Salary: $26.86 Hourly
Location : Government Center, 100 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600917
Department: Environmental Services Division
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 11:59 PM Central
Description
This position is responsible for managing parcel data, interpreting land records, and maintaining accurate and compliant parcel mapping for the County. The role requires strong technical skills, independent judgement, and the ability to work with legal documents, GIS systems, and the public. The position supports the County's land information, parcel mapping, and Geographic Information System (GIS) functions.
Duties and Responsiblities
Parcel Management & Land Records Administration
- Assign parcel numbers for new land splits and maintain ongoing updates to the land records file.
- Process all recorded documents affecting land ownership, title, or taxing status.
- Read, interpret, and evaluate legal instruments to ensure accuracy, completeness, and validity.
- Communicate with document preparers to obtain corrections for incomplete or unclear recordings.
- Analyze recorded documents to determine whether they represent full transfers of interest or parcel divisions, and verify compliance with the Polk County Subdivision Ordinance.
- Determine and document ownership extents; perform mathematical closures to confirm accuracy of legal descriptions.
- Report parcel violations and survey discrepancies to the Land Information Director.
Mapping & GIS Development
- Prepare automated digital parcel maps using data derived from land records and mathematical computations.
- Coordinate and maintain parcel mapping development to ensure compliance with Polk County Mapping Standards and Procedures.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of the county-wide Geographic Information System (GIS), particularly the parcel mapping layer.
Public Assistance & Interdepartmental Support
- Assist the public, County departments, and government agencies with inquiries related to parcel locations, ownership, descriptions, title issues, and related information.
- Maintain professional working relationships with staff, peers, and upper management.
Professional Standards & Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain general knowledge of Wisconsin Platting Standards (Chapter 236) and WI Administrative Code A-E 7 (Minimum Standards for Property Surveys).
- Attend training and staff development activities as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the County Surveyor or Land Information Director.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, individuals should be able to meet all essential requirements:
Education & Experience
- Associate's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technology or Land Surveying Technician, plus two years of experience in land surveying or land title investigation, and two years using coordinate geometry software (AutoCAD, ArcGIS, or similar); OR
- Bachelor's degree in Geography, Cartography, Computer Science, or a closely related field; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certificates/Licenses
- Valid Driver's License or access to reliable transportation required for travel to educational opportunities, satellite offices, or other work locations.
SkillsCandidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Ability to interpret land records and legal descriptions.
- Experience with AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and other mapping/GIS tools.
- Strong mathematical and geometric skills for parcel accuracy checks.
- Effective communication and customer service with the public and agencies.
- High attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Additional Information
Work EnvironmentEssential functions of this job are typically carried out in work environments with the following characteristics:
- Takes place in standard office setting with a moderate noise level
- Utilizes office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.
- Position may require occasional travel to other County facilities, training sites, or community locations.
- Duties may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet business needs.
Physical RequirementsMust be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EEO StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.
Personal Time Off (PTO) is frontloaded and prorated upon hire and a maximum of 300 hours can
carry over to the new accrual year.
Extended Leave
Accrual at the rate of five (5) days, 46.25 hours annually (cap 20 days)
Holidays
Ten (10) paid holidays per year (Employees working on holidays, paid over-time rate - 1 ½ times regular rate of pay)
Term Life Insurance
One (1) times annual salary at no cost to employee. Supplemental Life available for employee, spouse, & children
Retirement - WRS
Employee portion: 7.20% Employer portion: 7.20%
Deferred Compensation
Wisconsin Deferred Comp - three (3) options for additional retirement savings (pre-tax)
Health Insurance
Begins on the 1st of the month following date of hireHealth Partners - three (3) plan options to choose from
Other Insurance
Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Accident and Hospital
Flexible Spending Account
Administered through WEX (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and daycare costs)
Employee Assist. ProgramHealth Partners confidential counseling services
Wellness Options
Employees may select to participate in various wellness programs and activities throughout the year. Onsite Fitness Center and wooded walking trail available for staff enjoyment.
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $1,500 reimbursement for approved expenses per class; and a maximum benefit of $3,000 annually