Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Assessor 350 Orondo Ave Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

Salary: PW10 Steps 2-4 $4,374.86 - $4,781.77 Longevity Steps 5-8 $5,000.61 - $5,724.99

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 11 paid holidays and 1 floating personal holiday along with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave.

Job Summary:

The responsibilities of the Real Property Appraiser include determining the true and fair market value on technically complex and varied residential properties, orchards, farms, 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 Job Functions:

• 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 deadlines 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
• 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

Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position provides training and mentoring for new residential appraisers

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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
• Basic and advanced math skills: add, subtract, multiply and divide, understand analysis and  statistics
• 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
• Problem solving techniques

Ability to:

• 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
• 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
• Follow oral and written instructions and keep accurate records of inspections and work activities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agencies, property owners, and the general public
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Physically perform the essential functions of this position

Physical Requirements:

• 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

Working Conditions:

• 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.

Recruiting Requirements:

• 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.
• 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 is required to maintain State Accreditation
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required
• A background security check may be required if a job offer is made

Closing Statement:

• This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.