Property Tax Research Consultant

Full Job Description

Job Description
If you would like an opportunity to serve the public, work in a fast-paced setting with a team of talented and dedicated individuals, apply and increase your knowledge in valuation and Utah property tax law, all while enjoying a flexible work schedule with remote work options and great work-life balance, this job is for you. The Utah State Tax Commission's Property & Misc. Area is looking for two skilled and motivated individuals to join the Locally Assessed Division as Valuation Analysts.

Below you will find the information for each role as a Valuation Analyst:

Position one:

This is a working-level position for new hires, Appraiser Trainees, Licensed Appraisers, or Certified Appraisers where incumbents work during the first assessment cycle under supervision and receive on-the-job training.

Job Duties The Valuation Analyst will work with their assigned manager and members of their team to complete some typical job duties include:

• Conducting on-site reviews and inspections of vacant land, Residential, and Commercial properties.
• Reviewing and analyzing sales data;
• Performing statistical analysis;
• Conducting audits and writing detailed audit reports;
• Assist with training in the valuation of locally assessed properties;
• Working with and maintaining good working relationships with county officials and their staff;
• Assisting in the development of Real Estate Market reports;
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
The best qualified candidate for this position will have:

• Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified general preferred and/or
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Mathematics is helpful
• Real Estate Appraisal License Requirement
  The successful candidate must obtain and maintain a Utah Real Estate Appraisal License as follows:

• Become a Registered Trainee Appraiser within six (6) months of hire;
• Submit appraisal licensing application to the Division of Real Estate within 2 years of becoming a Registered Trainee;
• Pass the appraisal licensing exam and submit final paperwork to the Division of Real Estate within 1 year of receiving approval to take the exam;
• Maintain appraisal license and Tax Commission ad valorem appraisal designation in good standing.

Position Two:

Do you love uncovering the story behind the data? Are you interested in how real estate markets impact the economy? The Utah State Tax Commission is looking for a skilled and inquisitive Property Tax Data Analyst to join our Data Analytics group.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between complex data science and real property valuation.

You will not just report numbers; you will build the statistical models and analytical tools that ensure fair and equitable property taxation across the state.

While you do not need to be a licensed appraiser, an understanding of real estate markets combined with strong technical skills in SQL, Python, and GIS will make you a standout candidate.

Principal Duties

As a Property Tax Data Analyst, you will:

Analyze Real Property Data: Perform complex statistical analysis on property sales, assessments, and characteristics data to identify trends, anomalies, and outliers.

Conduct Sales Ratio Studies: Lead the preparation of statutorily required sales ratio studies to audit county assessment levels and ensure compliance with state standards.

Data Engineering & Visualization: Write advanced SQL queries to extract data from systems; create interactive dashboards (Power BI/Tableau) and maps (GIS) to visualize assessment equity.

Database support: Work with our team to provide support for sales database maintenance and support.

Support Assessment Quality: Provide technical support to County Assessors regarding data integrity and valuation methodologies.

Automate Processes: Use Python or R scripts to automate repetitive data cleaning and reporting tasks, replacing manual Excel workflows.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a "data detective" who is comfortable working with large, messy datasets and has an interest in the real estate domain. We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Data: Possesses strong proficiency in SQL (joining tables, complex queries) and Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, advanced formulas).

• Thinks Spatially: Has experience or strong interest in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to analyze property data geographically.

• Understands Value: Has a working knowledge of real property appraisal principles (Cost, Sales Comparison, and Income approaches) or is eager to learn them.

• Communicates Clearly: Can explain complex statistical findings (coefficients, confidence intervals, median ratios) to non-technical stakeholders and leadership.

• Degree in statistics, mathematics, data science, or geographic information systems is helpful.

Remote/Hybrid These positions can be remote if candidates’ location meets qualifications.

In office days are required as directed by management when necessary (meeting with counties, specialized training, etc.) SalaryStarting salary will be depends on experience, or per DHRM rules on transfers or promotions.

Salary increases may be available upon the successful completion of a probationary period and the receipt of certain real estate appraisal licenses through the Utah Division of Real Estate.

Why You Should Join Our Team
Tax Examiners with the Tax Commission work in a professional environment and have opportunities for learning and growth within the agency. As a benefited employee of the Utah State Tax Commission, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Click here to view a summary of the benefits we offer. We also provide generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balance.

Besides working for a fantastic agency that is dedicated to helping the citizens of Utah, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. In this position, you would enjoy the generous benefits package offered by the State of Utah. We have an extremely competitive total compensation package that you can learn about HERE!

• Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
  • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. (There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other medical insurance coverage)
  • 5 dental plan options (There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other dental insurance coverage)
  • 2 vision plan options under EyeMed
• Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
  • Employees hired on or after than 7/1/2011 and have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System. Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.
  • Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems prior to 7/1/2011 are in Tier I Public Employees System.
  • Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))
  • Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.
  • Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems prior to 7/1/2011 are in Tier I Public Employees System.
• Paid Time Off:
  • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
  • Annual leave increases with years of service.
  • There are also 12 paid holidays.

The Agency
For more information on the Utah State Tax Commission please click here.

Additional Information

Working Conditions

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

Other Requirements

• Personal tax filings and vehicle registrations must be current and complete.
• A conditional offer of employment will be made pending a satisfactory completion of a FBI level background investigation.
• For transfers or promotions, DHRM rules apply