Connecticut Association of
Assessing Officers

The Town of East Haddam is seeking an experienced individual to join our team as our full-time (30-hour) Tax Assessor.

Ideal candidates must possess the skills necessary for the valuation of real and personal property and preparation of the annual Grand List. The successful candidate must have a CT Municipal Assessor’s Certification (CCMA II) and experience in appraisal property database programs.

Position Purpose:
The purposes of this position are to direct and administer the valuation of real estate, personal property and motor vehicles; performs field investigations and inspections required to properly evaluate property; to establish and prepare the Town Grand List. The work involves analysis and calculations; answering customer inquiries and directing the office staff. The Town Assessor is required to exercise considerable independent judgment in administering and conducting the assessment of real and personal property and motor vehicles and is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.

Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Plans, directs, supervises and participates in the valuing/assessment of all taxable and non-taxable real estate, motor vehicle and personal property to establish the Grand List.
• Conducts physical inspection and reinspection of existing properties, improved properties, and properties under construction to determine their value.
• Formulates and prescribes policies, work methods, and procedures for subordinates in the listing and appraisal of real and personal property.
• Evaluates current assessment practices and data processing applications and proposes changes as warranted.
• Compiles, maintains and analyzes complex statistical data to insure equity in assessments. Analyzes property trends.
• Investigates property and businesses to discover, list and value property not previously recorded.
• Projects estimated values of proposed buildings for commercial developments for planning purposes and for Town officials. Works with Building Official and Planner to maintain records of new developments and Town Clerk’s office for change in ownership.
• Resolves complaints relating to assessments and makes adjustments as warranted.
• Maintains accurate property title records and records relating to ownership, sale and value of land and improvements through automated system; assists with maintenance and updates to GIS program.
• Supervises the preparation, installation and maintenance of property tax maps.
• Supervises and administers elderly, veterans, renters program and disabled tax exemption programs based on eligibility requirements and state statutes.Meets and provides information to the public, other Town departments, and attorneys to explain assessment procedures and conclusions.
• Oversees and coordinates the periodic revaluation of all properties within the town according to State Statutes. Responsible for review and acceptance of completed work and recommends the need for, and selects private appraisal services.
• Responds to Board of Assessment Appeals inquiries, defends the town’s findings during assessment appeals by property owners.
• Develops department policies and procedures and assigns, trains and supervises staff. Consults with First Selectman on such personnel actions as hiring, termination, and discipline and obtains approval from First Selectman for such personnel actions.
• Prepares and administers operating budget for department; presents budget to the First Selectman, Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.
• Submits oral and written reports to Town officials and state agencies.

Education, Training and Experience:
Bachelors Degree in business, accounting or related field; and five years of progressively responsible work experience in real and personal property appraisal including two years of municipal assessment and appraisal work, with one year supervising a major assessment function; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Requirements:
Must have and maintain: Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor (CCMA) and CT Drivers License.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of property valuation and assessment; thorough knowledge of assessment laws, rules and regulations, and various assessment methods; thorough knowledge of state laws and statutory requirements related to real and personal property assessment; thorough knowledge of data processing techniques and applications in valuation and assessment administration.

East Haddam has a very collaborative and supportive working environment and excellent benefit package. Salary commensurate with experience in the range of $70,000 – $90,000.

Detailed job description and application available upon request or online at www.easthaddam.org. Please send application with resume and cover letter to Selectman’s Office, 1 Plains Road, P.O. Box 385, Moodus, CT 06469.

Closing date.  Open until filled. EOE