LAND RECORDS SPECIALIST

Land Records Specialist

Department: Tax Department
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

General Statement of Duties

This position performs specialized technical work in the Tax Department to maintain land records for Columbus County. The role includes processing property transfers, mapping tax parcels, researching public records, and ensuring tax listings are accurate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Property Transfers & Research
  • Process property transfers from deeds, wills, and estate files.
  • Determine tax map locations and record data accurately.
  • Research deeds, surveys, estate filings, and other legal documents to ensure correct tax listings.
  • Review deeds for compliance with county ordinances and state statutes.
• Mapping & Valuation
  • Map transferred property using AutoCAD, following legal property descriptions.
  • Set up new parcels based on recorded plats and deed transfers.
  • Review survey maps before recording to ensure compliance with legal standards.
  • Serve as a Map Review Officer.
  • Use maps and appraisal manuals to determine land value breakdowns (e.g., cleared land, woodland, access points, building sites).
• Public Interaction & Tax Assistance
  • Provide tax listing information and copies of tax maps to the public.
  • Explain how tax values and acreage are determined.
  • Answer inquiries from lawyers, real estate agents, appraisers, public officials, and other departments regarding property values and land usage.
  • Assist in administering the Use Value Program, including processing deferred tax billings for disqualified properties.
• Administrative & Technical Support
  • Prepare plats for GIS mapping and assign lot numbers.
  • Scan and archive deeds and research notes.
  • Assist in real property appraisal, tax listing, and collections as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
  • North Carolina Machinery Act and local land management laws.
  • Title search procedures using deeds, legal descriptions, and maps.
  • AutoCAD and tax database software.
  • County geography, subdivisions, and land parcels.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Interpret deeds and legal documents accurately.
  • Compute land areas based on descriptions and maps.
  • Train other employees on procedures and policies.
  • Explain tax policies clearly to the public.
  • Work with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.

Physical Requirements

• Operate office equipment, including computers, digitizers, microfilm readers, and copiers.
• Perform sedentary work (lifting up to 10 lbs occasionally).
• Strong visual acuity for reading documents, preparing data, and using measurement tools.

Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Preferred: Technical or community college degree in drafting, computer science, cartography, or a related field.
• Experience preferred in real estate, surveying, mapping, or paralegal work.
• Equivalent education and experience will be considered.

Special Requirements

• Obtain North Carolina Property Mapper and Appraiser Certification within a timeframe set by the county.
• NC Driver’s License may be required.

Application Process

Apply Online:

Columbus County Employment Application

Or Submit Application to:

Columbus County Human Resources
125 W Webster Street
Whiteville, NC 28472

Columbus County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.