N.J. Stat. § 54:1-89

4. a. On the first day of January of the first full calendar year next following the effective date of P.L.2009, c.118 (C.54:1-86 et al.), or as soon thereafter as may be practicable, the county governing body shall appoint a county assessor. b. (1) The county assessor shall be an employee of the pilot county and shall serve on a full-time basis for an initial five-year term. (2) No person shall be appointed as county assessor unless that person holds a certified property assessor's certificate and has at least five years of experience as a municipal tax assessor or deputy county assessor, or held the position of county tax administrator prior to the appointment of the first county assessor pursuant to this section. (3) The county assessor shall acquire tenure in office upon reappointment to a second five-year term and thereafter shall hold office during good behavior and efficiency, and shall not be removed for political reasons or for any cause other than incapacity, misconduct, disobedience of rules or regulations established by the director or by the county governing body, failure to meet the standards of performance established by the director, or schedules or standards adopted pursuant to P.L.2009, c.118 (C.54:1-86 et al.). c. The pilot county shall constitute a taxing district for the purpose of the assessment of property in the State. L.2009, c.118, s.4.