking candidates who meet the qualifications for an Assessor role. Applicants who do not fully meet the Assessor requirements are still encouraged to apply as they may be considered for a Technician position at a lower pay classification.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inspections (40%)

• Conducts regular annual and cyclical reviews (inspections) of Sturgeon County property to determine physical changes to assigned properties.
• Completes inspections to Farmland and market value properties (residential and small-scale mixed use non-residential properties) to collect verify and analyze land or building characteristics property use and ownership information.
• Collaborates with manager or senior assessor to perform Industrial property inspections.
• Determines accessibility use and descriptive information of properties using methods such as field or aerial imagery structural measurement research of applicable legislation and other data gathering procedures.

Administration (30%)

• Prepares and maintains data record on each assessed parcel to accurately inventory land structures property characteristics and any applicable assessment exemptions.
• Applies or helps to develop property CAMA systems benchmarks or equitable procedures for assessing all market value properties and farmland.
• Completes preparation and maintenance of database of sales data on sold properties evaluating information on transfer documents to ensure validity of transactions.
• Understands and can relate and/or calculate property tax information to rate payers as needed.

Analysis & Defense (25%)

• Assists Senior Assessor with the mass appraisal valuation of all market value property within Sturgeon County.
• Completes review of property sales data on sold properties evaluating information on transfer documents to verify validity of transactions and quality of existing property data.
• Collaborates with team to analyze market trends to determine property values and/or the accuracy of assessments.
• Applies rural property tax exemptions and/or deductions.
• Collaborates to apply other legislated or regulated assessment exemptions as needed.
• Explains assessed values to property owners and defends market value assessment complaints at Assessment Review Boards.

Other Related Duties (5%)

• Attends conferences courses and other training workshops to participate in the mandatory recertification program with the Alberta Assessors Association as per Municipal Assessors Regulation.
• Completes special projects and other assessor duties as required.
• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.

KNOWLEDGE EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Two-year post-secondary diploma in property appraisal or equivalent.
• Hold at least one professional designation with the Alberta Assessors Association (AMAA) or Appraisal Institute of Canada (CRA AACI) or International Association of Assessing Officers (RES CAE).
• A clear Police Information Criminal Record Check is required.
• Good understanding of and remaining current with assessment and taxation legislation mass appraisal theory and techniques with a focus on cost and direct sales approaches to value.
• Ability to apply rural property tax exemptions and/or deductions including the ability to calculate and communicate to rate payers.
• Working knowledge of local social and economic factors affecting property values.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills using courtesy tact and discretion in dealing with requests complaints and clarification of information.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and being accountable for any decisions undertaken.
• Ability to work in a team environment or independently with the ability to take initiative and be self-motivated and demonstrate a commitment to continual learning.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to make decisions and accept responsibility for them is vital.
• Working Knowledge of SQL and other data management software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Must have a valid Drivers License and an acceptable drivers abstract.

We are seeking candidates who meet the qualifications for an Assessor role. Applicants who do not fully meet the Assessor requirements are still encouraged to apply as they may be considered for a Technician position at a lower pay classification.

Assets:

• Accredited member of Alberta Assessors Association. (accredited members have at least 4 years of experience in the assessment field)
• Familiarity with GIS taxation permit systems CAMAlot software.