Property Appraiser I/II/III

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

This recruitment is for all levels.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under close or general supervision or direction, performs market value appraisals of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and institutional real properties for tax assessment purposes; and performs related duties as assigned.

 SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives close supervision (Property Appraiser I), general supervision (Property Appraiser II), or direction (Property Appraiser III) from the Supervising Property Appraiser. Some positions exercise technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

 Property Appraiser I: This is the entry-level classification in the property appraiser series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine appraisal of a variety of real property for taxation purposes. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. 

Property Appraiser II: This is the journey-level classification in the property appraiser series. Under general supervision, positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. 

Property Appraiser III: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the property appraiser series responsible for performing the more complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement. 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. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements. Positions at this level are distinguished from the II-level by independently performing the more complex appraisals such as commercial appraisals and providing project and/or specialist support.

Positions in the Property Appraiser class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II- and III-levels may be filled by advancement from the I- and II-levels, respectively; progression to the next level in the series is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the next 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. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Appraises residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and/or other real and personal properties for changes in ownership, new construction, and other changes for taxation purposes.
• Researches, analyzes, interprets, and documents required information, updates records and makes notes, and performs income, cost, and/or sales comparable analyses to derive equitable and justifiable property appraisals in accordance with California Revenue and Tax Code guidelines.
• Plans and implements strategies for preparing and accomplishing inspections and appraisals of real and personal properties including planning a site visit itinerary, preparing correspondence, assessing type of appraisal needed, and gathering appropriate equipment.
• Conducts field inspection of property site for property transfers, foreclosures, lot line adjustments, permitted and non-permitted construction, and informal assessment review; inspects and photographs property, verifies property characteristics at time of purchase; determines the nature, extent, and quality of new construction; and measures improvements.
• Collects and verifies property data by taking notes and photographs and interviewing property owners and other relevant parties; prepares written summaries of appraisal procedures and findings; updates appraisal files on specific transfers or new construction under consideration.
• Reads and interprets a variety of maps and aerial photographs to ascertain boundaries and condition of properties.
• Determines taxable value of property and makes corrections to tax rolls.
• Provides information to the public and property owners in person and on the telephone; explains appraisal and appeal procedures, valuations, and revenue and taxation code provisions.
• Participates in property tax appeals; receives complaints, researches, and prepares defense of Assessors Office valuations, provides testimony to the Appeals Board, and implements Board decisions.
• Compiles and organizes a variety of information, documents, forms, records, and data to prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence and provide follow-up information to inquiries.
• Represents the Assessor’s Office at various meetings and committees.
• Maintains accurate and detailed documents and records, verifies accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and records information.
• Monitors changes in laws and procedures and evaluates their effect upon County operations; recommends and implements recommended changes.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• 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. 
• 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:

• Research, organize, analyze, interpret, and verify appraisal data.
• Apply 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. 
• 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

 Property Appraiser I: No experience required.

 Property Appraiser II: One (1) year of property appraisal experience equivalent to the County’s class of Property Appraiser I.

 Property Appraiser III: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible property appraisal experience equivalent to the County’s class of Property Appraiser II.

 Certifications and Licenses:

• Property Appraiser I/II/III: 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.
• Property Appraiser I: Must qualify to obtain a temporary Appraiser Certificate, and within one (1) year of appointment, must obtain a permanent appraisal certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization (Revenue and Tax Code section 673).
• Property Appraiser II/III: 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 50 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.