Chief Appraiser

DEFINITION
 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.
 
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
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.
 
REPORTS TO
Assessor and Assistant Assessor
 
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
Supervising Appraiser and Supervising Auditor-Appraiser

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
 
 
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public. 
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.


 Experience:
 
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.
 
Education:
 
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).

Special Requirements:

1. Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
2. Possession of a valid Advanced Appraiser Certificate issued by the Board of Equalization.

Knowledge of:
 

1. California Revenue and Taxation Laws and of appraisal procedures and standards.
2. Principles and practices used for real and business personal property appraisal.
3. Regulations and court decisions affecting tax valuation of all taxable property.
4. Principles and techniques of supervision, training, personnel management and policies.
5. General principles and government procedures used by California counties.
6. Computer applications relating to the functions of the County Assessor's Office.
7. Principles, techniques, and practices of effective business and public administration.

 
Ability to

1.  Plan, direct, organize and manage the operations of the Assessor's Valuation Divisions.
2. Understand, interpret and explain laws, regulations and policies of the Assessor's Office.
3. Develop and implement Valuation Divisions operational procedures.
4. Coordinate computer applications for Valuation Divisions and assessment roll functions.
5. Summarize and evaluate factors relating to appraisals accurately and equitably.
6. Directs selection, development, promotion, evaluation and discipline of valuation staff.
7. Effectively manage multiple work assignments, set priorities, and meet established deadlines.
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public and other agencies.
9. Provides technical and special assistance on complex assessment problems and issues.
10. Analyze data and prepare clear, concise and complete reports and recommendations.
11. Develop statistical information and prepare a variety of reports for the Assessor's Office.
12. Effectively represent the Assessor's Office with the public, and other organizations.
13. Communicate effectively, both through oral communications and in writing.
14. Make oral presentations.

Selection Process: 
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.