ASSESSMENT DATABASE TECHNICIAN
Pay Range GC17

INTRODUCTION:
The Assessment Database Technician provides technical assistance in, analyzes, and facilitates the use of computer hardware and software for the Douglas County Assessor department, including creating, maintaining, troubleshooting and diagnosing assessment applications, with an emphasis in Access and Excel based programming, to ensure program quality, integrity and performance; coordinates with supervisors, managers, and assessment technician staff in providing daily support for appraisal and data operations.   The fast-paced working environment requires strong proficiency in Access 2003 or newer, MS Excel, knowledge in valuation techniques and procedures in compliance with state law, rules and established guidelines, and multi-tasking abilities.  Incumbent works with minimal supervision in an analytical environment, and may participate in assigning and/or overseeing work and monitoring of the department’s scanning and imaging quality and methods.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1.  Provide technical assistance, maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting for the operations of the Assessor Department computer system hardware and software programs and multiple applications, including updating and/or creating complex software applications and programs, as required by users to meet department deadlines;

2.  Diagnose Microsoft Access database errors and inaccuracies.  Assist in the design of database and multiple software applications as required by users, including problem resolution to assure best use of automated systems;

3.  Analyze and correct software utilization problems, using departmental and industry standards.  Track program area problems and monitor systems for efficiency and effectiveness; recommend procedural changes, and participate in system analysis.

4.  Use mathematical techniques and statistical analysis and procedures to calculate and compute necessary factors and values, including preparation of charts, graphs, reports and working papers;

5.  Prepare materials for defense of values, appraisals, appeals and assessments at Board of Property Tax Appeals, Oregon Department of Revenue and Oregon tax court.

6.  Maintain and update user documentation including creation and maintenance of policy and procedure manual according to changes made by legislature, department of revenue guidelines, administrative rules and case law and/or of user’s procedures within the imaging department.

7.  As needed, monitor and oversee work for the scanning and imaging quality and methods.

8.  Assist in research projects as necessary to develop assessment data; assist auditor and/or appraisers in obtaining information; and perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Computer operating principles, capabilities, and general uses; recommended computer hardware, software and peripheral equipment/software. Visual Basic of Applications (VBA).  Property valuation techniques and procedures.  Knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes, Administrative Rules and Department of Revenue guidelines, laws, regulations and ordinances relating to property valuation.  Mathematical practices and principles and statistical analysis.  Record keeping principles.  Skill in: Strong proficiency in MS Excel, Access2003 or newer, database design and development.  Performing mathematical computations; operation of all office equipment including calculators, cameras, copy machine, microfiche reader and automated equipment and systems; writing clear and concise records, reports, procedure manuals and statistical data.  Diagnosing and correcting computer hardware and software problems; guiding and encouraging computer system users and translating technical instructions into understandable language for users. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, recommend new procedures when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; make sound judgment in making decisions regarding property values; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; establish and maintain records and reports; assist support staff; be able to work independently and meet established deadlines. Courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, property owners, boards, other agency representatives, vendors and the public.

Education, experience and training: Associates or technical degree in computer science or related field and three years of working experience in database analysis and data modeling with high level of computer efficiency and systems knowledge OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience relevant to the position.  Preference will be given to working experience in an Assessor’s office.  At the time of appointment, must possess Oregon driver’s license.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the general direction of the chief deputy assessor, assessment database manager, or his/her designee.  Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience. The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation but must receive supervisor review of any decisions involving monetary expenditures or those involving impact to production systems, appraisals or assessments.  Employee works independently and resolves questions or problems on the basis of past precedent and interpretation of policy or procedural guidelines. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions are made in accordance to state and departmental policies and procedures.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed under department policy and procedures; federal, state and county statutes, rules and regulations; assessment principles and practices. Manufacturer’s catalogs and handbooks, sales and condition information, as well as valuation factor tables are used in applying statistical data valuations.  The employee uses initiative, judgment, property valuation and assessment experience to interpret and choose between alternative guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment and in the field.  Involves extended periods of viewing computer monitors and may require walking, sitting, standing, reaching, bending, climbing, hearing voice conversations, keyboarding, and lifting up to 60 pounds.  Minimal amount of driving is required.