Job Description

Salary : $70,209.40 - $104,085.93 Annually

Location : 90 W Plato Blvd (Saint Paul), MN

Job Type: Full Time

Remote Employment: Remote Optional

Job Number: 2024-01036

Department: 26B01-AO/Commcl

Opening Date: 10/11/2024

Closing Date: 11/4/2024 11:59 PM Central

Union: Local 8 - General County

Salary Plan: 22M

Salary Grade: 29M

FLSA Status: nonexempt

Basic Function

The current vacancy is in the Assessor's Office Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

To appraise commercial, industrial, apartment and special use real estate; to provide information to the public regarding real estate appraisals; and to perform related duties as assigned or those performed by Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial. At this level, employees are expected to perform appraisal services that require the application of knowledge and skill typically obtained through experience in the Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial position. This is the master appraiser position. The expectation is that the employee will have complete knowledge of all types of appraisal theory and ability to appraise all property types. This position will be required to represent the county and to serve as an expert witness in Minnesota Tax Court proceedings.


The Senior Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial will need to competently utilize all three applicable approaches to the valuation process and will be required to completely perform valuation analysis for complex commercial, industrial and apartment properties. They will be required to have the ability to apply their knowledge of the commercial real estate market to assist in the improvement of the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) income model output.

Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of mobile position'. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy

• When this position does need to go into the office, our office is located in the Plato building in St. Paul. This building offers free parking.
• This position offers flexible start and end times for a more flexible schedule.

If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: . Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

1. Perform market research for all property types assigned, which could be up to 80 property use types; include gathering actual income and expense rates, occupancy levels, and capitalization rates to determine potential market performance of income producing properties; review and analyze various commercial real estate market surveys and publications to keep current with various assigned markets; coordination with results of Sales Ratio Studies, research work should ultimately be used to compile recommendations for recalibrating CAMA income valuation models.
2. Investigate and review requests for reduction of assessed valuation or change in classification through the Open Book, Special Board of Appeal and Equalization and Abatement process. Complete appraisal reports including the use of market sales grids and income proformas. Ability to know and ask property owners for the correct financial information needed to process the appeal.
3. Determine the proper tax classification for individual commercial, industrial, apartment or complex special use properties as required by Minnesota Statute. Understand and have the ability to correctly assign each of the 20 plus class rates involving commercial related properties.
4. Determine the estimated values of vacant land and to estimate the contribution to value of the land component of improved properties. Include up to date information on various land markets for assigned property types to assist in the development of CAMA commercial and apartment land models and give annual recommendations for any needed adjustments to land models.
5. Respond to complex questions and concerns from property owners, attorneys and tax representatives regarding the assessment process, commercial property valuation methods, the 20 plus class rates involving commercial related properties and the various special programs applicable to commercial property. Represent the department in disputes before the Board of Equalization concerning the valuation of property.
6. Litigate the more complex and higher valued commercial, industrial and apartment tax court petitions. Handle all aspects of tax petitions for income producing properties including reviewing compliance with income data disclosure, negotiating fair settlements with tax attorneys, preparing narrative USPAP compliant appraisals, and defending values through testimony in Minnesota Tax Court. Ability to identify particularly problematic cases early on to allow time to hire outside experts.
7. Verify and compile data on all sales transactions of assigned properties. Interview buyers, sellers, brokers, closers, attorneys, developers and any other parties relevant to the transaction to determine the sales validity for inclusion in the Department of Revenues annual sales ratio study. Organize this data to accurately and completely enter in the Assessor Commercial Exchange (ACE) database.
8. Appraise commercial, industrial, apartment and special use properties using mass appraisal statistical modeling techniques, direct capitalization or gross rent analysis.
9. Liaison for the County Assessor Department in advance of Tax Court; discuss with County Attorney and Commercial Supervisor the need for serving discovery in complex cases. In preparation for Tax Court, meet with County Attorney to prepare for testimony in tax court. Discuss and make necessary corrections to Appraisal Reports prepared for Tax Court.
10. Facilitate meetings with attorneys, property owners and their representatives to arrange resolution of cases; compile relevant income analysis and communicate the results to petitioner and petitioner's representatives; identify particularly problematic cases early on to allow time to hire outside experts.
11. Collaborate with Commercial Supervisor to ensure quality work standards and recommend improvements.
12. Review, verify and analyze Certificates of Real Estate Value, to verify market validity of sale; monitor appraisers' review of Certificates of Real Estate Value and report recommendations to a higher level appraiser.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Two years of post-secondary education.

Experience: Five years of experience in appraising income producing, complex special use properties AND/OR complex residential properties in an Assessor's office or working as a state licensed appraiser.

Substitutions: A Bachelor's degree in real estate or closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience. Two additional years of real estate appraisal experience may substitute for the post-secondary education requirement listed above.

Required Certifications/ Licenses: Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) or within five years of obtaining licensure as a CMA; and must have a valid Class D Driver's License.

Licensure as a Certified General real property appraiser by the Minnesota Department of Commerce with the ability to get a temporary Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license may substitute for the AMA; obtain an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) licensure under Minnesota Statues within the five-year time from the date the temporary license is issued.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Senior Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List : The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as aSenior Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 3 months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.

Veteran's Preference : This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.


Criminal Background Checks : All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

• Driver's License Check is also required

E-Verify Participation : Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.


Equal Opportunity Employer : Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.


Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click . You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.


For further information regarding this posting, please contact


Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and one floating holiday
  • Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after five years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2024 benefits, visit:


01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No

02


Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

• Yes
• No

03


Which best describes your full-time equivalent experience appraising income producing, complex special use properties and or complex residential properties in an Assessor's office or working as a state licensed appraiser.

• No experience in this area
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years of experience
• 3 year or more, but less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years or more, but less than 5 years of experience
• 5 years or more, but less than 6 years of experience
• 6 years or more, but less than 7 years of experience
• 7 years or more, but less than 8 years of experience
• 8 years or more of experience

04


Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."


05


Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in a related field.Degree must be earned prior to the closing date of this posting.

• High school diploma or GED
• College credits that total less than 2 years (60 credits in a related field)
• Associate's degree
• College credits that equal two years, (60 credits or more in a related field)
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

06


Write in your highest level of education completed. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, and date of completion. If you do not have a degree/college credits, please write N/A in the space below. Do not write see resume or application.


07


Do you currently hold a valid Class D driver's license?

• Yes
• No

08


What active licenses do you currently hold from the list below? Check all that apply.

• Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA)
• Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA)
• Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA) OR Certified General real property appraiser by the MN Department of Commerce with the ability to get a temporary Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license
• None of the above

09


If indicated that you have a license above. Please enter in your certification/license number(s) here. If you do not have this. Please write N/A.


10


Do you have the ability to work in the field in all-weather including traveling from property to property to physically inspect properties?

• Yes
• No

11


Which of the following software applications have you used as part of your volunteer, education, or work experience? Check all that apply. Note: As a candidate you may be required to demonstrate this ability during the interview process.

• Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent
• Microsoft SharePoint or equivalent
• Pictometry
• ESRI GIS Arc- View Products
• Tyler iasWorld CAMA System
• Marshall & Swift Building Cost
• CoStar
• None of the above

12


What property types do you have experience appraising? (Select all that apply)

• Apartment
• Downtown Commercial Business District (CBD)
• Hotel/Motel
• Income-qualified property
• Industrial
• Office
• Retail
• None of the above

Required Question Ramsey County, MN

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Internship, Local area, Remote job, Flexible hours,

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