Job Description

PROPERTY RECORDS SPECIALIST

JOB CODE 12080

Effective Date:	10/93N

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to keep current property information for all parcels of land in Phoenix City limits and provide service to the public, other City departments and governmental agencies with accurate property information. Work involves updating ownership into a computer system from legal recorded documents, including lot splits, right-of-way dedications and easements and other data related to real property; writing legal descriptions; reading and verifying maps including Maricopa County Assessor Maps, City of Phoenix quarter section maps and Maricopa County Recorder maps. Work is reviewed for completeness and accuracy by a Senior Property Records Specialist or the Property Records Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reads and interprets recorded legal documents transferring ownership on real property and distinguishes the difference between the documents, including but not limited to agreements, pay-off deeds and deeds to clear title;
• Plots a parcel of land onto a map from a metes and bounds legal description;
• Updates maps with parcel changes and lot splits;
• Establishes legal descriptions and ownership records for newly recorded subdivisions;
• Provides legal descriptions and related land and ownership information to the public, other City departments and Governmental agencies;
• Certifies ownership for court documents;
• Writes legal descriptions for parcels of land;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Skill in:

• Use of tools (i.e., scale ruler, protractor, and compass) to read maps and prepare legal descriptions.
• Ability to read and interpret complex metes and bounds legal descriptions.

Ability to:

• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
• Work independently within the parameters of established policies and procedures.
• Comprehend complex metes and bounds legal descriptions and re-write the legal into a simple condensed form.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.
• Communicate orally with applicants, parcel owners, City employees, and the public by telephone and in a face-to-face, one-to-one settings.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Move objects weighing up to 20 pounds short distances (less than 20 feet).
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three (3) years experience in title work with deeds and title searches, writing legal descriptions performing lot splits, plotting and interpreting complex metes and bounds legal descriptions from recorded documents to maps including providing service the public and supplemented by courses in boundary control or real estate principles. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.