Appraiser

Job Description:

Appraiser

Description

Appraiser
Department of Finance & Budget
Full-Time, 12 months
Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 31
VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective:

Creates well-supported assessments of real estate based on verified market information. Uses comparable sales information and other market data that is gathered and confirmed to establish reassessment results that meet guidelines in the International Association of Assessing Officer (IAAO) Standard on Ratio Studies.

Advertising as an Appraiser (grade 31), but may hire at Appraiser Technician (grade 29) or Senior Appraiser (grade 33) based on qualifications and experience.

Essential Functions:

• Sales Validation - confirm all relevant descriptive data based on established standards on properties that have sold and update their information as needed. Research and confirm information, including field visits, relating to each transaction and interview involved parties as needed to determine if a sale is a valid, arm’s-length, market sale.
• Reassessment - create and analyze sales ratios studies of valid sales for assigned market areas/ neighborhoods annually to determine rates and adjustments for the next tax year. Recommend changes to meet International Association of Assessing Officer (IAAO) Standard on Ratio Studies guidelines.
• Plats - move improvements to newly created parcels as needed and set up valuation on all new parcels.
• New Construction - Conduct regular checks to properly describe and appraise properties under construction or renovation (with or without a permit) to add the new improvements to the tax rolls based on their status as of January first of each year and/or when substantially complete.
• Five Year Checks - Conduct regular checks of property data to update records. Appraisal staff conducts checks, including field visits, to confirm or update data on approximately 20% of their assigned properties each year. All parcels assigned to an appraiser should be reviewed every five years.
• Reviews/Appeals - Process review requests to confirm/update property characteristics and recommend a course of action to the County Assessor regarding value. Prepare for Board of Equalization (BOE) hearings by reviewing property and market data with the County Assessor and testifying in front of the BOE as needed.
• Assignments - will include properties of medium complexity with some rural areas and heterogeneous neighborhoods. May assist with some commercial property appraisals. Maintain digital files of assigned property data.
• Staff Training and Cooperation - appraisers must coordinate their work to ensure that standards are followed by all staff, which requires cooperation between colleagues. Appraiser II’s will be expected to assist Appraiser I staff when needed.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of ad valorem appraising
  • Pertinent state and local assessment laws
  • Applicable Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
  • Local real estate market and how it affects market value.
    
• Skills:
  • Intermediate use of computer assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) software, preferably VISION.
  • Ability to generate reports, and use excel spreadsheets.
  • Ability to utilize and understand cadastral mapping and aerial photography.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction plans and specifications.
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, real estate professionals and the public .
  • Capable of handling multiple tools (measuring tape, laser, camera, clipboard, pencil, cell phone, door knockers) while maneuvering unstable topography or terrain.
    
• Ability to:
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Analyze and compile information to make decisions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Assist in work of co-workers, if needed.
  • Plan and organize assigned work, but able to adapt to changing situations.
  • Handle a high level of responsibility in making decisions.
  • Communicate complex ideas orally and in writing.
  • Perform and follow detailed work procedures.
  • Work Independently and as part of a team.

Required Education and Experience:

• Any combination of at least 6 years of education and experience including: graduation from an accredited college or university
• At least two years of experience specifically in the appraisal of real estate; any appraisal experience accepted.
• Successful completion of at least three appraisal courses; any Appraisal courses accepted.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required and access to driving record must be granted.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Major course work in Real Estate, Finance, or Economics.
• Ad valorem appraisal experience preferred.
• IAAO courses preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Physical conditions :
  • Majority of work is conducted in the field involving daily use of motor vehicle and daily inspections of pre-existing properties and/or construction sites, sometimes under adverse or hazardous conditions and/or adverse weather.
  • Field work requires repeated ingress and egress of county vehicle.
  • Office work is also required .
• Nature of work :
  • In-person and virtual meetings
  • Emails and telephone communications
  • May occasionally make a presentation
  • Regular use of computers
  • Moderate/strenuous physical tasks including bending, stooping, lifting, carrying items.
  • Some inspections are in remote/rural parts of Albemarle County and up to several miles off state roads, judgment and caution is required when entering properties.
• Work contacts:
  • Regular contact with staff in Building Code and Zoning Services, Planning and Engineering departments, lawyers, developers, builders, realtors, fee appraisers, and the public .
  • Communication is generally cooperative but sometimes characterized by debate . The exchange of information may cover confidential, sensitive or controversial material requiring the use of tact.
• Interactions:
  • Staff appraisers may be the only contact the customer has with local- government and should be prepared to handle or refer general questions and manage adversarial conversations.
  • Persuasive discussions
  • Stressful/adversarial
  • Potential for conflict
  • Use of tact and diplomacy

Salary Range
The hiring range for this position is $29.13 - $32.20 per hour (approx. $60,599 - $66,977 per year.) Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. Advertising as an Appraiser (grade 31 ) but may hire at Appraiser Technician (grade 29) or Senior Appraiser (grade 33) based on qualifications and experience. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Remote Work
This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County's Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Values Veterans
Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO
Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.