Department: Assessor
Union: Exempt
Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Municipal Tax Assessor is responsible for identifying, listing, and valuing all real property within the municipality for tax assessment purposes, in accordance with New Jersey State statutes and regulations. The assessor ensures fair and equitable property valuations, maintains accurate tax records, and defends assessments before county and state tax appeal boards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Determine the value of all taxable property within the Township.
• Maintain accurate property records and ensure compliance with State regulations.
• Ensure new construction, renovations, and property improvements are inspected to adjust assessments accordingly.
• Process property tax exemptions, deductions, and farmland assessments.
• Supervise and file the Added Assessment List, CNC Certifications and Fire District Tax rates.
• Responsible for application of Roll Back Provisions of the Farmland Assessment Act.
• Advise the Township Council and other Township officials with respect to assessment policies and procedures.
• Administer and oversee the revaluation and reassessment of properties as necessary.
• Defend assessments before the Somerset County Board of Taxation and the New Jersey Tax Court.
• Work with Township officials, property owners, and the public to provide information and assistance regarding assessments and tax policies.
• Analyze and interpret real estate market trends to ensure accurate property valuations.
• Manage and update assessment rolls and tax maps in coordination with Township and county officials.
• Provide annual assessment reports and tax-related documentation to governing authorities.
• Attend Township meetings as required and provide expert advice on tax assessment matters.
• Daily oversight of office staff
• Prepare the department’s annual budget.
• Supervise the maintenance of office records and files; Responsible for complying with State Statutes regarding assessment procedures.
• Meet with citizens to explain assessments and, where necessary, adjust assessed valuations.
• Responsible for making assessments on public improvements, holding public hearings and forwarding the results to the Township Council for final action.
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of New Jersey tax laws, municipal finance and real estate valuation principles.
• Knowledge of COAH regulations and the ability to estimate market values of new homes in advance of construction.
• Experience with tax appeal litigation and revaluation projects.
• Knowledge of local planning and zoning ordinances.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of real estate appraising for assessment purposes.
• Thorough knowledge of building construction methods and materials.
• Thorough knowledge of standard practices and procedures used in assessing real property.
• Proficiency in property tax software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with GIS and digital mapping technologies; Proficiency in Spatial Datalogic.
• Possess strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to understand and interpret statues as required or permitted by Title 54 of the Revised Statues of the State of New Jersey.
• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate records regarding all inspection and assessment decisions.
• Ability to perform various complex mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and comprehend building construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to identify taxable improvements to real property.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to comprehend and apply concepts.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, coworkers, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the activities of the Assessor’s Office.
• Knowledge of contemporary office practices and procedures.
• Must possess organizational skills, be a self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with others

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Public Administration, Finance or a related field or;
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Municipal Tax Assessor.

Licenses and/or Certifications
• Possess and maintain a valid Tax Assessor Certificate issued by the State of New Jersey Division of Taxation
• Possess and maintain a valid NJ Driver’s license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Computer, calculator, various land and building measuring tools, fax machine, copier.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work associated with this position is performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is continuously required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Applications available on the Township website:www.franklintwpnj.org

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENETICS, DISABILITY, AGE OR VETERAN STATUS.

THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN IS A DRUG FREE WORK PLACE.

Effective September 1, 2011, all employees of NJ State, County and Local government must reside in the State of New Jersey unless exempted under law.