SENIOR PROPERTY TRANSFER CLERK

Final filing deadline: Monday, September 21, 2026.

About the role

The Senior Property Transfer Clerk supports the Change of Ownership division by serving as the lead worker for staff responsible for reviewing and processing property ownership documents within the Assessor’s Office. Working under general supervision, the incumbent provides training, assigns and reviews the work of clerical staff, and ensures accurate and timely property transfer determinations. This position performs complex and technical property transfer analyses, interprets recorded documents, resolves ownership discrepancies, coordinates workflow with other sections, develops and recommends procedures, composes correspondence requiring interpretation of property records, and assists the public, title companies, and legal representatives with inquiries related to property ownership, assessment records, and mapping systems.

This classification is distinguished by its lead responsibilities and the higher level of complexity involved in property transfer determinations. The ideal candidate brings proven skills in accurate and efficient customer service, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to handle competing priorities while ensuring the constituent remains the top priority.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis. This classification is part of a flexible series; incumbents may be promoted to higher levels subject to meeting employment standards and recommendation by the appointing authority.

Responsibilities

• Contact title companies, taxpayers, and attorneys regarding title errors or missing data; review and process information received from them.
• Compose correspondence relating to deeds and assessment records, including responses requiring interpretation of complex property ownership documents.
• Assist the public by answering questions relating to title of property, standard assessment maps, and parcel map systems.
• Perform and assist in difficult and complex transfers of property by analyzing recorded ownership documents.
• Train, assign, and review work of subordinate clerical staff processing and reviewing assessment records.
• Write procedures and confer with superiors regarding development and implementation of new procedures.
• Review and make recommendations regarding individual work performance of assigned staff; recommend disciplinary action.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of legal terminology pertaining to property transfers, property description, and mapping.
• Skill and ability to:
  • Plan, organize, coordinate, supervise, and review the work of subordinate staff.
  • Read and understand difficult and complex types of property descriptions and legal documents for processing property transfers.
  • Perform mathematical computations (e.g., subtraction, addition, division, multiplication, fractions, percentages).
  • Perform difficult clerical work involving independent judgment.
  • Organize facts and information to draw logical conclusions.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications

Any combination of training, education, and/or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. An example of qualifying experience is:

• Two years of experience in a classification comparable to Property Transfer Clerk in Monterey County.

Additional Information

• Possess a valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment and maintain a satisfactory driving record, or provide evidence of suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings may be required.
• Prospective employees will be required to submit to a background review, which may include a review of employment history, driving record, and criminal conviction record.
• Employment is contingent upon providing acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.

Benefits

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. For details, visit the Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. Note: This information is not legally binding; the benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail.

Schedule

Typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, located in Monterey County.