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The County of San Benito seeks a Chief Appraiser to lead the Assessor's Valuation Divisions, directing real and personal property appraisal activities and ensuring compliance with state laws.
This senior management role supervises division staff, coordinates appraisal programs, and may act in the absence of the Assessor or Assistant Assessor. Strong supervisory and appraisal credentials are required.
Recruitment will remain open until filled.
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.
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.
Assessor and Assistant Assessor
Supervising Appraiser and Supervising Auditor-Appraiser
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand 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.
Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.
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.
The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of San Benito assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or admissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a "meet and confer" process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
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).
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.
(This is meant to be an overview of benefits only. For full benefit terms and conditions, please see MOU)
Employees in regular, full-time positions will be eligible to participate in the following employee benefits:
Employees are paid bi-weekly.
The insurance and benefits deductions will take place bi-monthly, normally the first two pay periods of the month. Bank/Credit union and 457 Retirement Deferrals deductions will take place bi-weekly.
Based on continued years of service. Newly hired MEG employees may be eligible for higher vacation accrual rate for previous public sector experience (verification required). Maximum accruals may apply depending on the bargaining unit.
Management employees receive 80 hours of administrative leave per calendar year. Forty (40) unused hours can be paid out at the end of the calendar year. Administrative leave is pro-rated.
13.5 holidays (including 3 floating) for most employees. Safety officers and dispatchers receive approximately 5% holiday pay in addition to their base pay in lieu of paid holidays off.
15 days per year. Maximum accruals apply.
Comprehensive CalPERS medical plans available for full-time employees. Employees appointed to a regular position at a time base of 50% or higher are eligible to participate.
Increase County contributions to medical effective January 2024.
The County's contribution above shall be prorated for positions that are less than .90 FTE rounding to the nearest one-quarter time.
Employee Only Medical Plan: $1,500 maximum
Employee Plus One Medical Plan: $3,000 maximum.
Employee Plus Family Medical Plan: $4,000 maximum.
Employees who are eligible to receive a "cash in lieu of" enrollment in the County's medical plan shall receive a taxable payment of $150 monthly (pro-rated into biweekly installments of $69.23).
County contributes $30 to Delta Dental plan for full-time employees and their families.
The County pays for employee coverage and the employee can pay for dependent coverage. This benefit is available to full-time employees only.
The County provides confidential short-term counseling services to employees and dependents.
County pays for a $20,000 BASIC life insurance policy for each employee. Voluntary life insurance plans available.
Confidential and Management groups participate in the State Disability Insurance.
Membership to the Santa Clara Federal Credit Union is available to San Benito County employees.
Employees may participate in tax-deferred retirement savings. Three 457 plans are available. Employees may rollover funds from prior 401k or 457 accounts. IRS limits apply.
Regular employees will be enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system in accordance with the Public Employees' Retirement Law. Employee contributions vary according to bargaining unit.
All New Miscellaneous (non-Safety) employees enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system participate in the full formula of 2% at 62. Miscellaneous employees participate in Social Security in addition to CalPERS.
Employees may participate in various AFLAC plans such as accident, disability, and cancer insurances.
Health and Dependent Care available, pre-tax deductions.
I understand all County employees will be required to take an Oath of Office and will be called upon to act as Disaster Service Workers, when needed.
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Answers such as "see resume" or "see above" will remove you from consideration. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.
Please indicate your highest level of education.
How many years of progressively responsible professional real or business personal property appraisal experience do you have in a California Assessor’s Office?
How many years of your experience have been in a full supervisory capacity?
Please describe the types of property appraisal experience you have, including any experience with commercial, industrial, agricultural, residential, and/or business personal property appraisal and auditing. For each type, indicate the approximate number of years of experience.
Do you currently possess a valid Advanced Appraiser Certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization? (Please attach)