Property Assessor

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Assessors (1235.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Assessors, Valuators and Appraisers (B115) 
• 2011 NOC: Assessors, valuators and appraisers (1314) 

In general, property assessors:

• inspect properties of all types including single family residences, apartment buildings, shopping centres, recreational facilities, hotels, office buildings, farm land, petroleum and other industrial sites and facilities 
• collect and analyze information (including statistical data) relating to the value of property or businesses (for example, information about sales or rental income, construction methods and costs, market conditions)
• determine market value assessments by applying appraisal and assessment techniques and principles in accordance with applicable legislation 
• maintain the municipal assessment roll
• explain assessed values to property owners and defend them at Assessment Review Board and Municipal Government Board hearings.

Property assessors must understand and keep current with legislation, regulations, Minister's guidelines and bylaws regarding property assessment and taxation.

Property assessors work in offices and in the field, and may be required to travel extensively in rural areas. Occasionally, they work long and irregular hours to meet deadlines and attend meetings.

Property assessors need the following characteristics:

• mature judgment
• initiative and motivation
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• the ability to get along well with a variety of people
• the ability to do detailed work
• the ability to make decisions and accept responsibility for them
• the ability to handle stress.

They should enjoy analyzing data, taking a methodical approach to their work, making decisions and working with people.

In Alberta, municipalities are the primary employers and contractors of assessment services. Small towns and municipalities often use the assessment services of private companies. Larger municipal districts, counties and metropolitan centres may have their own assessment staff.

Property assessors also may be employed by Alberta Municipal Affairs, become company tax representatives or move into related appraisal fields.

Assessors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1314: Assessors, Valuators and Appraisers. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Assessors' Association website: www.assessor.ab.ca

Alberta Association of the Appraisal Institute of Canada Website: www.aicanada.ca

Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) website: www.reca.ab.ca

International Association of Assessing Officers website: www.iaao.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.