Job Description

ASSESSOR - COMMERCIAL - 1162

GRADE - 123

PAY RANGE - $85,342.40 - $121,680.00/yr - plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Locates, identifies and appraises real estate for the purpose of taxation; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure professional standards are applied to property assessment procedures. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision may be exercised over the work of employees in the class of Office Administrator I, Appraiser, Appraisal Technician, Customer Service Representative and Engineering Technician as assigned. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, business and community organizations, State officials and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in both a general office environment and at various field sites throughout the city.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Measures, lists and values new construction projects, plats and other field projects;
• Hears, evaluates and determines disposition of tax appeals;
• Revalues and sets values on existing properties in residential, commercial, industrial and exempt classes;
• Maintains and administers a tax roll of City tax revenue;
• Authorizes enrollment and coordinates periodic re-qualification of recipients of exemption programs;
• Updates the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on the status of the tax base;
• Computes, prepares and submits documentation to the State Department of Revenue Administration for use in determining the annual tax rate;
• Analyzes inspection data and makes appropriate changes to existing records and assessments;
• Performs extensive statistical analysis of assessments for the assigned purpose of recommending changes in assessments and revaluation projects;
• Reads and interprets blueprints, plats and condominium articles and amendments;
• Handles tax appeals as a quasi-judicial Board of Appeal, including on-site inspections, fee appraisal analysis, area and equity studies for market value and disposition of appeals;
• Administers the preparation and disposition of City owned/Tax Deeded properties through direct sale, auction and/or sealed bidding process;
• Represents the City in all matters of taxation through extensive knowledge of State laws governing Ad Valorem taxation, appraisal standards, fundamental ratio standards and assessment procedures;
• Projects and determines amount of overlay monies necessary for each tax year;
• Supervises and directs litigation cases at the State Board of Tax and Land Appeals and State Superior Court, and may act as an expert witness, contribute appraisals and/or additional supportive documentation;
• Oversees, operations of the City’s Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal System (CAMA) and related software programs;
• Performs special projects for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen as requested;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the procedures, methods and techniques used in the appraisal of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and exempt land and property for Ad Valorem tax purposes;
• Thorough knowledge of building construction practices and building and land costs;
• Thorough knowledge of State Law for appraisals and the assessment process;
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain working relationships with other City employees, home builders, and the general public;
• Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations and conclusions on property appraisals;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related; and
• One to three years of experience in mass appraisal or fee simple appraising in commercial or residential properties; or
• Three to five years of experience in mass appraisal or fee simple appraising in commercial or residential properties; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Designation as a Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) Certified New Hampshire Assessor Supervisor or an equivalent certification from another jurisdiction;
• Designation as a Certified New Hampshire Assessor (CNHA) and/or State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser (NHCG);
• Individuals certified from another jurisdiction must obtain NH certifications within one year of employment (Note: Failure to acquire NH certifications will result in termination);
• Successful completion of the International Association of Assessing Official’s (IAAO) or equivalent organization’s course in Advanced Income Approach to Valuation;
• Valid Driver’s License.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to performs on-site inspections and review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, related equipment and a registered motor vehicle;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to climb steps and ladders and to stand for extended periods;
• Sufficient mobility and flexibility which allows employees to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, push, pull, climb reach and grasp repetitively;
• Sufficient strength and endurance with or without reasonable accommodations, which permits the employee to lift and carry, through a full range of motion, up to 10 pounds occasionally, 5 pounds frequently and 2 pounds continuously;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to all areas of the City.