ASSESSOR I, REAL PROPERTY

About Real Property

In Maryland, there are more than two million property accounts. The Department of Assessments and Taxation must appraise each of these properties once every three years. There are 24 local State assessment offices, one in each county and Baltimore City. 

Assessments are certified by the Department to local governments where they are converted into property tax bills by applying the appropriate property tax rates. An assessment is based on an appraisal of the fair market value of the property. An appraisal is an estimate of value. There are three accepted approaches to market value:

1. the sales approach

2. the cost approach

3. the income approach 

While differing in the method of calculation each approach is designed to indicate the property’s fair market value. The property tax is primarily local government revenue. Counties and cities depend on the property tax and a portion of the income tax to make up their budgets.

STD0014

Assessment Office - Carroll County

State Department of Assessments & Taxation (SDAT)

15 E. Main Street, Suite 229

Westminster, Maryland 21157

This position appraises residential real property at fair market value for use in the calculation of real property taxes.

25%: Learns to inspect residential real property and records technical details of property to update and maintain departmental property records following established guidelines as defined in the Maryland Assessments Procedures Manual.

25%: Learns to prepare and conducts appeal hearings at the Supervisor, Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board and the Maryland Tax Court levels to defend the Department's estimate of value following procedures described in the Maryland Assessment Procedures Manual.

15%: Learns to record technical data into the Assessment Administration & Valuation System (AAVS) to maintain and update departmental property records in accordance with Departmental procedures.

15%: Learns to interview property owners by telephone and in person to gather and verify assessment related information following established procedures. Learn to provide assessment related information to the general public to explain assessment valuation techniques, departmental and local office policies and legal mandates regarding property valuation. Performs other duties as assigned.

10%: Learns to analyze existing market data and applies standard appraisal techniques to determine the value of land or buildings in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland Tax Property Article and the Maryland Assessments Procedures Manual.

10%: Learns to inspect residential new construction and records technical details of property for the purpose of adding new improvements to the assessment rolls following established procedures. Learns how to determine current and base full cash values for residential new construction following established procedures using the AAVS and other property valuation tools.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Possess a business background or experience in construction trades, building maintenance/management, or real estate (particularly with new construction).  
• Enjoy working outdoors and are comfortable spending large parts of the year physically reviewing properties on site.
• Strong customer service and active listening skills to conduct phone or in-person interviews with property owners professionally.
• Ability to interpret sales and permit data and apply that understanding to make accurate updates to property accounts.
• Strong organizational skills to manage daily responsibilities across field inspections, data reviews, and account updates.

Must be willing to work in Carroll County.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

1. Employees in this classification may be required to have daily use of a motor vehicle while on official State business. Standard mileage allowance will be paid for use of a privately owned vehicle.

2. Upon appointment to positions, employees in this classification that possess a real estate broker or sales license, or a license to sell insurance, will be required to put the license in an "Inactive" status.

3. Employees in this classification are prohibited from participating in any outside activity, including private appraisals, which may be deemed a conflict of interest by the Director of the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

Click here to read more details: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy 10 to 25 days of annual (vacation) leave per year (depending on seniority), 15 days of sick leave, 6 personal days, and 11 paid state holidays.

Family-Friendly Policies: Eligible employees receive paid family and medical leave to care for a child within six months of birth or adoption.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to affordable medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents.

Retirement & Pension: Secure your future with the State's defined benefit pension plan (vested after 10 years) and optional supplemental retirement savings plans.

Financial Wellness: Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent daycare costs.

Work-Life Balance: Many positions offer teleworking opportunities.

Student Loan Assistance: State employees may be eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and the Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit.

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:

State Department of Assessments and Taxation

Office of Human Resources,

700 E. Pratt, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Paper application materials must be received by 5pm in our office on the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Assessments and Taxation at 410-767-1137, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.