Land Appraiser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our services impact EVERY Montanan!

MISSION STATEMENT            

To be the nation's most citizen oriented, efficiently administered, state tax agency.             

The Montana Department of Revenue administers almost 40 state taxes, property appraisals, liquor laws, and unclaimed property for the state of Montana. The Property Assessment Division manages Montana's property tax laws, including the valuation of all taxable property for property tax purposes.

What We Can Offer You

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision care; life insurance; and long-term disability. The State currently contributes $12,648/year toward these benefits.

• Free health care for employees and eligible family member at Montana Health Centers.

• Employee Assistance Benefits including counseling, legal assistance, well-being coaching, financial information, which are free resources.

• Retirement plans- The State currently contributes 9.17%, vested after 5 years of continuous employment.

• Paid vacation- starting at 15 days a year.

• Sick leave- 12 days a year.

• 11 holidays, including a floating holiday, which can be used any time.

• Flexible hours.

• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Visit the Health Care and Benefits Division for more information at https://benefits.mt.gov/. In addition to employee benefits, there are a wide range of advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Revenue.

DUTIES

Job Overview:

This position resides in the Property Assessment Division of Department of Revenue.  Duties include residential, agricultural land and forestland property appraisal reviews. Complete inspections to determine residential, agricultural and forestland final valuation. Analyze, assess, and classify land uses. Assist with specification, calibration, and benchmarking of land models, sales comparisons, and property characteristics. Support ongoing program operations and activities. Respond to taxpayer inquiries and explain appraisal activities. Provide dispute resolution and participate in appeal hearings. The position does not supervise other staff.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct property reviews and discoveries to identify appraisal need and priority.

• Review tax records, land use, improvements, valuation documents, and other information.

• Identify properties for appraisal review based on property use, value, location, and other characteristics.

• Research and analyze property characteristics to estimate the impacts on property values.

• Examine sites and improvement data, sanitation regulations, zoning, planning, irrigation rights, covenants, deed restrictions, legal documentation, and construction cost data. Determine effect on property values.

• Conduct field appraisals and site inspections of subject properties.

• Perform comparable sales analysis to identify valuation factors.

• Collect data required for maps, plats, and sketches used in appraisals.

• Determine the primary use of residential, agricultural, and forestland properties.

• Document professional assumptions and limiting conditions.

• Analyze and evaluate appraisal information to determine final value of properties.

• Determine appropriate appraisal methods for residential, agricultural, and forestland properties.

• Verify information for title and ownership data, inspection reports, market models, and other sources.

• Analyze, assess, and classify residential, agricultural and forestland properties according to primary use.

• Review agricultural and forestland use applications, ownership and title data, inspection reports, and other information to determine land classifications. 

• Assist higher level appraisers.

• Compile title, ownership, and financial data.

• Review property characteristics, inspection reports, market models, and other information.

• Recommend valuations and adjustments.

Knowledge of:

• Appraisal methods for residential, agricultural, and forestland properties

• Construction, mapping, GIS, cadastral, agriculture, forestry, and surveying

• Property sales and valuations procedures

Skills in:

• Research and analysis

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Conflict resolution

• Microsoft programs and other database applications

• Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

You would be a great fit for this position if you:

• Demonstrate self-motivation

• Follow instructions

• Provide timely customer service

• Multitask and prioritize work under deadlines

Working Conditions

• Work hours may exceed 40 hours from time to time, including weekends.

• Office environment.

• Lifting is infrequent, less than 15 pounds.

• Some travel may be required, must have a valid driver's license.

To be considered for any DOR position, applicants must complete and submit their application online and upload any required documents. Successful applicants are required to successfully pass DOR tax and background check(s). DOR is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

***This is an incomplete list of job duties. For a complete job description please contact Human Resources. (dorhr@mt.gov or 406-444-9858)

(All computer systems and tax guidelines will be trained on the job.)

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Please submit the following application material:

• Resume

• Complete state application

Submissions incomplete or missing relevant materials will not be reviewed or considered.

Applicant Pool Statement:  If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Special Requirements

Eligibility for employment will be subject to the following:

• Criminal Background Check. Circumstances involving convictions will be reviewed

• Tax status must be current. Circumstances involving tax status issues will be reviewed

REMOTE/TELEWORK: This position may be eligible to work from an approved worksite; however, the successful candidate must be a primary resident of Montana as a condition of employment. This position would be required to report to the Department of Revenue office assigned by the supervisor. Employees must meet and sustain Department of Revenue telework eligibility requirements and supervisor's approval to participate in the DOR Telework Program. Full-time teleworking is not available.

Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Effective May 26, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ .

Eligibility to Work: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver's license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".  The State of Montana does not sponsor.

Successful applicants are required to successfully pass DOR tax and background check(s).

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

The above competencies are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• Two years of post-secondary education in business, accounting, economics, public administration, construction technology or training; and

• One year of job-related experience.

• Preferred work experience includes appraisal, property tax appraisal, assessment, auditing, agriculture, forestry, surveying, real estate, or related field.

• Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

The minimum level needed within one year of work is

• Montana certification in residential property appraisal (IAAO 101), per ARM 42.18.206-208 and MCA Title 15

• Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice training (USPAP), ARM 42.18.206-208

• Agricultural Land Classification/Appraisal (ALCA), ARM 42.18.206-208