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Career Opportunity!

Due to an upcoming retirement, Clay County is seeking a Director of Equalization. 

As the Director of Equalization for the County, you’ll perform professional supervisory functions in the operation and appraisal of real estate located within the county for the purposes of ad valorem taxation.   

You’ll perform a variety of duties including:

  • Performs statutory duties of Director of Equalization in compliance with SDCL Chapter 10 and SD Department of Revenue rules.
  • Directs investigations for preparation of appraisal defense. Supervises the calculation and preparation of the assessment roll. Defends assessments and appraisals.
  • Directs the collection of data concerning trends in cost, income, and market value of real estate.
  • Performs complex appraisal of land, commercial and industrial buildings, single and multi-unit residential buildings, and improvements to same by inspecting and measuring to determine proper classification and quality.
  • Contacts businesses and individuals to gather information pertinent to listing structures and land for assessment purposes.
  • Establishes, researches, and maintains files to insure proper posting of properties. Performs calculations on value of land and structures by utilizing appropriate assessment procedures and information gathered by field and office research.
  • Prepares reports for protest hearings and testifies at hearings when necessary.
  • Advises taxpayers of appraisal process used in arriving at assessed value.
  • Develops policies and procedures for compliance with applicable laws.
  • Advises the county commission and equalization board, as necessary.
  • Allocates projects to appropriate personnel, i.e., maintenance files and research deeds of tax-exempt property and GIS (Mapping).
  • Responsible for all state reports as required by the state – Abstract of Assessment, Growth Report, Discretionary Report, Exemption Reports and others as per Administrative Rule
  • Maintains accurate records of department activities for use by the County Commission, Equalization Board, and the public. Provides information and assistance to the public on equalization functions.
  • Develops the annual budget for the Equalization Department and administers the budget as approved by the County Commission. Provides budget and financial information and reports as required for the County Commission.

To be qualified for this position, you’ll need the following:

Must obtain and continue education as a Certified Assessor Appraiser through the South Dakota Department of Revenue and the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).

Complete successfully the following courses:

  • IAAO Site Evaluation
  • IAAO Market Evaluation
  • IAAO Cost Approach to Value
  • IAAO Income Approach to Value
  • IAAO Mass Appraisal
  • South Dakota Department of Revenue Basics Course

In addition, we’re looking for someone who possesses:

  • Knowledge and training in the field of property taxation (SDCL 10-3-2).
  • Knowledge and skill in using various computer applications including Microsoft Office products, CAMA programs and County administration programs.
  • Thorough knowledge of survey/land measurement, assessment, and real property descriptions.
  • Thorough knowledge of state laws governing assessment.
  • Thorough knowledge of methods, techniques, and procedures utilized in appraisal of property for tax assessment purposes.
  • General knowledge of county government functions and state statutes affecting county government
  • Ability to research methods and sources of data regarding equalization matters; and Federal, State, and Local Law as they relate to equalization matters.
  • Ability to perform complex problem-solving operations.
  • Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in meetings with the general public and other employees. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department heads.
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with other employees, agencies of government, and the general public.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Ability to travel overnight as needed.
  • A valid South Dakota driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:

  • Physical requirements include the ability to move around construction sites, sitting for long periods of time, driving or riding on extended trips, airplane travel, keyboarding and extended viewing of a computer screen, crouching, reaching and lifting.

We offer outstanding benefits including health insurance and participation in the South Dakota Retirement Plan. 

Apply on-line.  Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
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