Appraiser I/II/III

County of San Benito; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Benito is seeking a disciplined professional to learn and perform real property appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes. The role includes field investigations, analyzing data, and assisting with complex appraisals for residential, commercial, and farm properties.

Under supervision, you will explain appraisal methods to the public, defend assessments before the Board of Equalization, and assist with training and reports.

Qualifications

• Completion of formal advanced educational training in accounting, auditing, business administration or a related field.
• Two years of experience in performing property appraisals and value determinations comparable to that of an Appraiser I.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of a valid Appraiser's Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply the techniques, methods, and principles of real property appraisal.
• Assist with inspections and inspections of building improvements to determine the effect on property value.
• Explain assessment procedures, value determinations, methods, and laws to the public.
• Maintain and update computer databases related to assessment and evaluation of parcels.
• Assist with training of new staff and perform special projects as assigned.

Skills

Data analysis

Field investigations

Property appraisal

Public communication

Job description

i Under supervision, to learn the methods and procedures used in gathering and analyzing data for the appraisal of real property; to assist with making field investigations, studies, and appraisals of residential, commercial, and farm properties; and to do related work as required.

ii Under direction, to secure and analyze data for the appraisal of real property for ad valorem tax purposes; to make field investigations, studies, and appraisals of residential, commercial, and farm properties; to explain appraisal methods, laws, and procedures to the public; to defend challenged appraisals before the Board of Equalization, when necessary; and to do related work as required.

iii Under direction, to secure and analyze data for the appraisal of real property for ad valorem tax purposes; to make field investigations, studies, and appraisals of residential, commercial, and farm properties; to explain appraisal methods, laws, and procedures to the public; to defend challenged appraisals before the Board of Equalization, when necessary; to perform the more complex appraisals and special assignments for the Assessor's Office; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced working level in the Appraiser class series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of real property appraisal, requiring appraisal knowledge and background, with minimal supervision and direction. Also, they are expected to perform the more complex appraisals and special job assignments, as well as assist with the training of new staff. They must be fully capable of explaining appraisal methods and applicable sections of the Revenue and Taxation Code to the public.

REPORTS TO

Supervising Appraiser

CLASSIFICATIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED

None

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; ability to walk in uneven terrain; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both an office and outdoor environments; continuous contact with staff and the public.(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

• Learns to conduct investigations and analyze data in determining the value of residential, commercial, small commercial, and homogeneous farm properties for tax assessment purposes
• Assists with inspections and inspects building improvements and changes to determine the effect on property value
• Inspects exterior and interior of buildings to determine classifications according to standards and examples set forth in appraisal manuals Learns to analyze and determine the quality of materials, fixtures, equipment, and general construction in buildings
• Measures buildings and computes both total area and improved areas Estimates replacement costs, construction costs, resale value, and other pertinent factors affecting property values
• Learns to utilize proper judgment in arriving at consistent, equitable appraisals for tax assessment purposes
• Records factual data and comments on appraisal forms
• Prepares scale drawings of the location of buildings and improvements in relation to property lines
• Sketches maps to assist with field locations
• Assists with the preparation of reports
• Performs the more routine appraisal assignments on an independent basis as job experience is gained.

• Conducts investigations and analyzes data in determining the value of residential, commercial, small commercial, and homogeneous farm properties for tax assessment purposes
• Inspects building improvements and changes to determine the effect on property value
• Inspects exterior and interior of buildings to determine classifications according to standards and examples set forth in appraisal manuals. Examines, analyzes, and determines the quality of materials, fixtures, equipment, and general construction in buildings and improvements Measures buildings and computes both total area and improved areas as required
• Estimates replacement costs, construction costs, resale value, and other pertinent factors affecting property values
• Obtains information in interviews with owners, contractors, real estate agents, and others when necessary
• Combines the variety of elements affecting property value and exercises judgment in arriving at consistent, equitable appraisals for tax assessment purposes
• Records factual data and comments on appraisal forms
• Performs roll corrections on properties incorrectly assessed
• Reviews properties for special exemptions and insures proper valuation of claims
• Prepares scale drawings of the location of buildings and improvements in relation to property lines
• Sketches maps to assist with field locations
• Explains assessment procedures, value determinations, methods, and laws to the public
• Prepares analysis and defends challenged assessments before the Board of Equalization, when necessary

