What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commercial Appraiser - Open Competitive Exam position at City of Rochester, NY?
General Description
This is a professional position responsible for appraising complex non-homestead (non-residential) properties. The employee is involved with the appraisal of all types of property but primarily values apartments, commercial, industrial, utility and special-use properties for assessment purposes. The duties of the position are performed under general supervision of the City Assessor. Related work is performed as required.
Typical Work Activities
- Estimates property values by using the market approach and/or the income approach to value;
- Reviews non-residential property values and recommends assessments by comparing sales and physical information of similar properties;
- Performs quadrennial re-assessments on all commercial properties within the City;
- Inspects non-residential properties to gather information on condition of structure(s) or improvements for assessments, exemptions, permit issuance, or in response to taxpayer complaints;
- Estimates future assessments and potential taxes on unimproved properties by reviewing developed plans with property owners, appraisers, bank personnel and attorneys;
- Collects data and calculates assessments for various utility, railroad, and telecommunications property;
- Reviews potential development proposals supplied by the City to determine commercial property assessments and potential taxes on those properties;
- Reviews annual New York State Office of Real Property Service Special Franchise Assessment of utility property located in the public right of way and lodges objections accompanied by supporting information in situations were the assessments appear inaccurate;
- Analyzes property sales information to verify arm's length transactions suitable for use as comparable properties and adjusts for location, financing, etc., and maintains a non-residential sales file;
- Reviews assessments at the request of the City’s Law Department to determine if they are defensible in response to litigation against the City and may testify in court proceedings where necessary;
- Provides technical assistance to subordinates in the more complex appraisals of industrial, commercial, franchise and special purpose properties;
- Confers with property owners regarding projected assessments based on property rehabilitation plans and advises owners of any abatement programs available to them;
- Prepares budget projections for the Bureau, with direction from the City’s Assessor;
- Coordinates and provides technical and administrative services to the Board of Assessment Review.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school or GED PLUS A, B, or C:
A. Possession of one of the following certifications:
1. Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) certification issued by the International Association of Assessing Officers ( IAAO).
2. Member Appraisal Institute (MAI) certification issued by the Appraisal Institute (AI).
3. Senior Residential Appraiser (SRA) certification issued by the Appraisal Institute (AI).
4. Independent Fee Appraiser (IFA) certification issued by the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA).
5. General Accredited Appraiser (GAA) certification issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
6. Residential Accredited Appraiser (RAA) certification issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
OR
B. Possession of one of the following New York State Real Estate Licenses or Certifications:
1. State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
2. State Certified Residential Appraiser
3. State Certified General Appraiser
OR
C. Three (3) years of experience performing property appraisals, which included appraisal of income-producing properties such as multiple residents office space, small retail, dining establishments, mixed use properties, etc.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Possession of a valid New York State Class D license at the time of appointment AND availability of a vehicle for use during working hours. This requirement must be maintained throughout employment in this title.
Exam Information
Preparing written material - These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.
Hypothetical situations may be used to test for candidate knowledge, skill, and ability in this area.
The majority of these questions are based on the terms, concepts, and principles of data collection that are contained in the Department of Taxation and Finances' data collection manuals which can be found at www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/assersmanual.htm
Use of calculators is Recommended for this exam.
For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.
