Senior Property Appraiser

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

FLSA:  Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under limited supervision, plans and directs routine and complex appraisals and administrative and appraisal procedures; coordinates and trains staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Property Appraiser series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series and serving in a lead role to coordinate the work of office staff. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. This classification requires thorough understanding of all appraisal functions, property categories, policies and regulations; may be responsible for directing a branch office. This class is distinguished from the Property Appraiser Supervisor in that the latter is the full-supervisory level in the class series.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Interprets and determines data pertinent to the valuation of a property; administers accepted appraisal methods including sales comparison, income and cost approaches to arrive at a value conclusion; allocates value to land, improvements and personal property.
• Performs administrative duties; prepares correspondence; collects, files and maintains forms and other related data to include value allocations, property descriptions, computer generated floor plans drawings, digital photos; enters information into computer.
• Conducts field visits on specific properties for the purpose of reviewing property value; inspects and photographs property; verifies property characteristics at time of purchase; determines the nature, extent and quality of new construction; measure improvements; meets with owners; estimates using cost manuals; composes reports; applies sales comparison and income approach methods of valuation.
• Analyzes data collected during field appraisals visits; interprets which data is valid and pertinent to the valuation of a specific property; employs accepted appraisals methods including sales comparison, income, cost approaches to value to arrive at a value conclusion; allocates values to land, improvements and personal property.
• Responds to questions and concerns from public and others regarding property valuations, tax codes, rules and regulations; corresponds with taxpayer, appraisers and agents by phone and mail, and accommodates walk-in customers; addresses inquiries pertaining to ownership anomalies and information on appeals.
• Provides historic information on property development and changes in local and surrounding areas to support staff and general public; interprets, defines and applies policies and procedures.
• Participates in property tax appeals; receives complaints; researches and prepares defense of Assessors Office valuations; provides testimony to the Appeals Board; implements Board decisions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Principles and practices of conducting property appraisal for tax assessment purposes. 
• California Revenue and Taxation Code governing the appraisal of commercial, industrial, residential, agricultural, and special purpose properties. 
• Business arithmetic.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report generation.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping and preparation of reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. 
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Research, organize, analyze, interpret, and verify appraisal data.
• Lead and perform appropriate methods, practices, procedures, and regulations in the appraisal of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and/or other real and personal properties. 
• Explain appraisal procedures and determinations to taxpayers. 
• Assign accurate and equitable fair market value to property for taxation purposes. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Maintain accurate records and files. 
• Learn, understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, real estate, or a related field, and

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional property appraisal experience.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess and maintain a permanent Appraiser Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization (Revenue and Tax Code section 670 and subsequent sections).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment: 

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When assigned to field inspection:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to pounds. 
• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. 
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes. 
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, county vehicle, and standard office equipment.
•  

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.