RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY APPRAISER 1-2-3

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about joining an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Residential Property Appraisers inspect residential properties for sale, permit, and valuation review.

CAREERS WITH THE MILWAUKEE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

What an exciting time to be part of Milwaukee’s renaissance! With approximately 160,000 properties in the City of Milwaukee, the Assessor's Office has a significant task in completing its annual assessment. The Assessor’s Office comprises a professional, diverse team whose job is to accurately and fairly value all taxable property in compliance with legal requirements and to provide services to the public, other city departments, and public agencies. If you are someone who enjoys performing field work, meeting new people, learning about Milwaukee’s varied neighborhoods, serving the public, using state-of-the-art technology, and being part of a helpful team, a career with the Milwaukee Assessor’s Office may be just what you are seeking! In addition to rewarding work, team members enjoy excellent benefits, variety, flexibility, and educational and promotional opportunities. Consider a career with the Milwaukee Assessor’s Office!

IMPORTANT NOTE: The names of eligible candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the highest-level eligible list for which they qualify.

Essential Functions

All titles:

Appraisal and Inspection

• List and appraise residential properties within the City of Milwaukee.
• Inspect property (residences and buildings), new construction, and significant improvements to existing structures to establish value.
• Prepare documentation of completed inspections.
• Classify property by its use, according to the Assessor’s Office standards.
• Gather information about properties by communicating with buyers and sellers, fielding sales and obtaining other economic information necessary to estimate market values of real property.
• Determine the validity of sales for use in modeling.
• Review permits and update data to reflect changes in properties.
• Maintain all departmental forms, reports, and records.

Analysis and Review

• Estimate equitable market values for the production of an annual assessment roll.
• Review estimated market values provided by the Assessor’s Office Valuation Systems and finalize property values.
• Review the effect of data entry changes in computer-assisted mass appraisal systems.
• Analyze trends in sale prices, construction costs and rent to assess property values and determine the accuracy of assessments.

Appeals and Recommendations

• Perform assessment reviews for appeals.
• Make recommendations to the Board of Assessors.
• Present testimony before the Board of Review and Circuit Court.

Customer Focus

• Provide prompt, courteous, and customer-focused service, information, and assistance to departmental employees, the public, other City of Milwaukee departments, and other agencies.
• Handle inquiries from property owners in person, over the phone, and by email message.
• Explain assessed values to property owners, leasing agents, managers, and legal representatives.

Residential Property Appraiser 3:

Appraisal and Inspection

• Mentor and train new appraisers.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to see details of properties during inspections.
• Must be able to physically access field locations to observe and record physical property characteristics relevant to assessment; this includes ascending and descending stairs and walking on uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to physically lift and move up to 10 pounds unassisted, on occasion.
• Must travel and perform field work throughout the City of Milwaukee.
• Must withstand variable indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, such as temperature changes, rain, and snow.
• Must be able to shout to be heard above surrounding noise levels.

Required pre-employment tests include the following:

• Vision Exam
• Audio-Gram
• Drug Screen – Non-DOT

Minimum Requirements

All Titles:

1. Valid driver's license and access to an adequately insured vehicle at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Private auto allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances.

Residential Property Appraiser 1:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;

OR

An associate degree in real estate or a related field from an accredited college AND two years of professional experience in property assessment, property appraisal or real estate sales;

OR

Four years of full-time experience in property assessment, property appraisal, or real estate sales.

2. Successful completion of a real estate valuation course from an accredited college or university within one year of employment and as a requirement for passing probation.

3. Certification by the State of Wisconsin at the Property Appraiser level or higher under the State Assessor’s Certification Program within 90 days of appointment, throughout employment and as a requirement for passing probation.

Residential Property Appraiser 2:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university AND one year of professional experience in property assessment, property appraisal or real estate sales;

OR

An associate degree in real estate or a related field from an accredited college AND three years of professional experience in property assessment, property appraisal or real estate sales;

OR

Five years of full-time experience in property assessment, property appraisal, or real estate sales.

2. Successful completion of a real estate valuation course from an accredited college or university at the time of appointment.

3. Certification by the State of Wisconsin at the Property Appraiser level or higher under the State Assessor’s Certification Program at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Successful completion of Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) Course 194-110 Introduction to Property Assessment or equivalent at time of appointment.

Successful completion of one (1) IAAO One Day Forum, Workshop, or equivalent at the time of appointment.

Residential Property Appraiser 3:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university AND two years of professional experience in property assessment, property appraisal or real estate sales including experience defending valuation before a board, commission, or other third-party reviewer;

OR

An associate degree in real estate or a related field from an accredited college AND four years of professional experience in property assessment, property appraisal or real estate sales including experience defending valuation before a board, commission, or other third-party reviewer;

OR

Six years of full-time experience in property assessment, property appraisal, or real estate sales including experience defending valuation before a board, commission, or other third-party reviewer.

2. Successful completion of a real estate valuation course from an accredited college or university at the time of appointment.

3. Certification by the State of Wisconsin at the Property Appraiser level or higher under the State Assessor’s Certification Program at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

4. Successful completion of Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) Course 194-110 Introduction to Property Assessment or equivalent at time of appointment.

5. Successful completion of IAAO Workshop 158 Highest and Best Use, or equivalent, at the time of appointment.

6. Successful completion of two (2) IAAO One Day Forum, Workshop, or equivalent, at the time of appointment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• Ability to provide interpretation in Spanish, Hmong, or another language.
• Property Assessment Certification from an accredited college.
• Successful completion of two International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) assessment-related courses.
• Successful completion of two IAAO workshops.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

All Titles:

Technical

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of real property assessment and valuation.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Knowledge of the materials and methods involved in the construction and repair of houses and buildings.
• Ability to efficiently use computer applications and software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to use equipment such as a scanner, copier, digital camera, and phone.
• Ability to learn and use job-specific databases and software programs.
• Ability to read maps and travel throughout the City of Milwaukee.
• Knowledge of safety principles and situational awareness.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Ability to accurately communicate information to residents and coworkers.
• Written communication skills to develop professional technical correspondence and reports.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Judgment and Responsibility

• Planning and organizing skills to accomplish goals and meet objectives.
• Judgment and decision-making skills.
• Problem-solving and problem recognition skills.
• Ability to work effectively under stress.
• Ability to work under statutory and office deadlines.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

Residential Property Appraiser 2 and 3:

Technical

• Knowledge of property tax laws and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply the provisions of Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 70.
• Ability to defend the valuation of real property.

Residential Property Appraiser 2:

Technical

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of real property assessment and valuation of residential properties.
• Knowledge of materials and methods involved in the construction and repair of residential structures and building permit analysis.

Residential Property Appraiser 3:

Technical

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of real property assessment and valuation of residential AND condominium properties.
• Knowledge of materials and methods involved in the construction and repair of residential structures.
• Ability to analyze building permits and blueprints for valuation purposes.

Current Salary

Residential Property Appraiser 1:

The current salary range (PG 2HN) is $62,069-$83,952 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $64,552-$87,311 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

Residential Property Appraiser 2:

The current salary range (PG 2IN) is $66,414-$89,560 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $69,071-$93,038 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

Residential Property Appraiser 3:

The current salary range (PG 2JN) is $71,062-$95,390 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $73,905-$99,206 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS ~ The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass