Job Details

CLOSING DATE: December 5th, 2025 at 5:00 pm

SALARY: $90,787 - $98,355 *Additional salary growth available through regular increases within the classification up to $136,177

Interviews: There will be 2 rounds of Interviews for this position. The first round will be virtual and scheduled tentatively on Dec. 10th or 11th. The Finalist round will be in-person and scheduled tentatively on Dec. 16th or 17th.

Job Summary

The Recorder is the land records officer for the county with the responsibility to:

Develop and maintain a land records recording system which permanently documents, preserves and protects county land records and which serves as the basis for assessment rolls and the tax collection process as well as provides a database for property record searches by other government officials, businesses, law firms, financial institutions, abstract and title companies, surveyors, land owners and the general public. Determine if documents submitted for recording meet satisfactory requirements. Hire, train, and supervise staff to accurately complete assigned tasks in a timely manner and ensure that the office provides high quality service and information. Collaborate with other county officers/department heads in developing and implementing county policies as well as develop and implement recorder office policies and procedures.

Scope of Responsibility

North Dakota Century Code mandates what documents are recordable in the office. This position works independently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for decision making and managing the operations of the Recorder's Office including, but not limited to, the following:

• Establishing and maintaining processes and procedures for recording, preserving, and archiving files.
• Budget preparation and presentation to county commission.
• Allocation of financial and human resources.
• Department accounting functions
• Preparation and submittal of daily and monthly reports.
• Collaboration with other county officers/department heads to accomplish operational and project objectives.
• Consulting and collaborating with outside vendors with respect to supplies, equipment, and software.

Responsible for managing and supervising six employees, including two deputy recorders. This involves:

• Leading the team in daily operations and special projects.
• Interviewing, hiring, training, and disciplinary action.
• Conducting annual performance reviews for six employees.
• Providing advice/direction to staff when difficult or unusual questions or issues are presented.
• Ensuring that workflow processes, timelines, and efficiencies are met.
• Approving leave requests.
• Approving time sheets.
• Arranging and/or conducting continuing education for staff.

Responsible for maintaining, acquiring, and sharing technical expertise, business, legal, and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities by:

• Consulting with fellow government officials and real estate industry professionals.
• Attending and presenting at local, regional, state, and national meetings and conferences (NDCRA, PRIA, NDACO, NDRIN, etc.)
• Participating in task force or committee roles for the North Dakota Recorders Association and NDRIN.
• Mentoring new Recorders in the state association.
• Networking and collaborating with industry professionals and stakeholders.
• Answering inquiries from the general public.

Liaison to County Administrator and County Commission for the Recorder's Office by collaborating with other department heads, the County Administrator, and County Commission to maintain and provide records and information to the public, industry professionals and government entities.

Responsible for monitoring, advising on and/or suggesting legislation that may affect the department.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Analytics and critical thinking skills.
• Leadership and supervisory skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Collaboration abilities.
• Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles.
• Project management skills.
• Working knowledge of and ability to research and analyze the North Dakota Century Code with respect to document recording and preservation
• Working knowledge of and ability to analyze various real estate transactions and legal documents.
• Knowledge of real estate legal descriptions.
• Organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in business or related field in addition to a minimum of three years' experience in a Recorders Office or similar office. Extensive relevant experience may substitute for education.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in business or other closely related field.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Sitting and working at a computer for long periods of time.
• Occasionally lifting of heavy books, some of which weigh as much as 30 pounds and are sometimes handled while climbing ladders
• Work is performed in a standard office environment as well as storage and file rooms.
• Office workload is time sensitive.

Tools, Equipment, Vehicles, and Machines

• General office equipment as well as general and industry specific software programs.

Review of Work

Position works independently. State Examiners audit records annual

Laws, Ordinances, or Regulations

North Dakota Century Code and Cass County Subdivision Ordinance

Practices or Departmental Policies

Office policies focus on accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. These policies are necessary because legal decisions are made from the records produced by the office

Personal Contacts

Office staff, other county staff and department heads, Cass County Commissioners, Cass County Administrator, other ND County Recorders, attorneys, realtors, financial institutions, assessors, engineers, surveyors, abstract companies

Other contacts are to assist in the process of recording documents and retrieving information, assisting with inquiries and problems pertaining to real estate records; and to work with computer program personnel to correct and modify software and hardware.

Licenses or Certificates

Must meet ILG requirements for the position.

Complete PRIA learning management system (recommended)

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.