Full Text
County of Alpine Adopted 05/07/02 APPRAISER / SENIOR APPRAISER DEFINITION Under general supervision, to secure and analyze data for the appraisal of real property in determining value for property tax purposes; to conduct field investigation studies and appraisals of residential, commercial and rural properties; to provide information and assistance to the public; and to perform related duties as assigned. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Appraiser is the entry level classification in the Appraiser series. This class is distinguished from the Senior Appraiser by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Senior Appraiser is the full journey-level class within the series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Appraiser by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned and the possession of state certification. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level, or when filled from the outside, require prior appraisal experience. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Schedules and conducts field investigations and appraisals; performs such activities as inspecting, measuring, plotting and classifying real and personal property and property improvements; identifies significant characteristics, including quality, age, condition, legality and functionality. Determines fair market values for property using correct revenue and tax laws. Defines property boundaries; analyzes data necessary to split and create new parcels. Gathers information, conducts economic and cost studies, and analyzes data in the appraisal of real and personal property and real property improvements. Calculates replacement costs, obsolescence, construction costs, resale value and other pertinent factors. Updates property records based on computations. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appraiser / Senior Appraiser Page 2 Obtains needed information through interviews with owners, contractors, realtors and others. Reads and interprets legal descriptions, blueprints and maps. Conducts audits of real and personal properties; conducts periodic real property inventories to ensure that all assessable property is on the County assessment roll. Reviews aerial photographs for changes and locations of property improvements. Makes recommendations based on investigations. Updates and analyzes market values for use in determining property values. Prepares, reviews and/or maintains accurate and up-to-date property records, maps, files, logs, reports, databases, etc., as required. Explains appraisal procedures and policies and related tax laws to the public; meets with property owners to discuss appraisals; assists customers with requests for property data and characteristics. Prepares memos and correspondence, and produces a variety of fiscal and statistical statements or reprots. Attends various meetings, workshops, seminars, etc., as required or appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills. Performs routine administrative and clerical work as required, including but not limited to attending meetings, preparing correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering computer data, answering the telephone, etc. Assists Pubic with recording and document searches. Examines, records indexes and images all documents submitted to the Recorder’s Office in the absence of the Account and Recording Technician. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Appraiser: Basic principles and practices of property appraisal and land economics. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appraiser / Senior Appraiser Page 3 Modern office practices and technology. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appraiser / Senior Appraiser Page 4 Business mathematics. Report and letter writing techniques. Senior Appraiser: (In addition to the above requirements) Pertinent federal, state and County laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards related to property appraisal and assessment. Organization and operating procedures of the Assessor’s Office. Appraisal methods and terminology. Economic, environmental and related factors involved in the appraisal of various classes of real property. Methods, procedures and practices followed in real property assessment work. Economics of value and price as they affect the cost of construction and improvements. Common methods of describing real property. Ability to: Appraiser: Learn, understand, interpret, explain and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Learn and apply the principles and techniques of property appraisal. Assemble and analyze data and make mathematical calculations, charts, and descriptions in connection with appraisal work. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Prepare routine reports with accuracy and in a timely manner. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appraiser / Senior Appraiser Page 5 Use computers for record-keeping and reporting, and database management. Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy. Safely operate basic office equipment. Senior Appraiser: (In addition to the above requirements) Read and interpret property descriptions, aerial photographs, maps, blueprints and other diagrams. Independently analyze appraisal data and make proper determinations of value. Make accurate appraisals of increasingly complex appraisal problems using market, cost and income approaches. Prepare a variety of routine to complex fiscal and statistical reports. Exercise sound, independent judgment following established policies and procedures. Represent the department effectively in meetings with others. Education: (for both levels) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, real estate and land management, or closely related field. Experience: Appraiser: Some experience in real estate or property appraisal is desirable. Senior Appraiser: Two years as an Appraiser in Alpine County or three years of professional experience appraising real property. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appraiser / Senior Appraiser Page 6 Other Requirements: Appraiser: Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Possession of a current license to appraise real property issued by the State of California. Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid certificate as an appraiser issued by the California State Board of Equalization within one year of appointment. Senior Appraiser: Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Possession of a valid certificate as an appraiser issued by the California State Board of Equalization. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires the ability to sit at desk for extended periods of time and frequently walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch and reach while performing office and outdoor appraisal duties; lift and/or move objects weighing up to 40 pounds; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating office equipment. Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen.