Assistant to Assessor

Under the general direction of the Ames City Assessor, the Assistant to the Assessor supports assessment processes, property records, tax credit administration, and related office functions.

The City of Ames has a compensation philosophy for our merit salary ranges that provides growth for employees as they gain experience and expertise in their roles. The minimum pay of each range is intended to reflect an employee's qualifications that meet the position's minimum requirements. The median of any range is for an employee who can reasonably meet all expectations of the position responsibilities without initial or extensive training.

The City may consider a candidate's education, experience, and skills that are above the minimum requirements when considering a salary closer to the median. The median salary for this position is $94,926.

Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:
City of Ames Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program:
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit: PSLF Program

• Read, analyze and interpret legal documents, legal descriptions and Iowa Statute.
• Review tax credit applications and maintain records related to exemption valuation, urban revitalization, assessment, and schedule records.
• Review records and documents for completeness and accuracy for property transfer including deeds, contracts, sales data, plats and surveys in all software systems.
• Maintain sales information for reporting and survey purposes.
• Assist and prepare assessment appeal materials, including initial review of comparable sales, assessment equity information and scheduling appraisals.
• Update the City Assessor website page as needed.
• Provide backup support for office staff and appraisers as needed.
• Completion of required assessment and appraisal courses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate degree or equivalent ; or 12 – 18 months related experience or combination of education, training, and related experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent software.
• Strong communication, reading, mathematical concepts, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid Iowa Driver’s License and ability to travel for property reviews, meetings, training, and conferences. Must be able to comply with the requirements of the mileage reimbursement policy.
• Experience with residential property appraisal or assessment.

• Knowledge of software including Vanguard CAMA, ESRI/ArcGIS, Beacon/Schneider, and Tyler/Incode.
• Experience with commercial and industrial property appraisal or assessment.

• ICA or IAAO designation, or ability to obtain a designation within 36 months of hire.

Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License. The employee must be able to comply with the requirements established by the Conference Board to receive mileage reimbursement and drive a motorized vehicle to various locations to measure and list property and attend classes or conferences.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from a group, manager or superior, clients, customer, and the public. Must have excellent communications skills, including written, verbal, and listening.