Appraiser I or Appraiser Trainee

The City of Lynchburg; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lynchburg is seeking motivated individuals to join the real property appraisal team in Lynchburg, VA. This entry-level role focuses on residential properties, data collection, field inspections, and producing accurate valuations under supervision.

Two career tracks are posted: Appraiser Trainee ($35,000 - $40,000) and Appraiser I ($40,000 - $45,000), with progression based on education and experience. A path to licensure is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Appraiser Trainee requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Appraiser I requires an associate's degree in a related field.
• One year related appraisal or data collection experience.
• Driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must obtain Virginia trainee license within 12 months (preferred).
• Must complete IS100 and IS700 NIMS training within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Assist the public by answering complaints by phone, fax, email and in person.
• Conduct field inspections of residential properties.
• Collect and compile real estate data to support valuations.
• Identify and organize sales data to build a sales database.
• Provide information to the public and county agencies.

Skills

Math basics

Written reports

Presentations

Maps & deeds

Office software

Communication

Collaboration

Planning & organizing

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree

Tools

CAMA systems

MS Office

Job description

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Join our team in supporting the City of Lynchburg's mission to ensure fair and equitable real property assessments. We are seeking motivated individuals to perform residential property appraisal functions that uphold professional standards and meet state requirements.

In this entry-level role, you will list and measure residential properties—including existing structures and new construction—as mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under direct supervision, you will collect and analyze real estate data, conduct field inspections, prepare reports, and contribute to the development of accurate, defensible property valuations.

You will work both independently and collaboratively, engaging with property owners, assisting the public and partner agencies, supporting the valuation appeal process, and helping maintain accurate sales and parcel data. This position offers the opportunity to learn appraisal principles, gain hands‑on experience with CAMA systems and related tools, and build a solid foundation for advancement within the appraisal job series.

Career Path

Career Path

The range advertised is for an Appraiser Trainee ($35,000 - $40,000) or Appraiser I ($40,000 - $45,000), based on education and experience.

Appraiser Trainee Essential Functions

• Assist the public by answering complaints via telephone, fax, email and personal contact
• Conduct field inspections of residential
• Meet with property owners to explain ad valorem tax process
• Collect data for developing residential models and sales information
• Utilize CAMA and web-related appraisal programs

Appraiser I Essential Functions

• Collect and compile real estate data to facilitate accurate valuations
• Identify and organize information regarding real property sales to build a confirmed sales database for real estate evaluation
• Process parcel splits and combinations
• Assist the public and County agencies by providing and interpreting real estate information
• Identify and update parcels for zoning changes
• Provide technical support to other agencies and the public regarding valuation results, the appraisal process, and protest or appeal procedures
• Investigate and processes building permits to implement property value change
• With direct supervision, review property valuation appeals, prepare written documentation for valuation defense, including investigation and formal response to protests, appeals and complaints, represents the city at hearings, and testifies in court as required

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To qualify as an Appraiser Trainee:

• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience directly related to appraisal, tax assessment, or related field (construction, insurance, etc.)
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

To qualify as an Appraiser I:

• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience related to measuring, listing of structures and/or data collection for appraisals.
• Education: Associate's degree in a related field
• A combination of relevant education and relevant experience may be accepted.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• The ability to attain licensure as a Virginia State Appraiser Trainee within 12 months of employment is preferred.
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS.

Appraiser Trainee Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of

State statutes that apply to mass appraisal of real estate

Customer service etiquette, both in person and via phone and email

Listing residential real property types

Understanding of valuation approaches and statistical techniques

Current construction costs, market trends and rental data

Skills

Basic mathematical equations

Preparing written summaries, reports and other documents

Making written and oral presentations and testimony before customers

Reading and interpreting maps and deeds

Abilities

Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships

Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self to ensure that work is completed efficiently

Supervised Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided

Computer Skills

Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Appraiser I Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of

Principles, practices, methods and requirements of private sector business accounting of real estate appraisal

Basic understanding of Real estate principles, practices, markets, and values

Pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work

Standards for measuring and listing real property

Skills

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents

Talking to others to convey information effectively

Collecting, analyzing, correlating and applying relevant information to determine property values

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

Strong Oral and Written communication skills to be used in interactions with external and internal customers; ability to prepare oral presentations for managers and staff; ability to compose correspondence, memorandums, reports and other documents with direct supervision

Data analysis, sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills

Assist with researching, compiling, and summarizing statistical data and information materials

Abilities

Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions

Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships

Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self to ensure that work is completed efficiently

Computer Skills

Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite