Senior Real Estate Specialist

Position Objective:  
Processes real estate instruments according to law, resolution, or direction of the Register of Deeds. Performs clerical duties and provides assistance to the general public and various other entities.  Follows current SD Codified Laws as they pertain to this office.Essential Functions:

• Researches and locates real estate records that effect a chain of title for real property through both computerized and tract book index systems.
• Processes and charges customer requests for copies of real estate documents in person, over the phone and through email. 
• Certifies copies of Military Discharge papers and real estate documents registered and recorded in this office 
• Verifies legal documents sent to office for recording through counter drop-off, mail and e-recording portal;  assuring they conform to State statute and meet recording requirements of this office
• Reviews preliminary and final plats for accuracy and completeness providing recommendations to Planning and Zoning departments and surveyors of any changes or adjustments that are needed
• Indexes documents by legal description making sure information is accurately and correctly index for easy accessibility by staff, public, and other county offices.
• Determines and prepares conveyances of real estate which require a property transfer and prepares a monthly report of such transfers for the State of South Dakota Department of Revenue.
• Performs UCC and Federal Tax Lien Searches as prescribed by law.
• Runs and balances nightly charge report of copies made in Real Estate Room
• Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED Certificate
• 3 to 5 years of experience in a Register of Deeds office, Title Company, Law Office, or Financial Institution dealing with real estate documents and legal descriptions, preferred.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of legal descriptions and be able to decide if they are valid and recordable.
• Have the ability to calculate and determine acreage of property.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of how real estate documents effect a chain of title and be able to explain and convey such information to the public as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.  The ability to talk and hear via the telephone and through face-to-face communication with public and staff – multi tasking with multiple interruptions

Working Environment:

•  All work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur and cameras monitor transactions
• Professional business atmosphere where accurate accounting of monetary and one of a kind documents are recorded
• Work will include interaction with old books and consequently encountering dust.
• Face to face customer service throughout the day
• Overtime hours may be required to meet project deadlines
• Some travel may be required for training and meetings
• Personally liable for all monetary shortages that occur as a result of not collecting sufficient payment from customers