Assessor

We are excited to recruit for the position of Assessor . With a current population nearing 17,000 properties, this team oversees all residential and non-residential property assessments.

The Assessment team connects directly with residential, commercial and industrial property owners to determine the market value of properties and fulfill the resources required to provide Cochrane's municipal services to all residents.

Wow This is a busy team with always lots on the go. They understand municipal government and legislation, Town bylaws, policies and procedures pertaining to assessment and taxation, building permit application process and building construction guidelines. They have a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, and discretion while balancing multiple priorities. Oh, and they love property Assessment Understanding the black and white, and carefully interpreting the grey is where they love to contribute to this team. The team is a group of hardworking professionals and administrators dedicated to supporting the Town’s commitment to transparency, good governance and ensuring legislative requirements are met.

We are looking for a passionate, dedicated and focused Assessor to contribute to this team. 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, the Town of 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 the residents of the Town of Cochrane. Want to be a part of this exciting time?

If you want to make a difference in our community and have education or experience with property assessment, we welcome your application for the Assessor.

Some of the responsibilities include:
• Ensure the completion of defendable annual and supplementary assessments for all types of residential, multi-residential, or non-residential properties within legislated timelines and provincial standards.
• Maintain the Assessment Roll and CAMAlot Assessment System (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal System); update assessment information pertaining to subdivisions, building permits, school support declarations and sales files.
• Review construction blueprints for to ensure that quality of construction has been applied correctly for the property.
• Responsible for the sales data and performs the Multiple Regression Modeling for property values, enters and reviews new assessment values for equity and accuracy.
• Responsible for the inspection, collection and analysis of data for the valuation of the multi-family properties ensuring that the property assessments are equitable and accurate.
• Validate and analyze Sales Verification information and Income and Expense Statements. 
• Verify property classifications by matching to established codes and other information that contributes to a complete and accurate property assessment database.
• Perform on-site physical inspections and collects property attribute data for all types of properties.
• Communicate with property owners/managers, tenants, developers and other stakeholders.
• Interpret the factors, principles and practices of the Municipal Government Act as well as subsequent statutes and regulations.
• Prepare files for download to the Government of Alberta Municipal Affairs Asset program.
• Prepare files and defends assessments before the Local and Composite Assessment Review Boards (LARB & CARB). Present both argument and evidence for a wide range of assessment appeals.

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 in residential or non-residential assessment valuation
• Real Property Assessment Certificate
• Professional Assessment or Appraisal Designation with the Alberta Assessors Association (AMAA), Appraisal Institute of Canada (AACI) and/or International Association of Assessing Officers (CAE) or working towards designation
• Proficiency working with computer software including: Microsoft Office Suite, CAMAlot software application, CREB and SPSS statistical software 
• Mathematical and statistical aptitude 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills

We are committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all of its employees. You must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others present at worksites, perform work safely, follow all relevant health and safety legislation, directives and procedures and attend all identified orientations and training.