Chief Appraiser

County of San Benito; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Benito seeks an experienced Chief Appraiser to lead the Assessor's Valuation Divisions, directing real and personal property appraisal operations, developing policies, and coordinating staff.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years in property appraisal with supervisory experience, a four-year degree in a related field, and the Advanced Appraiser Certificate. Leadership in CA tax law and valuation standards is essential.

Qualifications

• Five years of professional property appraisal experience in a CA Assessor’s Office, with at least two in supervision.
• Three years of commercial/industrial/personal property and auditing experience.
• Four-year college degree in business/public admin, accounting, finance, economics, math, engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and manage the Valuation Divisions within the Assessor's Office.
• Review legislation and regulations; ensure compliance and implement procedures.
• Develop goals, standards and training for division staff; supervise supervisors.
• Assist with preparation of assessment rolls and appeals processes.

Skills

Property appraisal

Supervisory experience

Regulations & tax law

Budgeting & planning

Staff development

Public administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Advanced Appraiser Certificate (BOE)

Job description

Recruitment will remain open until filled.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, directs, organizes and manages the operations of the Valuation Divisions of the Assessor's Office; responsible for real and personal property appraisal process; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Chief Appraiser in this class reports directly to the Assessor and Assistant Assessor; directs and supervises the real property division and business personal property division of the Assessor's Office; engaged in the application of the laws, rules, regulations and appraisal principles in the determination of taxable values of all taxable property in San Benito County. Formulation of assessment procedures, including appraisals, record keeping and standardization of practices are functions of this class.

Incumbent has responsibility for overall coordination and direction of divisions involved in appraisal activities within the Assessor's Office and to supervise the real and personal property valuation units through subordinate supervisors. This position is distinguished from the Supervising Appraiser and Supervising Auditor-Appraiser by the responsibility for program management, developing policies and procedures in the Valuation Division. It is further distinguished from the Assistant Assessor in that the latter has the overall responsibility to assist the department head in planning, organizing, and directing for all functions within the Assessor's Office. Incumbent may act in the Assessor and Assistant Assessor's absence.

REPORTS TO

Assessor and Assistant Assessor

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Supervising Appraiser and Supervising Auditor-Appraiser

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-manual coordination; lift and move objects up to 25 lbs; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment to include computer, telephone, printer, plotters, calculator, copier and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Plans, directs, organizes and manages the operation of the real and personal property divisions of the Assessor's Office; plan, implements and oversees the division projects and procedures; sets objectives for individual and division performance; monitors processes, timelines, and evaluates outcomes; develops division standards; encourages cooperation and teamwork among staff; assists with the development of new programs and enhancements relating to appraisal division responsibilities and maintains records of division activity and monitors workflow activity.

Directs day-to-day divisional activities through subordinate supervisors; reviews and analyzes legislation case law and other regulations that may impact the Assessor's Office; communicates changes to staff; may present, supervise or assist in the preparation of cases for presentation before the local Assessment Appeals Board; assists with preparation and production of assessment rolls.

Recommends hiring of appraisal personnel and provides instruction for training of subordinates; plans, coordinates, assigns and reviews Assessor's Valuation Divisions work activity; meets with supervising staff to ensure that objectives are accomplished; maintains work standards; evaluates performance and recommends any corrective action; reviews division work for accuracy; reviews and may participate in the appraisal, audits, and assessments of the largest and most complex properties in the County.

Assists the Assessor and Assistant Assessor in the formulation of departmental goals and objectives; evaluates operational performance of the division; reviews work methods and procedures to ensure effective work flow; reviews regulations, legislation and judicial decisions to determine effect on divisional operations; develops procedures to implement legislative mandates which impact the Valuation Division; assists with the valuation process of Williamson Act (LCA) properties.

EXPERIENCE:

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in performing professional real or business/personal property appraisal work in a California Assessor's Office. Two (2) years of this experience must have been in a full supervisory capacity. Appraisal experience must include three (3) years performing either commercial/industrial/agricultural appraisals or personal property appraisals and auditing.

EDUCATION:

Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university with a major in business or public administration, accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, engineering, or a field closely related to professional appraisal work. (Additional qualifying experience in professional appraisal work may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
2. Possession of a valid Advanced Appraiser Certificate issued by the Board of Equalization.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

1. California Revenue and Taxation Laws and of appraisal procedures and standards.
2. Principles and practices used for real and business personal property appraisal.
3. Regulations and court decisions affecting tax valuation of all taxable property.
4. Principles and techniques of supervision, training, personnel management and policies.
5. General principles and government procedures used by California counties.
6. Computer applications relating to the functions of the County Assessor's Office.
7. Principles, techniques, and practices of effective business and public administration.

ABILITY TO:

1. Plan, direct, organize and manage the operations of the Assessor's Valuation Divisions.
2. Understand, interpret and explain laws, regulations and policies of the Assessor's Office.
3. Develop and implement Valuation Divisions operational procedures.
4. Coordinate computer applications for Valuation Divisions and assessment roll functions.
5. Summarize and evaluate factors relating to appraisals accurately and equitably.
6. Directs selection, development, promotion, evaluation and discipline of valuation staff.
7. Effectively manage multiple work assignments, set priorities, and meet established deadlines.
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public and other agencies.
9. Provides technical and special assistance on complex assessment problems and issues.
10. Analyze data and prepare clear, concise and complete reports and recommendations.
11. Develop statistical information and prepare a variety of reports for the Assessor's Office.
12. Effectively represent the Assessor's Office with the public, and other organizations.
13. Communicate effectively, both through oral communications and in writing.
14. Make oral presentations.

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.