Testifying Appraiser I - Review Appraisal Division

Join an organization that values it's community and employees! 

The purpose of this entry level position into the Review Appraisal Division, is to review all relevant data related to pending real property lawsuits filed against HCAD and assist in the preparation and presentation of value defense or advise in settlement of litigation cases. Other duties include obtaining most accurate information available for each property, applying accepted appraisal methods, techniques, practices, and appearing as expert witness to testify in legal proceedings. Other responsibilities include writing market, uniform/equal and appraisal review reports and SOAH hearings.

Posting Closing Date and Time: August 17, 2026 at 11:59

EDUCATION/POSITION SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS & WORK EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• Required: Bachelor’s Degree.
• Registered Professional Appraiser (RPA) Certification for internal candidates.
• Advanced appraisal designation, or related appraisal license or certification nearing completion for external candidates preferred. This includes Appraisal Institute or other related coursework started for A TALCB License.
• RPA designation to be completed within 3 years for external candidates.

WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: 2+ years’ appraiser/valuation experience
• Previous exposure to the litigation process and experience as an expert witness, preferred.
• Advanced appraisal courses from IAAO and Appraisal Institute preferred.
• Real estate background knowledge preferred for external candidates.


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the job. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this job.
General Responsibilities (Broad responsibilities that are consistent across job families)
• Research and analyze property information by collecting and verifying data.
• Assist in trial preparation, depositions, attend mediations, and give expert witness testimony for trials.
• Perform property inspections.
• Assist with technical reports and manual preparation and construction.
• Conduct special projects.
• Update software database as needed.
• Perform review appraisals as necessary.
• Use appraisal methodology to arrive at reasonable value indications based on discovery data and other information and research data.
• Work effectively and efficiently with attorneys.
• Prepare files and offers for settlement conferences, mediation and court.
• Availability to communicate with attorneys after working hours.

Position Specific Responsibilities (Division specific responsibilities)
REVIEW APPRAISAL DIVISION:
• Ensures compliance with USPAP Appraisal Practices & Processes
• Develops case management capability
• Utilize Generally Accepted Appraisal Practices along with Market Data Analysis
• Create a professional presence through actively listening and ensuring effective communication with attorneys and others. Maintain confidentiality.
• Represent HCAD in a professional manner in at all times. Responds positively to others with a willingness to work efficiently in all departmental matters.
• Determine strategy of cases based on informed decisions; Analyze information pertaining to the case (history, evidence, issues) and create reports that will be used to determine course of action; Evaluate risks for and against a recommended decision, while considering all implications and consequences and necessary costs.
• Achieve departmental goals by working cooperatively with attorneys, management, and all others while representing in a team player atmosphere.
• Create all report types in a timely manner for courtroom testimony
• Work efficiently on case management
• Represent the District in trial court, at depositions, and at inspections in a professional manner
• Ability to defend and explain their expert report in court and at depositions
• Perform oral and written market value appraisals, equity analysis, appraisal reviews and other pertinent documentation to be used as evidence for expert testimony in litigated cases.
• Must meet mandatory deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE:
• Report writing
• Valuation analysis procedures
• HCAD standards of documentation
• Understanding of USPAP Compliance.
• Market conditions
• Knowledge of new and revised tax laws and Texas Property Tax Code.
• Real Estate Terminology

WORKING CONDITIONS
Positions in this class typically require repetitive motions, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time in an office setting.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have sufficient mobility to visit property sites that may feature rough terrain and to work outdoors in unfavorable weather conditions. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time with ability to reach, bend and move up/down on steps. Must be able to lift up to 50-pounds.
The position requires considerable concentration, creativity and ability to manage time effectively. The position is subject to stress caused by a changing public environment, mandatory deadlines and heavy workload. Requires the ability to ask questions that will bring forth the information needed to make sound decisions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Harris Central Appraisal District is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic,
including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.