Appraiser

Columbia County Georgia; North Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia County Georgia is seeking an Appraiser I to locate and appraise real and personal property for the Tax Digest. The role involves establishing equitable valuations for taxpayers and supporting county programs.

The appraiser uses market trends, construction details, cost indexes, and state guidelines to determine fair market values, conducts site inspections, and communicates results to the public and the Board of Tax Assessors.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Georgia law pertaining to taxation of real and personal property.
• Knowledge of procedures used to determine valuations of real and personal property.
• Knowledge of appraisal methods including selection and computation of the appropriate factors influencing the value of residential property, agricultural property, mobile homes and personal property.
• Knowledge of state laws regarding property tax and appraisal methods.
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps and deed information.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in operating computer, copier, calculator and using various measuring tools.

Responsibilities

• Inspects real property, measures the structures present on property, lists all amenities, and the quality of construction.
• Appraises new personal property and updates appraisals of existing properties.
• Calculates a value for properties on the basis of physical information describing the property, current cost of material and construction and market values of similar properties on comparable locations.
• Locates new businesses to be appraised using local newspapers, city directories, and business license applications; makes list for site reviews.
• Reviews book keeping systems of various businesses to update schedules of valuations.
• Processes personal property asset reports under the guidance of the Personal Property Manager.
• Provides technical assistance to the public whenever questions are raised concerning the valuation of a parcel of real property or personal property.
• Meets with the Board of Equalization, when necessary, to explain the basis of tax values on property, when appealed.
• Assists in completion of the Tax Digest.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Public interaction

Reading maps

Using measuring tools

Valuation knowledge

Deed interpretation

Education

High school diploma

Appraiser I designation desired

Driver's license

Tools

Computer

Calculator

Measuring tools

Job description

This website is AudioEye enabled and is being optimized for accessibility. To open the AudioEye Toolbar, press "shift + =". Some assistive technologies may require the use of a passthrough function before this keystroke. For more information, activate the button labeled "Explore your accessibility options".

Job Opportunities

Use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me® button.

This position is responsible for locating and appraising real and personal property to be placed on the Columbia County Tax Digest. The primary goal of the work is to establish equitable property valuations for all taxpayers throughout the jurisdiction. The work ultimately affects individual taxpayers and the tax digest for the county, which in turn influences programs offered by the county.

This position develops valuations for all real and personal property in the jurisdiction, considering factors such as market trends, type and quality of the construction and a variety of cost indexes. Assessments usually require both technical knowledge and judgment when various assessment techniques are applied. In addition, working with the public requires maturity and discretion, as well as a grasp of technical and legal details. Each valuation calls for the selection of applicable criteria and guidelines, and judgment to provide an equitable and accurate outcome. The employee must also justify methods and outcomes, and answer questions for the public.

The Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the Appraiser Procedure Manual and policies of the Board of Tax Assessors provide structure determining the development of the Tax Digest and procedures to be followed when appeals of valuations occur. A number of cost manuals and formulas may be appliedwhen the employee is determining the fair market value of a property, but a great deal of discretion is required when selecting and evaluating variables to be used and procedures used to obtain a valuation.

Contacts are typically with co-workers, the general public, taxpayers, tax representatives, lawyers, real estate brokers and agents, surveyors, other county department employees, state revenue employees, Board of Tax Assessors, Board of Equalization and the State Department of Audits.

Work is performed in an office and outdoors on location of various properties to be valued. The work may expose the employee to dirt and dust, as well as to inclement weather. The work requires site inspections of property that requires standing, walking, stooping, crouching, bending, occasionally lifting heavy objects and the use of tools that require a high degree of dexterity.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Inspects real property, measures the structures present on property, lists all amenities, and the quality of construction. Sketches buildings on property record card, while noting features of the building and quality of construction and land characteristics to arrive at a current valuation.
• Appraises new personal property and updates appraisals of existing properties.
• Calculates a value for properties on the basis of physical information describing the property, current cost of material and construction and market values of similar properties on comparable locations. Updates cost schedules based on use of cost manuals and local market conditions.
• Locates new businesses to be appraised using local newspapers, city directories, and business license applications; makes list for site reviews.
• Reviews book keeping systems of various businesses to update schedules of valuations.
• Processes personal property asset reports under the guidance of the Personal Property Manager.
• Provides technical assistance to the public whenever questions are raised concerning the valuation of a parcel of real property or personal property.
• Meets with the Board of Equalization, when necessary, to explain the basis of tax values on property, when appealed.
• Assists in completion of the Tax Digest.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Georgia law pertaining to taxation of real and personal property.
• Knowledge of procedures used to determine valuations of real and personal property.
• Knowledge of appraisal methods including selection and computation of the appropriate factors influencing the value of residential property, agricultural property, mobile homes and personal property.
• Knowledge of state laws regarding property tax and appraisal methods.
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps and deed information.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in operating computer, copier, calculator and using various measuring tools.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having a similar position for one to two years.

Appraiser I designation desired, or the ability to meet necessary requirements within one year as mandated by the Georgia Department of Revenue. Must be 21 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.

A combination of education and/or work experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.