Chief Deputy Assessor Valuation/Administration
Job Specifications

Class Code:

DB4/DB5

Analyst:

PH/SC

Date Originated:

11/81

Date Revised:

5/91, 6/98, 12/03, 05/25

County of Santa Cruz


DEFINITION 

Under general direction plans, organizes, and directs the operations of one of two major divisions in the Assessor’s Office. Incumbents in this position may be designated as an Assistant Department Head and/or act as the Assessor-Recorder in their absence. Perform other duties as required. 


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class manage either the Valuation or Administrative Division of the Assessor's Office. The incumbent assigned to the Valuation Division manages the activities of the staff responsible for real, personal, and business property valuation required in the preparation of the local assessment roll. The incumbent assigned to the Administrative Division manages all non-valuation functions required for the preparation of the local assessment roll, including departmental administrative functions, the assessment standards program, and fiscal support services. 

This work requires a high degree of integrity and judgment is required in dealing with public agencies and the general public regarding the processes and procedures of the Assessor’s Office.

TYPICAL TASKS 

·       Assists the Assessor in the direction of the Administrative or Valuation Division of the Assessor's Office, ensuring effective management and operational efficiency;

·       Direct and coordinate the activities of subordinate staff;

·       Develops and implements short- and long-range division goals and objectives;

·       Develops and implements procedural and operational changes to maintain the highest assessment and valuation standards throughout the governmental assessment profession;

·       Interprets, analyzes and implements laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to assessment and valuation procedures;

·       Creates, valuates, and implements division policies and procedures;

·       Directs the selection, training, placement, supervision, and evaluation of division personnel;

·       Reviews work programs, monitors productivity and establishes performance standards for the division;

·       Collects and analyzes data; prepares clear and concise financial, statistical, and operational reports and correspondence;

·       Represents the Assessor's Office before the courts and other governmental agencies;

·       Provides information to the public and makes public presentations related to the functions and duties of the Assessor's Office. 

·       Stays informed of current and emerging technology trends and promotes advancements to improve efficiencies and customer service. Collaborates with Information Services staff and provides systems input concerning the development and modification of computer systems relating to the assessor functions.

Valuation Assignment: In addition to the above, the incumbent may:

·       Performs or assists in the performance of the most difficult appraisals.

·       Confers with subordinates concerning the valuation methods and techniques of assessment.

·       Represents the Assessor's Office before the Assessment Appeals Board, and the statewide Valuation Chiefs' Organization of the California Assessors' Association. 

·       Plans, organizes, and directs the formulation of appraisal procedures for all taxable property in accordance with state, federal, and county laws, rules, regulations, and policy.

Administration Assignment: In addition to the above, the incumbent may:

·       Handles complex personnel issues.

·       Directs and coordinates budget preparation for the department, including performing detailed analysis, preparing reports to justify budget proposals,  and oversees budget control and projections.

·       Assesses and evaluates the departments’ automation and record keeping systems to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with laws and regulations.

·       Manages business activities with regard to sales of Assessor data and information.

·       Acts as the custodian of records in responding to subpoenas and as the public records act liaison for the Assessor’ Office.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS 

Knowledge: 

Thorough knowledge of: 

·        The laws, ordinances, regulations and legal opinions affecting the functions and operations of the Assessor's Office.

·        Modern office management and supervisory principles and practices. 

For Chief Deputy Assessor - Administration:

·        County budget procedures.

·        The principles and practices involved in determining change in ownership and eligibility for property tax exemptions.

For Chief Deputy Assessor - Valuation: 

·        The principles and practices involved in the assessment of real, business, and personal property. 

Working knowledge of:

·        The principles and practices involved in the assessment of real, business, and personal property.

·        Local government organization and operations.

·        The interrelationships between County government and the community, and other agencies.

·        County budget procedures.

·        Principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to:

·        Effectively plan, direct, coordinate and administer a division of a department, through subordinate staff.

·        Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, other departments, governmental agencies, boards, commissions, public officials, and community groups.

·        Interpret, evaluate and implement departmental policy and program practices.

·        Exercise initiative, ingenuity, and good judgment in analyzing and solving complex and difficult administrative, managerial and technical problems.

·        Develop and implement short- and long- range departmental goals and objectives.

·        Comprehend and interpret complex regulations, laws and guidelines.

·        Prepare and present concise and logical oral and written reports.

·        Explain policy, procedures and recommendations to staff, other departments, public officials, and the general public.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these would be:

Possession of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university.

AND

Four years of professional level experience in a California County Assessor's Office, escrow office, or title company or related field, two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity or included the supervision of a major assessment function. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License, or provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.

The Chief Deputy Assessor - Valuation must possess, or be eligible to possess, either a temporary or permanent Appraiser's Certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization.  Permanent certification must be acquired within one year from the date of appointment. Advanced Certification by the California State Board of Equalization as either an Appraiser or Auditor-Appraiser is highly desirable.

 

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: Division Director — Valuation/Administration
Bargaining Unit: 11
EEOC Job Category: 01
Occupational Grouping: 20
Worker's Comp Code: 0053