Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Assessor 350 Orondo Ave Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

First review date 4/9/2025

Salary: PW10 Steps 2-4 $4,593.61 - $5,020.86 Longevity Steps 5-8 $5,250.64 - $6,011.24

The position includes a state retirement system, with a deferred comp program available. Health insurance package includes Medical, Dental, and county contributions to a personal health savings account. Includes up to 11 paid holidays and additional floating holidays per collective bargaining agreement. Along with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave.

SUMMARY

The responsibilities of the Real Property Residential Appraiser include determining the true and fair market value on technically complex and varied residential properties, land, condominiums, manufactured homes, and other properties as needed to establish fair market value for assessment purposes in accordance with Washington State law. Acts as the Assessor’s official representative to answer questions and explain valuation methods on assessment issues. Must meet strict office and Department of Revenue deadlines and be available to support assessments before the County Board of Equalization and State Board of Tax Appeals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform a systematic revaluation of residential and rural property for tax purposes
• Locate property according to legal descriptions, maps and surveys
• Assist in the mass appraisal of assigned properties
• Must be able to use building permits, analyze blue prints, and understand zoning codes
• Meet taxpayers/property owners on site unannounced for physical inspections, measuring or re-measuring pertinent features
• Classify properties according to quality and condition standards and identifying characteristics
• Calculate land area and square footage based on complex legal descriptions, divisions, surveys, boundary adjustments and revalue as needed
• Appraise and maintain files on all exempt property
• Contact property owners to verify sales information, including sales price, type of financing, and other pertinent information; discuss changing values and explain methods of calculation and valuation with property owners and others
• Utilize the computer to perform a variety of analyses and to maintain current data base; input valuation information; analyze recorded sales using parcel data and spreadsheets to qualify and quantify sales; complete statistical comparisons of similar properties
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, or requests for information from other departments, agencies, and the general public by phone, in person, or in writing
• Set values and change them without management approval when appropriate
• Maintain values and defend values to the property owner, general public, Chelan County Board of Equalization, and/or the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals
• Accurately appraise new construction for tax purposes each year
• Research and prepare full appeal for Board of Equalization, make presentation and personally defend value to Board of Equalization if needed
• Research and prepare full appeal for State Board of Tax Appeals, and present appeal to Board if needed
• Understand and meet all office, RCW and WAC requirements when doing assigned appraisal work
• Be able to use and explain the cost approach and understand and use the Marshall & Swift residential cost handbook as needed.
• Provide assistance to the public in locating parcels on maps and answering questions
• Understand fee appraisal work sufficiently to gauge its quality and explain its difference from mass appraisal to non-professionals, property owners, and the Board of Equalization
• Performs other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of principles of real and personal property appraisal
• Knowledge of construction characteristics, quality, and standards
• Knowledge of and the ability to explain basic legal documents
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to real and personal property

Skills in:

• Excellent computer skills are necessary. Use of Word, Excel, Outlook, GIS, CAMA (Computer Aided Mass Appraisal) system, drawing program
• Effectively communicate with people who may be emotionally charged by issues and information being presented
• Communicate effectively with peers: must be able to seek out and listen to perspectives of peers in order to maintain consistency
• Excellent customer service, including the ability to defuse contentious encounters with taxpayers/property owners, and have the good sense to preserve personal safety

Ability to:

• Independently prioritize and organize work assignments, perform work in an independent environment with good discretionary judgment
• Learn by a book or class technical and regulatory material
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agencies, property owners, and the general public
• Physically perform the essential functions of this position

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

2-year Associates degree in business, accounting, real estate or related field. Three years’ experience in real estate appraisal, residential construction, building inspection or related fields or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to proficiently read and write English
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and keep accurate records of inspections and work activities
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff at all levels within the department and with contacts outside the department and/or County in a professional manner

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Basic and advanced math skills: add, subtract, multiply and divide, understand analysis and  statistics
• Perform significant number or data manipulation for valuation purposes
• Calculate land area and square footage based on complex legal descriptions, divisions, surveys, boundary adjustments and revalue as needed

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions as well as utilize independent and critical thinking to resolve conflicts/problems.
• Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables, and possess the flexibility to adapt to new and changing situations.
• Must demonstrate good discretionary judgment and prioritize and complete work without direct supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with other employees and the general public.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Washington State Real Property Appraiser Accreditation required within 1 year of employment. The following classes are required for accreditation:
• IAAO Class 101 – Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal
• USPAP – Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
• Ongoing education will be required to maintain State Accreditation
• All appraisers shall maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License and proof of current/valid auto insurance
• A background security check may be required if a job offer is made

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position requires the ability to perform essential job functions throughout the year
• Must be able to drive/walk and physically visit and appraise each assigned parcel
• Manual dexterity required for the operation of a keyboard for data entry, calculations, word processing/spreadsheets etc. and tape measures for calculating sizes
• Driving and riding in a vehicle or sitting at a computer for long periods of time
• Bending, stooping and twisting during the normal course of performing required functions, lifting up to 25 pounds waist high on occasion
• Travel by foot over all types of terrain and on construction job sites in all types of weather conditions
• Sight and hearing of acceptable standards

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in the field with the remainder in an office environment. Periods of driving, walking, sitting, standing, bending and kneeling are required.
• Need enough situational awareness to recognize danger and threats to personal safety when visiting properties unannounced, alone, and where unknown illicit activities may be occurring
• Exposure to a variety of weather conditions and improved/semi-improved or unimproved roads while driving.
• Exposure to a variety of weather conditions, topography and hazardous surfaces while on foot.
• Often exposed to a wide variety of animals, and fowl, when doing site visits.
• All field personnel are required to travel with standard supplies for protection, including bear spray, bug spray, sunscreen, safety vest, hard hat, shovel, water
• Work schedules other than traditional 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday may be required.
• Night meetings and attending training, including overnight classes may be required.