Assessor

The Town of Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 30,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.

We are looking for you to join Cochrane’s Assessment & Taxation team in the role of Assessor With a current population nearing 16000 properties, this team oversees all residential and non-residential property assessments and tax billing.

We are looking for a passionate, dedicated and focused Assessor to contribute to this collaborative and fun team. The team is a group of hardworking professionals and administrators dedicated to supporting the our commitment to transparency, good governance and ensuring legislative requirements are met. You will use an analytical approach to evaluate information and assessments. You are calm and patient, displaying a relaxed and composed approach, and communicating factually and technically in interactions with others. You are concerned about accuracy and thoroughness and like to be hands-on with attention to, and organization of, detail. Your natural ability to think logically brings a rational approach to issues while coming straight to the point in interactions and relationships. You can use both tried and true methodology, as well as demonstrate some inventiveness in work processes.

Why should you consider working for us?
Our employees enjoy many benefits including competitive public sector pay, comprehensive health and dental benefits package, professional learning and development opportunities and the opportunity to work with other talented municipal professionals.

As an organization, Cochrane has a focus on investing in people. This is not a boring municipality. We are growing into an organization with a focus on transparency, critical thinking, curiosity, reflection and innovation. We support experimentation as part of the growth process and strive for continuous improvement. We are municipal employees, and we are accountable to all Cochrane residents. Want to be a part of this exciting time?

What are some of the responsibilities of the Assessor?
- Ensures the completion of defendable annual and supplementary assessments for all types of residential and multi-residential properties within legislated timelines and provincial standards.
- Maintains the Assessment Roll and CAMAlot Assessment System (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal System); updates assessment information pertaining to subdivisions, building permits, school support declarations and sales files.
- Reads and interprets construction blueprints and site plans for input into the assessment system.
- Validates and processes Sales Verification information and Income and Expense Statements.
- Verifies property classifications by matching to established codes and other information that contributes to a complete and accurate property assessment database.
- Performs on-site physical inspections and collects property attribute data for all types of properties.
- Communicates with property owners/managers, tenants, developers and other stakeholders in a variety of situations to gain access and information.
- Interpret the factors, principles and practices of the Municipal Government Act as well as subsequent statutes and regulations.
- Prepares files for download to the Government of Alberta Municipal Affairs Asset program.
- Prepares files and defends assessments before the Local and Composite Assessment Review Boards (LARB & CARB). Presents both argument and evidence for a wide range of assessment appeals.
- Prioritizes daily tasks, assignments and projects to ensure deadlines and goals are met.

If many of the following characteristics and skills describe you, we want to meet you
- Diploma in property assessment/ property appraisal or equivalent
- Minimum two years progressive and hands-on experience
- Professional Assessment or Appraisal Designation with the Alberta Assessors Association (AMAA), Appraisal Institute of Canada (AACI) and/or International Association of Assessing Officers (CAE)
- Real Property Assessment Certificate
- Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License
- Mathematical and statistical aptitude
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and time management skills
- Public relations and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently, yet function effectively in a team environment
- Ability to organize workloads and complete assigned tasks on time

We are committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all of its employees. As a Cochrane employee, you must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others present at worksites, perform work safely, follow