Residential Appraiser

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Job Description Summary:

The Residential Appraiser in the St. Louis County Assessor’s Office is responsible for evaluating residential real estate to determine accurate and equitable property values for tax assessment purposes. This role blends fieldwork, research, and data analysis, making it ideal for someone who enjoys a balance of outdoor inspections and detailed valuation work. Candidates who appreciate contributing to fair taxation and informed community decision making will find this position meaningful and rewarding.

Job Description:

This position supports St. Louis County’s mission to provide fair, transparent, and equitable tax assessments that uphold public trust. By inspecting residential properties, analyzing market data, and defending valuations in accordance with State Tax Commission Statutes and the Board of Equalization, the Residential Appraiser ensures residents are assessed accurately and consistently. This work strengthens the integrity of the County’s tax system and helps ensure that essential public services are properly funded.

Starting Salary:

$22.03 hourly, with an additional certification pay for hours worked: an extra $2 per hour for those holding a Residential appraisal certification or license, and an extra $4 per hour for those with a general certification.

Why You Should Consider a Career as a Residential Appraiser:

Professional Growth:

This role offers continuous professional development through hands‑on fieldwork, exposure to diverse residential property types, and experience applying complex valuation techniques. Appraisers build strong analytical, communication, and regulatory‑compliance skills.

Impactful Work:

Residential Appraisers play a vital role in maintaining a fair and equitable property tax system, directly influencing how residential properties are valued across the County. Their inspections and assessments ensure that homeowners are taxed appropriately, supporting community confidence in local government. The accuracy of their work contributes to funding public services such as schools, safety, parks, and infrastructure—helping strengthen the community as a whole.

Qualities of a Standout Candidate:

A standout candidate is detail‑oriented, analytical, and skilled at interpreting real estate data, property records, and market trends. They are comfortable conducting on‑site inspections, interviewing property owners, and verifying construction changes that may impact value. Strong communication skills are essential, especially when presenting and defending valuations at hearings. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to fairness, along with the ability to maintain organized records and navigate statutory requirements with accuracy and care.

Comprehensive Benefits:

St. Louis County provides a robust benefits package including affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous PTO beginning in the first year; 11 paid holidays; and a deferred benefit retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts appraisals of property categorized as single family, multi-family, condominium, tax-exempt and agricultural by auditing properties, inspecting sites and interviewing.
• Researches, gathers, and interprets information on residential appraisals.
• Conducts field audits of properties that are existing or under construction to verify modifications that affect the value.
• Develops and maintains appropriate records.
• Investigates, presents, and defends property values in a manner that complies with the State Tax Commission Statutes, and Board of Equalization.
• Performs such additional duties, with the required abilities and under the indicated working conditions and environment, as may properly be required of a position in this job class.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years of experience in residential appraisal or real estate sales, or one year of experience working as a Residential Data Collector for St. Louis County; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants must posses a valid Drivers License.

Special Requirements:

The work rules for the St. Louis County Assessor's Office require all employees, whether they reside in St. Louis County or elsewhere, to remain current in the payment of their personal and real property taxes. 

Pre-Employment Process Requirements:

Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant education, experience, responses to supplemental questions, and other work-related information provided on the application. Resumes are supplementary and do not replace the required application. 

All candidates will receive notifications regarding application status once determined.  Status updates are provided via email and can be found within each candidate’s Workday profile.

Responses that qualified candidates provide to the application questions will count as 100% of their final evaluation score.  A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more on the interview to be eligible for appointment.  The five highest-ranking candidates will be referred to the Department Director/Appointing Authority for final selection. 

Pre-Employment Screening:

Candidates extended a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre‑employment screenings. These screenings include a drug test administered at no cost to the applicant by a certified laboratory and a background check evaluating the recency and relevance of the candidate’s history to the position. Candidates must complete the drug test within 48 hours of receiving a conditional offer; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer.

At St. Louis County, we're not just about jobs, we're about opportunity.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

St. Louis County is committed to fair and equitable employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation.

St. Louis County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application or hiring process should contact the St. Louis County ADA Coordinator at 314-615-1796 or call Relay MO at 711 or 1-800-735-2966 (TTY) or email [email protected].