Appraiser

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

The purpose of this entry-level position is to represent the Chief Appraiser in all aspects of inspecting and recording the characteristics of business industrial personal, residential, or commercial properties. This is accomplished by determining valuation of properties using appraiser judgment and discretion to include the unique characteristics recorded to value improvements in mass appraisal. Fieldwork and office work are interspersed with seasons of informal meetings in working with taxpayers to resolve property value disputes. This position is to ensure all sections operate and support the appraisal district’s mission, goals and objectives

The Appraiser will be responsible for all aspects of the appraisal process. The Appraiser will perform a combination of field appraisals on assigned properties during certain months of the year using one’s own vehicle and work in an office environment conducting informal meetings and formal property protest hearings in the remaining months. The Appraiser will explain assessed values and defend property appeals with property owners of Harris County. This position may be located in either the Commercial, Residential or Business Industrial Property Division.

Education/Technical Requirements & Work Experience

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree, major in Accounting, Finance or Real Estate preferred.

The college degree requirement may be waived for an individual with:

• An RPA and current active registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• A residential or general appraiser license currently active with the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
• Five or more years of applicable experience within the last ten years of the date of application.
• For applicants who are currently employed by the Harris Central Appraisal District, two (2) or more years of experience at the appraisal district and 60 hours of college credit.
• An honorable discharge from a branch of the US Armed Services.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One (1) year of work experience preferred, especially in real estate and appraisal

Position requires use of personal vehicle. A valid Texas driver’s license with proof of liability insurance is mandatory with a verified acceptable driving records.  Additional requirements are outlined under Technical Responsibilities.

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)

• Provide property inspection and/or measurement of properties in the field.
• Check field appraisal records for accuracy and completeness.
• Inspect and measure assigned properties completely and accurately.
• Utilize aerial photography images to verify property improvement characteristics.
• Represent the Chief Appraiser and the district in informal meetings, with property owners or their representatives, and consider evidence to form an opinion of value.
• Maintain a professional and courteous manner.
• Provide assistance to property owners.
• Complete required appraisal trainings and courses as defined by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to achieve Level III designation within 3 years of employment and successfully achieve the Registered Professional Appraiser designation within 5 years.
• Adhere to a strict code of ethics as laid out by professional standards like the Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
• Complete special projects including, but not limited to, and reviewing accounts with value changes to ensure accuracy of resulting value.
• Operate PC/Laptop and HCAD’s CAMA software for research and record retrieval.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Note:  The appraiser must register with TDLR and have either attained or work towards a TDLR Appraiser License. Appraiser must enroll in TDLR Courses and work towards completing, at a minimum, courses #101, #102 and #30.

Position Qualifications & Requirements

COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Customer Orientation
• Decision Making
• Emotional Intelligence
• Quality Orientation

KNOWLEDGE:

• Understanding property inspection and valuation procedures and techniques.
• Requires successful completion of Level III exam within 3 years.
• Requires Registered Professional Appraisal License within 5 years.
• Knowledge of new and revised tax laws and Texas Property Tax Code.

SKILLS:

• Organization
• Effective communication, both written and verbal
• Basic math and computer
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking

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.