Independent Contractor Real Estate Appraiser Jobs

Salary : $54,283.69 - $81,425.54 Annually
Location : Plato Building, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00459
Department: County Assessor's Office
Division: Residential
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
Union: Local 8 - General County
FLSA Status: nonexempt
Position Summary
The Ramsey County Assessor's Office is hiring for a Real Estate Appraiser 1 or 2. Selected candidate will be placed into the highest position available, based on experience.
Real Estate Appraiser 1:
To appraise residential real estate; to gather data on all taxable and exempt properties in Ramsey County; to update data and ensure that the physical characteristics of a property are correctly described, including the land data, physical condition, quality and obsolescence of the property; and meet with property owners to discuss valuation principles and results; and perform related duties as assigned. (This is the entry-level appraisal position. It differs from the Real Estate Appraiser 2 in that the work is confined to appraising properties that, based on supervisory assessment, represent the least complex appraisal assignments).
Wage Range: $26.20-$39.15
Real Estate Appraiser 2:
To appraise residential real estate;to gather data on all taxable and exempt properties in Ramsey County; update data to ensure that physical characteristics of a property are correctly described, including the land data, physical condition, quality and obsolescence of the property; will have basic appraisal knowledge and experience gained by at least two years of experience as a Real Estate Appraiser 1 or comparable real estate and appraisal work. In addition to basic cost and sales analysis, a Real Estate Appraiser II may be assigned to perform income analysis for multi-family residential property, as well as more complex residential costs and sales analyses, apply their knowledge to the market model output and evaluate the reasonableness of the results; and perform related duties as assigned. (This is the journeyman appraiser position.)
Wage Range: $29.36-$44.03
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Examples of Work Performed

1. Independently inspect real estate and record characteristics in a manner consistent with office policies and procedures. Examples include type of property, physical condition, structural components, size, nature and improvement characteristics needed to establish the value and classification of property.
2. Review sales to determine if the sales should be included in either or both the sales ratio study and the market model or be discarded if it does not meet the criteria.
3. Estimate values of vacant land and must be able to estimate the contribution to value of the land component of improved properties and assist in the development of Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) land tables.
4. Receive and respond to inquiries and complaints from property owners by explaining how property values were established and informing property owners of appeal procedures.
5. Perform review appraisals for Open Book appeals, Board of Appeal and Equalization and Abatement Applications.
6. Review building permits and determine if value should be added to the property record.
7. Process parcel combinations and splits requiring interpretation of legal descriptions.
8. Determine the proper tax classification for individual properties as required by Minnesota statute.
9. Perform cost analysis based on estimated value of the land, cost of improvements and analysis of depreciation.
10. Perform market analysis via the sales comparison approach for assigned properties.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10.
Minimum Qualifications
Real Estate Appraiser 1 Minimum Qualifications
Education: Two years of post-secondary education.
Experience: Two years of experience in property taxation, construction, real estate or related functions.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
Certifications/Licensure: Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as a Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) within three years from date of appointment. Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) by July 1st, 2022 or within five years of obtaining licensure as a CMA; and a valid Class D driver's license.
Real Estate Appraiser 2 Minimum Qualifications
Education: Two years of post-secondary education, training or equivalent.
Experience: Two years of real estate appraisal work equivalent to two years as a Real Estate Appraiser 1.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Certifications/Licensure: Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as a Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) at time of hire.Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor within five years of obtaining licensure as a CMA. Must have and maintain valid licensure while employed; and valid Class D driver's license at time of hire and must continue to maintain a valid driver's license while employed.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Real Estate Appraiser 1 or 2 will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions -do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Real Estate Appraiser 1 or 2. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit:
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*Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicat