Director of Equalization/Zoning Administrator

Job Description

Career Opportunity!

McCook County is seeking a Director of Equalization/Planning & Zoning Administrator. This position encompasses a variety of responsibilities that may eventually be divided into two distinct roles based on business needs and candidate qualifications. 

Please indicate if you are interested in either the Director of Equalization or the Planning and Zoning Administrator roles individually. If the roles are separated, the Planning and Zoning Administrator position, would also include Drainage Administrator responsibilities. 

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.

On the Planning and Zoning side of the role, you will:

• Responsible for the general operations of the Zoning Department including administering and enforcing zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and land use policies.
• Interpret the county zoning, subdivision, and nuisance ordinances.
• Assist in reviewing applications for zoning permits, conditional use permits, variances, and subdivisions to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to verify compliance with approved permits and zoning regulations.
• Aid in reviewing proposed project plans, proposals, revisions, or additions to land use controls.
• Issue building permits.
• Provide information and assistance to property owners, developers, and the general public regarding zoning regulations, land use planning, and development processes.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, and maps related to zoning permits, land use applications, and property information.
• Work with other county staff, citizen boards, and the general public in implementing the county’s regulations and policies.
• Present findings and recommendations on planning and zoning matters to the county planning and zoning commission and to the county commissioners as pertinent.

• Serves as the administrator of the Drainage Department to insure proper permitting, budgeting and all administrative duties are completed

• Help as needed with the E911 signage program.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of zoning and drainage related subjects.
• Periodically survey the county for legal and illegal building activities.
• Maintain a working relationship with county staff, government officials, and the general public.

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.