Department: Tax Assessor
Union: AFSCME 2859, White Collar Clerical
Grade/Level: A
Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Tax Assessor, this position is responsible for ensuring all properties within the Township of Franklin are assessed for the purpose of real estate taxation.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
• Responsible for the supervision of the Field Inspectors, Staff and Office Coordinator.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Responsible for field (interior and exterior) inspections including measurement of structures, calculations of dimensions, areas and accurately record information relative to the physical attributes of structures as required.
• Review and interpret architectural and engineering plans and produce drawn scale diagrams.
• Collects data and other pertinent facts to aid in requests for changes in valuation of residential properties and makes recommendations for the Tax Assessor’s review.
• Maintains current knowledge of local property trends and of modern appraisal methods and techniques.
• Performs statistical analysis and studies of residential properties.
• Develops new values of assigned residential and commercial properties for annual assessment.
• Responsible for the periodic inspections of Qualified Farmland.
• Processes deeds to maintain accurate ownership records and for reap property value studies and adjustments.
• Makes decisions on the taxability of property in the Township and recommends special tax deductions and exemptions.
• Assists the Tax Assessor in preparing and defending Tax Appeals.
• Assists the Tax Assessor in the supervision and filing of the Added Assessment List, CNC Certifications and Fire District Tax Rates.
• Responds to requests for information from the public.
• Prepares special reports as assigned and/or required by Tax Assessor.
• Maintains and updates records and databases.
• Certifies Assessments of the Somerset County Tax Board in the absence of the Tax Assessor.
• Estimates value of property by utilization of the Cost, Direct Sales, and Income Approaches to Value.
• Escalates public awareness of the reassessment program.
• Answers inquiries concerning appraisal procedures when possible.
• Attends various meetings and trainings as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of real estate appraising for assessment purposes.
• Thorough knowledge of building construction methods and materials.
• Thorough knowledge of standard practices and procedures used in assessing real property.
• Must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of the New Jersey Assessor’s Handbook, including all relevant laws governing property tax assessment.
• Extensive knowledge of MS Office, MOD IV, DCA, assessment/appraisal packages.
• Knowledge of contemporary office practices and procedures and basic office software products.
• General knowledge of COAH regulations and the ability to estimate market values of new homes in advance of construction.
• Ability to work proficiently with Spatial Datalogic.
• Ability to understand and interpret statutes as required or permitted by Title 54 of the Revised Statutes of the State of New Jersey.
• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate records regarding all inspection and assessment decisions.
• Ability to perform various complex mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and comprehend building construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to comprehend and apply concepts.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, coworkers, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Skill in identifying taxable improvements to real property.
• Must possess organizational skills, be a self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a Certified Tax Assessor Certificate issued by the State of New Jersey and the ability to maintain.

Experience
• Minimum three (3) years of experience as a Deputy Tax Assessor preferred.

License:
• Must possess and maintain a valid NJ State drivers license.


TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
• Computer, calculator, various land and building measuring tools, fax machine, copier.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work associated with this position is performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is continuously required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Applications available on the Township website:www.franklintwpnj.org

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENETICS, DISABILITY, AGE OR VETERAN STATUS.

THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN IS A DRUG FREE WORK PLACE.

Effective September 1, 2011, all employees of NJ State, County and Local government must reside in the State of New Jersey unless exempted under law.