Title Examiner

102 Grant Ave; Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 Phone: 505-992-9880 Fax: 505-992-9895

Job Title: Title Examiner

Department/Division: Assessors Office
Salary: $21.00/hr. - $27.30/hr. Range: U5
Position Status: Full–Time/Classified
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Closing Date: March 31, 2024
Job #: 202300435
Union: AFSCME 1782 (Upon completion of probationary period)

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Primary Purpose:

Performs advanced technical and complex research, examines and determines property titles, and completes all title examination activities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Researches deed recordings, plats, and other documentation to verify deeds.
• Contacts private citizens, public officials, attorneys, surveyors, engineers, and title company officials to obtain or provide technical documents or information; prepares complex work maps or plotting of property title deed descriptions; researches, examines, reviews, interprets, and verifies property titles, chain of titles, descriptions, tract books maps, plats, surveys, liens and other documents and instruments to properly transfer parcels; travels to and participates in field research activities.
• Determines acreage, mineral and surface reservations, land sections, townships, range, legal subdivisions, county, beneficiary and other ownership information; researches tax deeded property titles; determines the effects of tax deeded property, cancellation, or disposition of property as delinquent and for possible public auction.
• Compiles, prepares, and produces complete Abstract of Title by researching and obtaining copies of entries of pertinent documents on chain of title and listing Ad

Valorem or property tax status for a period of ten (10) years; lists legal description of property, record owner, and time period covered by search; and uses unreleased mortgages, liens, judgments, and court actions affecting property for use in preparing comments on special conditions, limitations of certificate, and update on abstracts of title.

• Confers with appraisers and mapping staff on current status of properties located within Santa Fe County as to the location, size and description of properties.
• Researches and prepares for litigation as needed; testifies in court as an expert witness in title matters.
• Reviews, checks, and verifies work performed to determine accuracy and completeness; coordinates work projects and assignments with supervisor to determine priorities and appropriate assignments; assists the Senior Title
• Examiner as required.

• Attends and serves as a member of various committees in association with and for the County of Santa Fe.

Knowledge / Skills:

• Knowledge of federal, state and local governmental agencies concerned administration or jurisdiction in property titles; of processes and techniques used in title research examination and analysis; of disposal, sale acquisition, and leasing of property; of federal, state, and local governmental laws, rules and regulations pertaining to land interests; of operation and effect of civil court actions, assignments, mortgages, liens, wills, and leaseholds, involving title rights and interests. Knowledge of computers and electronic data processing and working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Ability to develop, adapt and resolve property maps, descriptions, metes and bounds descriptions; to interpret maps, surveys, deeds, titles, and other legal documents or instruments; to apply and compute mathematical calculations; and to utilize various geometrical instruments
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and critical deadlines; to independently plan, prioritize and organize work; and to multi-task and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to be extremely organized; to focus on detail; to ensure no mistakes in calculations; and to handle confidential material in a trustworthy manner.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; and to establish effective and tactful working relationships with associates and the public.
• Ability to analyze data and produce reports.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, database and other software programs in a Windows environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, or related field; and
• Two (2) years of experience in title searching, title abstracting, or directly related work.
• Relevant experience may be substituted for education at a rate of 30 semester hours equal to one (1) year of experience.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting with occasional field visits. Work schedule may include evening and weekend hours. Travel may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. Clarity of vision at short distance is required. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds. May be subject to exposure to CRTs and VDTs.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.

Apply Online at: https://www.santafecountynm.gov/human_resources/employment_applications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the official Santa Fe County employment

application. Proof of education, certificates and/or endorsements must be attached to each application.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $27.30 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Physical setting:

• Office

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Fe, NM 87501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person