What are the responsibilities and job description for the Real Property Appraiser Trainee - Open Competitive Exam position at City of Rochester, NY?
General Description
This is a trainee level position in the Department of Finance, Bureau of Assessment. The position provides the entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities of a Real Property Appraiser. Incumbents work under the direct supervision of the upper level appraising titles and the general supervision of higher level assessment staff. Related work is performed as required.
The traineeship will be a minimum of six (6) months and a maximum of twenty-four (24) months in duration. Trainees appointed from an eligible list who successfully demonstrate the development of knowledge, skills and abilities in property appraisal and assessment will be transitioned to the title of Real Property Appraiser. If performance does not reflect a representative group of knowledge, skills and abilities at the end of 24 months the traineeship will be terminated.
Typical Work Activities
- Inspects properties in order to gather information about the use and condition of the structure and site, such as the type of dwelling, classification, occupancy, number of rooms, grades of materials, square footage, etc., following established procedures;
- Contacts property owners by telephone and in writing to set up appointments for inspections or other appropriate purposes;
- Interviews property owners and others to collect financial information, such as sales data, type of mortgage, income and expenses;
- Collects sales-related data, by gathering information about recent sales and reviewing information such as deeds, closing documents, multiple listing service information, etc.
- Schedules appointments and inspections;
- Codes records for assessment purposes to value property;
- Reviews accuracy of information put into the computer by clerical staff;
- Makes exceptions to property classifications for refuse purposes, as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or GED, PLUS
A. Two years of work experience which demonstrates familiarity with urban housing construction or valuation. This work experience may be in support of such activities as real estate sales, appraisal, taxation, construction, and code compliance.
AND
B. One year of public contact experience, such as but not limited to, providing explanations of programs, services, processes, or requirements.
The experiences required in Sections A and B may have been acquired at the same time or separately.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Possession of a valid New York State Class D license at 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
Name and Number Checking:
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
Working with Office Records:
Test Guide:
- The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.
- The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County MAY have exam-related material, as well as, other branches. (i.e., CSEA Exam Preparation booklets)
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.
