Assessing Intern

Why Minnetonka?
Supportive culture • Work-life fit• Well-being • Employee-focused • Make a difference
Our greatest asset are our people. City of Minnetonka employees work together to drive change and make a meaningful impact on the community. We support one another in our personal and professional lives. You can expect to make a difference because in Minnetonka you and your work matter.

Job Description

The primary objective of the assessing intern position is to assist with various aspects of the assessment cycle. The assessing intern tasks include gathering field data and all appraisal data necessary to establish accurate and equitable market values within statutory guidelines. 

Hours:
 Typical hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for approximately 12 weeks.

Summer Hours:
 The City participates in summer hours beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through the Friday before Labor Day. During this period, employees work Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (with a 30-minute lunch) and Fridays, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Note: City participation in summer hours is subject to City Manager approval and will be determined during Spring 2026.

Compensation Note: The 2026 salary range is anticipated to increase pending budget approval in mid-December.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs inspections of new, existing and remodeled residential properties including single family detached, condominiums and town homes to estimate their market values as required.
• Locates, views, measures structures and calculates square footage.
• Grades and rates sites and improved properties.
• Maintains pictures and sketches on all residential properties assigned.
• Prepares necessary documentation to support mass appraisal valuations.
• Processes, compiles and updates residential appraisal data and relevant statistics.
• Maintains information within and using numerous software applications including the property data system (PDS), APEX, sketching software, mapping software and Microsoft Office.
• Provides information to taxpayers, including explanation of legal requirements of assessments, property assessment methods, policies and procedures.
• Reviews property values with taxpayers and explains the assessment process.
• Promotes positive public relations with residents and has the ability to handle conflict with tact and diplomacy.
• Provides information and answers questions concerning the Minnesota property tax system and laws regarding property tax refunds and the property classification system.
• Organizes responsibilities and workload to meet deadlines.

Other Job Functions:

• Keeps city assessor informed of significant matters within areas of accountability.
• Performs other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in finance, real estate, appraisal, or a related field.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with city officials, employees and citizens.  
• Possesses a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Related experience in an assessing/appraisal office.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:
 

• Thorough understanding of Minnesota property tax laws, the assessment process and mass appraisal techniques.
• Departmental procedures, policies and rules.
• Residential construction.
• Real estate tax laws.
• Computer applications including Microsoft Office.
• Using mobile devices to update property data in the field.

Skilled in:

• Understanding MN state statutes and Minnetonka city ordinances as they apply to the assessment process and current appraisal techniques.
• Understanding of appraisal principles and practices in accordance with national uniform standards of professional appraisal practices (USPAP).
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• This is a highly visible public contact position requiring the skills of patience, tact and professionalism.

Ability to:

• Read legal descriptions, blueprints and appraisals.
• Interpret and explain city of Minnetonka policies and procedures.
• Work independently with limited supervision and multitask and prioritize work.
• Physically work in the field, including measuring and inspecting the interior and exterior of properties.
• A commitment to and belief in the organization's shared values.

Not Sure You Meet All the Qualifications?
If this role interests you, but you’re unsure about meeting all the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply! Your unique experiences may be more relevant than you think, and we value both technical skills and diverse perspectives.