Property Tax Research Consultant

Overview

Two positions for the Locally Assessed Division as Valuation Analysts in the Utah State Tax Commission's Property & Misc. Area. This includes remote work options, a flexible schedule, and opportunities to increase knowledge in valuation and Utah property tax law.

Position One is a working-level role for new hires, Appraiser Trainees, Licensed Appraisers, or Certified Appraisers. Incumbents work during the first assessment cycle under supervision with on-the-job training.

• Conduct on-site reviews and inspections of vacant land, Residential, and Commercial properties.
• Review and analyze sales data.
• Perform statistical analysis.
• Conduct audits and write detailed audit reports.
• Assist with training in the valuation of locally assessed properties.
• Maintain good working relationships with county officials and their staff.
• Assist in the development of Real Estate Market reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General preferred and/or
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Mathematics is helpful
• Real Estate Appraisal License Requirement:
  The successful candidate must obtain and maintain a Utah Real Estate Appraisal License as follows:
  • Become a Registered Trainee Appraiser within six (6) months of hire;
  • Submit appraisal licensing application to the Division of Real Estate within 2 years of becoming a Registered Trainee;
  • Pass the appraisal licensing exam and submit final paperwork to the Division of Real Estate within 1 year of receiving approval to take the exam;
  • Maintain appraisal license and Tax Commission ad valorem appraisal designation in good standing.

Position Two is a Property Tax Data Analyst role within the Data Analytics group. You will bridge the gap between complex data science and real property valuation, building statistical models and analytical tools to support fair and equitable property taxation. Knowledge of real estate markets plus strong technical skills in SQL, Python, and GIS is preferred. A license is not required.

• Analyze Real Property Data:
  Perform complex statistical analysis on property sales, assessments, and characteristics data to identify trends, anomalies, and outliers.
• Conduct Sales Ratio Studies:
  Lead the preparation of statutorily required sales ratio studies to audit county assessment levels and ensure compliance with state standards.
• Data Engineering & Visualization:
  Write advanced SQL queries to extract data from systems; create interactive dashboards (Power BI/Tableau) and maps (GIS) to visualize assessment equity.
• Database support:
  Provide support for sales database maintenance and support.
• Support Assessment Quality:
  Provide technical support to County Assessors regarding data integrity and valuation methodologies.
• Automate Processes:
  Use Python or R scripts to automate repetitive data cleaning and reporting tasks, replacing manual Excel workflows.

The Ideal Candidate is a "data detective" comfortable with large, messy datasets and an interest in the real estate domain. We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Data:
  Proficiency in SQL and Excel.
• Thinks Spatially:
  Experience or interest in GIS.
• Understands Value:
  Working knowledge of real property appraisal principles or eagerness to learn.
• Communicates Clearly:
  Ability to explain statistical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Degree in statistics, mathematics, data science, or geographic information systems is helpful.

These positions can be remote if candidates’ locations meet qualifications. In-office days are required as directed by management when necessary (meeting with counties, specialized training, etc.).

Starting salary will be based on experience or per DHRM rules on transfers or promotions. Salary increases may be available after successful completion of a probationary period and upon receipt of certain real estate appraisal licenses through the Utah Division of Real Estate.

Tax Examiners with the Tax Commission work in a professional environment with opportunities for learning and growth. As a benefited employee, you will receive…