Property Records Division Manager (County Recorder)

The Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department is hiring a Property Records Division Manager (County Recorder). We are looking for an experienced manager who has hands-on expertise in real estate transactions and the knowledge to regularly advise staff, attorneys, abstractors, title companies, and the public about property records. Daily responsibilities of this division include recording and maintaining all real estate transactions and records in the County, indexing and scanning various official documents, and collecting related fees, in accordance with applicable laws and the county fee schedule. The Property Records Division Manager ensures compliance with relevant state and federal regulations; processes and balances department funds; and assists the public, attorneys, bankers, title companies, and realtors with solving issues and/or obtaining information they need.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• Professional experience in advising staff, attorneys, abstractors, title companies, and the public about property records

• Three years of work experience in a supervisory role

• Previous experience working with Minnesota Statutes as they pertain to the recording of both Abstract and Torrens documents

• Professional experience performing complex research including analysis or interpretation of legal descriptions

• Professional title examination experience

SELECTION TECHNIQUE: Your training and experience will be rated based on the required application material submitted and the top-scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

HOURS / DAYS: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Work schedules (hours and days) and location are subject to change based on department needs. Additional hours may be required during peak work periods.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RATE: $84,115.20 - $114,940.80 Annually

The Property Records Division Manager is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the operations of the County Recorder/Registrar of Titles as it relates to the registration of land and the examining, creating and issuing of real estate titles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Requires five years of related technical real property transactions  experience one of which was in a supervisory role. Bachelor's degree in paralegal, real estate, or related field; may substitute up to 2 years of required experience.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE:

Core Competencies outlines essential business and professional, supervisory and leadership and work traits necessary to perform this job.

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals;

• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect;

• Demonstrate support for the County's diversity, equity and inclusion program;

Uses technical and professional knowledge:

• Demonstrates knowledge of documents required to create property records;

• Demonstrates knowledge of state laws and statutes for property ownership;

• Demonstrates knowledge of Minnesota real estate law and title standards;

• Understands court procedures and court instructions; and

• Interprets survey and legal descriptions of property.

Direct the operations and activities of the Property Records Division:

•  Advise staff, attorneys, abstractors, title companies, and the public about property records;

• Prepare exhibits or testimony for court and testify  about abstract or Torrens court actions;

•  Oversee all facets of information systems for the division including design, development, installation, implementation, maintenance, and support;

•  Review and monitor legislative activity related to property records; evaluate changes and communicate impact;

•  Ensure all required reporting is accurate and timely;

•  Represent the Division or Department on committees and advisory groups;

•  Evaluate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Division's operations; and

•  Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local statutes and laws.

Manage Property Records division staff:

• Hire, train and provide work direction to staff;

• Create staff work schedules;

• Review staff work for accuracy;

• Conduct performance reviews; investigate allegations or suspicion of employee misconduct, make disciplinary recommendation;

• Interpret and communicate County policies for staff, and

• Modify office procedures as necessary;

• Lead staff through changes in processes, services or programs; and

• Champion an environment of collaboration and learning.

Manage division budget:

Prepare the division's annual budget; 

•  Track expenses;  

•  Forecast revenues;  

•  Monitor the budget;  

•  Provide regular budget reports and updates; 

•  Review and adjust the budget as needed; and

•  Ensure compliance with state regulations and county policies.

Manage contracts for the division:;

•  Ensure proper balancing and cash management;

•  Authorize expenditures, monitor the budget, and make changes as needed; and

•  Analyze cost effectiveness and cost control activities.

Perform other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is sedentary in nature performed within the Government Center or satellite offices. Lifting requirement of 15-20 pounds on an occasional basis. Frequent wrist and finger manipulation due to high concentration of filing, compiling, calculating, or computer work. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, typewriter, calculator, telephone, copy and fax machine, microfiche and dicta phone.

Work interruptions are frequent.  There is some pressure associated with dealing with individuals who may be emotionally charged and with project or activity deadlines and details. Driving or riding to work at a service center, attend meetings, participate in or lead training sessions, etc. may be required. Must have own means of reliable transportation for business purposes; individuals operating a motor vehicle for county business must possess a valid driver's license.

Additional physical/mental requirements that may occur, may not be listed above, but are inherent performing the position's essential functions.

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and the level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required by personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.