Overview

Do you want to support Vermont communities and listing officials? Do you want to ensure equity in property taxes? There has never been a better time to bring your values and talents to the collaborative team at the Vermont Department of Taxes. We are seeking a senior assessor to work closely with listers and assessors and to help lead the Commercial Appraisal and Litigation Assistance Program (CALAP). If you have a passion for working with municipalities and a talent for managing programs, we want to hear from you!

The Commercial Appraisal and Litigation Assistance Program, created by Act 163 of 2022, supports municipalities in appraising high-value commercial properties to establish fair and defensible values. This is one of two positions that supports this program. The CALAP Manager is responsible for the day-to-day aspects of the program, including but not limited to working with appraisal vendors and municipalities to ensure projects happen timely. This position will work closely with the PVR Division Director, other PVR division supervisors, department legal staff including the CALAP attorney, and external partners including municipal officials and appraisal vendors. They will also work closely with 10-15 municipalities, serving as their district advisor.

Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:    

• Providing training, education, and support to municipal officials to maintain the statewide grand list for the purpose of education funding.
• Conducting detailed analyses of municipal assessment practices through the annual Equalization Study.
• Evaluating and updating utility valuation methodologies.
• Reviewing applications to the program.
• Coordinating with vendors to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Reviewing appraisals for accuracy and completion.
• Participating in the appeals process as needed.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in real estate appraisal or assessment, with some experience in reviewing appraisals especially for utility properties.
• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with multiple vendors to ensure projects are completed timely.
• Some experience in reviewing appraisals especially for commercial properties.
• A desire to learn and grow and have experience fostering that desire in others.
• A proven record of prioritizing work, managing deadlines, and aligning expectations of internal and external stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about tax law and policies.

This is a full-time field-based position central to the southern portion or the northern portion of the State. Applicants will need to have reliable personal transportation to attend periodic meetings in the Montpelier main office and to conduct on-site visits with town officials generally in Bennington, Rutland, Windham, or Windsor counties or Chittenden, Franklin, Caledonia, Grand Isle, Orleans and Essex. Learn more about the technical and professional requirements of  the CALAP Senior Assessor or contact [email protected]. For additional information about employee satisfaction and benefits, please see our website.

About the Division of Property Valuation and Review

Property Valuation and Review (PVR) provides support to municipalities in developing and administrating property tax policies and related programs at the local level and has created an educational training and certification program that is available to municipal listers and assessors. PVR conducts annual ratio studies which estimate taxable property values and appraisals for school districts. It also administers the Use Value Appraisal Program (Current Use) which created over $65 million in tax savings to landowners. PVR is currently implementing a new integrated property tax management system, and is planning modernization and digitization, making NOW the opportune time to join the team. 

Compensation: The hourly salary rate for this position ranges from $31.76 to $49.78 and State of Vermont benefits are very competitive. The annualized salary for this potion ranges from approximately $66,060.80 to $103,542.40. The salary range reflects the minimum and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade, and the annualized salary figure is calculated based on 2080 hours of annual compensation and does not include authorized overtime or other compensation. It also doesn’t include any time taken off payroll. The starting salary for this position may be negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. This position is eligible for an office allowance and will be reimbursed for allowable business travel expenses.

Background Checks: This position will primarily support the Department of Taxes. Candidates must agree to be fingerprinted and pass a background check to be eligible for this position, which will involve access to sensitive federal tax information. Background checks are required by the Internal Revenue Service and are authorized under Vermont law. 3 V.S.A. § 241. In accordance with VDT Standard Operating Procedure 2018-01, Background Investigations, Vermont and national criminal record checks will be conducted on all candidates. Candidates will have the right to withdraw their application before fingerprinting or a background check is conducted.

We value diverse teams and are committed to creating a community of inclusion.

Who May Apply

This position, Property Valuation Senior Assessor CALAP (Job Requisition #54192), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact [email protected].

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in the individual municipalities in the district in which they are assigned or in those for programs managed. An incumbent may be required to speak at public meetings which may be scheduled in the evenings with municipal and city managers, select people, listers, and school board members. Extensive travel to assigned municipalities and those in which specialized assessments are occurring is expected; Private transportation must be available. An incumbent is expected to deal constructively with irate taxpayers and public officials.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher AND four (5) years or more of experience at or above a technical level in property assessment, property tax administration, real estate appraisal or related field. 

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND six (6) years or more of experience at or above a technical level in property assessment, property tax administration, real estate appraisal, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in relevant field.

Special Requirements

Employees who have not completed an advanced appraisal course approved by the Property Valuation and Review Division are required to complete it within two years of appointment.

An incumbent must be prepared to live a reasonable distance to their assigned district.

An incumbent must dedicate a portion of their residence to field office work.

Extensive travel is involved for which private means of transportation must be available.

Total Compensation

• • 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families 
  • Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan 
  • State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) 
  • Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts 
  • Low cost group life insurance 
  • Incentive-based Wellness Program 
  • Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.