• Conducts investigations and analyzes data in determining the value of residential, commercial, small commercial, and farm properties for tax assessment purposes
• Inspects building improvements and changes to determine the effect on property value
• Inspects exterior and interior of buildings to determine classifications according to standards and examples set forth in appraisal manuals Examines, analyzes, and determines the quality of materials, fixtures, equipment, and general construction in buildings and improvements Measures buildings and computes both total area and improved areas as required
• Estimates replacement costs, construction costs, resale value, and other pertinent factors affecting property values
• Obtains information in interviews with owners, contractors, real estate agents, and others when necessary)
• Combines the variety of elements affecting property value and exercises judgment in arriving at consistent, equitable appraisals for tax assessment purposes
• Records factual data and comments on appraisal forms
• Performs roll corrections on properties incorrectly assessed
• Reviews properties for special exemptions and insures proper valuation of claims
• Prepares scale drawings of the location of buildings and improvements in relation to property lines
• Sketches maps to assist with field locations
• Explains assessment procedures, value determinations, methods, and laws to the public
• Performs the more complex and specialized appraisal assignments
• Performs special projects as assigned
• May gather data and assist with the establishment of appraisal standards
• Maintains and updates various computer databases related to assessment and evaluation of agricultural parcels
• Assists with the training of new staff
• Prepares analysis and defends challenged assessments before the Board of Equalization, when necessary
• Prepares reports

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Completion of formal advanced educational training in accounting, auditing, business administration or a related field; or, completion of some responsible work experience in accounting, appraising, engineering assistance, building cost estimating, construction material buying, or managing or selling real estate.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• Incumbents have one year from the date of appointment in this class to obtain a valid Appraiser's Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization.

• Two years of experience in performing property appraisals and value determinations comparable to that of an Appraiser I.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of a valid Appraiser's Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization

• Three (3) years of experience in performing property appraisals and value determinations comparable to that of an Appraiser II with the San Benito County Assessors Office.

Special Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Possession of a valid Advanced Appraiser's Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Basic principles of land economics.
• General knowledge of property appraisal principles.
• Factors, techniques, methods, and principles involved in the appraisal of real property.
• Methods of determining property values.
• Laws and regulations affecting the appraisal of real property, including pertinent principles and guidelines contained in the State Constitution, Revenue and Taxation Code, and Assessor's Handbook.
• Organization, procedures, and responsibilities of the County Assessors Office.
• Computer equipment and software related to property appraisal.
• Sales ratio analysis and ratio determination methods.
• Principles of training.

ABILITY TO

• Learn and apply the techniques, methods, and principles of real property appraisal.
• Assemble and analyze statistical and narrative information.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Speak and write effectively.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Maintain effective communications and good relations with the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

ABILITY TO

• Apply appraisal principles, methods, and techniques in the equitable and justifiable appraisal of real property.
• Assemble and analyze statistical and narrative information.
• Read and interpret maps, assessment books, property descriptions, and legal codes.
• Prepare analytical reports.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Speak and write effectively.
• Maintain effective communications and good relations with the public and individuals questioning assessment practices and results.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

ABILITY TO

• Provide training and coordination for other staff.
• Apply appraisal principles, methods, and techniques in the equitable and justifiable appraisal of real property.
• Assemble and analyze statistical and narrative information.
• Read and interpret maps, assessment books, property descriptions, and legal codes.
• Prepare analytical reports.
• Perform a variety of special projects and assignments.
• Assist with the establishment of standardized appraisal systems and methods.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Speak and write effectively.
• Maintain effective communications and good relations with the public and individuals questioning assessment practices and results.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Selection Process

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.

In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.