Assistant Assessor - City of Ellsworth

Start Date: February 25, 2025 | End Date: May 15, 2025
County: Hancock County
Job Type: Assessor
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Job Title: Assistant Assessor

Location: City of Ellsworth, Maine

Department: Assessing

Reports To: City Assessor

Job Summary:

The City of Ellsworth is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual to join our team as an Assistant City Assessor. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the accurate and fair assessment of properties within the City while providing quality service to the public. This position involves all aspects of administering the assessment process. The ideal candidate should possess robust customer service skills with specific knowledge of assessment practices and property tax law.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists in the development and maintenance of a mass appraisal program to appraise all real and personal property for property tax purposes. Assists with the annual evaluation and update of building and land pricing schedules.

• Assesses any additions or improvements made to existing structures and new construction. Measures structures and drafts sketches on field cards; enters collected data into CAMA software. Maintains updated property record cards.

• Assists the Assessor in the listing of personal property and maintenance of accurate business records.

• Performs changes of all deeded transfers of ownership of real and personal property developing and carrying out all necessary recordkeeping.

• Performs title searches from office records to determine boundaries of land parcels on an as-needed basis; advises the GIS Department of necessary tax map changes.

• Assists in the review of abatement applications and the preparation of abatement cases to the Ellsworth Board of Assessment Review, the State Board of Assessment Review, and Superior Court. Maintains accurate records.

• Consults with and assists the Assessor on appraisal and valuation issues as requested.

Tax and Fiscal Management

• Assists the Assessor with the completion of the annual commitment.

• Assists the Assessor with the preparation of or the annual Municipal Valuation Return and Sales Ratio Study (Turnaround Document) for Maine Revenue Services.

Records and Data Management

• Assists in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the department’s records management system to facilitate department functions in an effective and efficient manner, and to meet the statutory requirements of the office.

Public Relations and Communication

• Meets with taxpayers, interested citizens, municipal officials, and professional appraisers or tax consultants to answer questions or provide requested factual data.

• Represents the department and the City of Ellsworth before various boards and commissions, including City Council and City Manager, and participates in various organizations as a representative of the City and/or Department as appropriate.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Co-serves with the Assessor as the Street Addressing Officer and assists with maintaining the 911 addressing system.

• Maintains personal professional development in own field of expertise by attending related training seminars and actively participating in professional associations.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma: some college-level or appraisal courses preferred

• Five (5) years’ experience in municipal assessing, real estate, or the appraisal field; or

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating possession of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to accomplish the essential functions of the position.

• Certified Maine Assessor (CMA) designation or able to obtain designation within 1 year

• Valid Maine Driver’s License

Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Expertise and proficiency in the use of mass appraisal assessment software.
• High level of integrity, reliability, and professionalism.

Salary:

$55,000-$75,000. The City of Ellsworth offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees in both their professional and personal lives.  

Work-Life Balance:

• • Generous paid time off. Employees can earn up to 280 hours of paid time off per year! Carry over option up to 480 hours.
  • 12 paid holidays per year.

Retirement Options:

• • Retirement savings plan with City matching contributions, to help employees plan for a secure future. Additional option to be part of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MPERS).

Career Development:

• • Opportunities for professional growth through training programs and workshops.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education, empowering employees to further develop their skills and knowledge.

Financial Security:

• • Short Term Disability to cover non-work related injuries or illnesses for up to 52 weeks per year.
  • Life Insurance options for employees and dependents.

Health and Wellness:

• • Competitive and affordable health insurance plans including medical and dental coverage to ensure employees and their families stay healthy.
  • Wellness program to support our employee’s physical and mental well-being.
  • Employee Assistance Program.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or apply on our website at www.ellsworthmaine.gov/employment/. Preference will be given to those who apply within the first 21 days of opening the application.

The City of Ellsworth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the City of Ellsworth

Nestled in the heart if Downeast Maine, the city of Ellsworth is a professional, recreational, cultural, and retail services hub for nearly 60,000 people in the Hancock and Washington County areas. With its historically preserved downtown, scenic landscapes, including the Union River, three lakes, and marina along its striking Maine coastline, Ellsworth is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Ellsworth is not just a gateway to the stunning Acadia National Park, but a destination in its own right, offering residents and visitors a unique blend of past and present. Incorporated in 1800 and named after Oliver Ellsworth, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention, this early American city boasts a quality of life and place in community that is unmatched in Maine. The city is rich with recreational and cultural opportunities, offering a high standard of living, an affordable cost of living, and a workforce that is both skilled and productive. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Maine, provides competitive tax incentives and pre-permitted “shovel-ready” land with established public infrastructure. Our dedicated staff offers comprehensive support for the personal and business needs of our community.  Find out more about our great city at discoverellsworth.com.