Senior Appraiser, Property and Acquisition Specialist 5
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
State of Washington's Department of Natural Resources seeks a Senior Appraiser in Olympia to lead land and resource valuations for real estate transactions. You will prepare USPAP/UASFL-compliant appraisals, advise project managers, and supervise the appraisal unit staff.
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3 years of professional appraisal experience, plus knowledge of real estate law, GIS/GPS tools, and Microsoft Office.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, real estate, economics, accounting, or related field.
- 3 years of professional appraisal experience or equivalent.
- Knowledge of USPAP and UASFL guidelines.
- Experience with real estate transactions and land use matters.
Responsibilities
- Prepare USPAP- and/or UASFL-compliant appraisals and reviews.
- Research sales data and state/federal policies affecting subject properties.
- Advise division managers on land use and real estate issues.
- Maintain relationships with management, other agencies, and industry.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Recruitment #2026-10-6829
Full‑time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Natural Resources Building - Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $6,542.00 - $8,801 Monthly
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Asset Management Division as a Senior Appraiser. This position supports the mission and goals of the DNR by ensuring that fair and professional valuations are conducted for all department real estate transactions requiring establishment of land and/or resource value, developing and implementing uniform valuation systems and procedures in support of department real estate transactions, providing professional advice and interpretations of relevant federal and state laws to project and department managers on land and resource transactions, and supervising the staff and activities of the department’s appraisal unit. The position serves the agency, including State Uplands Divisions, Regions, and Aquatics.
- Anticipate demands from multiple simultaneous complex real estate projects with deadlines and prioritize tasks accordingly; develop and maintain timelines.
- Independently scope project complexities and prepare USPAP- and/or UASFL-compliant appraisals and review appraisals.
- Research and confirm sales data. Research state and federal policies, procedures, rules, statutes, land use regulations, and real estate matters that affect the subject property.
- Provide advice and counsel to Division Managers and transaction project managers on issues relating to land use and real estate matters.
- Maintain positive working relationships with department management, project managers, other government agencies, and private industry.
- A bachelor's degree involving major study in business or public administration, real estate, economics, accounting, or a related field; AND 3 years of experience as a professional appraiser; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Experience with conflict resolution.
- Experience with computer software programs such as Microsoft Office, GPS, GIS, Adobe Pro, etc.
- Experience writing technical documents.
- Works independently while applying sound analysis to make decisions, set priorities, and meet required deadlines.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- The position primarily works in an office setting with 5 to 10% field work that at times requires walking on uneven terrain, driving on forest roads, and entering buildings.
- Occasional statewide travel is required.
- State certification as a General Real Estate Appraiser.
- A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
- A designation or certification pertinent to the job from an applicable professional organization, including but not limited to the MAI from the Appraisal Institute, the ARA from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, or a similar designation from the International Right of Way Association.
- Experience with the understanding of trust land management principles and DNR land management practices.
- Experience with the Public Land Survey System (township, range, section) and the ability to read and navigate maps of rural and forested areas.
Please contact Susan Beall at susan.beall@dnr.wa.gov or 564 250 3868, or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
- Integrity—Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians.
- Respect—Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another.
- Professionalism—The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct.
- Joy—DNR’s work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meets with curiosity and gratitude.
- Commitment to organizational health and wellness
- Work/life balance
- DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
- Leadership that empowers and supports employees
- Professional development opportunities
- Educational and career development aid
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
- Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
- A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
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