Property Appraiser

The purpose of this position is to inspect properties in a multi-jurisdictional environment considering factors such as market value, location of property and building or replacement costs to determine properties assessed values.

Quick Facts About this Position

• Starting hourly rate of $25.36 - $29.40 DOQ
• Paid training to obtain Assessor I certification from the WI Department of Revenue
• Standard hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Monthly mileage allowance of $200 when conducting property inspections
• Excellent benefits, including enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System

Information about our Benefits and the Employee Handbook: https://www.wausauwi.gov/your-government/human-resourcesThe following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
 

1. Conducts real estate and field inspections to gather information regarding the size, type, quality, methods, and materials used in building construction.
2. Conducts field and office appraisals of complex residential properties, condominiums, apartment complexes and light commercial properties; gathers and records data, reappraise as required.
3. Responsible for mobile home valuations and the monthly reporting to Park owners, mobile homeowners, and City Clerk.
4. Develops market value appraisals of real estate using field, market, land computations, and other information. Researches and verifies new sales and prepares neighborhood comparison sheets.
5. Aids the Assessor in developing and completing annual assessment rolls, and State-required final reports.
6. Responsible to communicate to the public involving the explanation of property valuation of real estate assessments and assessment procedures, requirements, rules, and regulations.
7. Analyzes, collects, and verifies assessment information from appraisals, rents, income and expenses, sales permits, market trends, interest rates and allowances for economic and functional obsolescence.
8. Analyzes and maintains a variety of data such as zoning, home sale prices, income, lease information, and building costs to determine appraised values.
9. Conducts open book conferences with the public, explain valuation methods and listen to their concerns regarding property valuation. Present and completely defend valuations at the Board of Review proceedings, before the DOR t 70.85 hearing and in court.
10. Reviews and verifies property changes from building permit specifications. Re-values changed properties.
11. Conducts statistical and special studies by comparing neighborhood values for uniformity.
12. Assist with the development of residential land values for new City sub-divisions, un-platted and annexed land.
13. Reads and analyzes legal descriptions and plat maps to determine assessed values.
14. Prepares various property and real estate records. Enters field work changes and updated information into computer and software systems. Use of all available technology to efficiently complete assignments.
15. Analyze building blueprints and prepares, produces computerized sketches.
16. Receives and investigates complaints about property assessments; updates and corrects file information. Prepares residential appeals cases, testifies as to value at the Board of Review and/or court appeals and 70.85 hearings and assists with commercial assessment as needed.
17. Testifies and assists the Assessor with defending and supporting assessed values at Board of Review sessions. May present facts and valuation methods used to derive protested assessed values; locates and prepares maps, assessments, and other records to defend assessment values.
18. Maintains knowledge of current local and State requirements regarding assessment/appraisal, market characteristics and trends, and Department and City policies and procedures.
19. Cooperative and productive member of the assessment and City team and a goodwill ambassador of the City.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

• Verifies property owners' name, address, and property value annually.
• Maintains, analyzes, and updates real estate advertising files.
• Attends WAAO quarterly education meetings and other continuing education seminars as required.
• Attends required Wisconsin Department of Revenue assessor school and other continuing education courses.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Associate’s degree in real estate, property appraisal or related field with two or more years of work experience providing the requisite equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities of the position.
• Ability to achieve Assessor I certification from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue within six (6) months of hire.
• A valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator's license and access to reliable transportation required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of IAAO course 101, Fundamentals of Real property Appraisal.
• USPAP Certification
• Certification or training as Real Estate Salesperson, Broker, or Appraiser

A combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
MS-Word Basic
MS-Excel – Intermediate
The employee must be able to utilize other software specific to position and department functions.
 

• Ability to analyze and categorize data and information to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate measure and/or sort data, as well as assemble, copy, and record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.
• Ability to communicate effectively with, and/or train others.  Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures, and assessment standards to specific situations. Ability to make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and legal descriptions.
• Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as financial statements, maps, real estate deeds and transfer records, mortgages, building permits, trade journals, blueprints, City ordinances, appraisals, assessor's reports, tax and assessment rolls, a variety of statistical and narrative real estate related reports, State statutes, property cost manuals, procedures, guidelines, Wisconsin Assessment Manuals, and non-routine correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with property owners, appraisal and clerical staff, engineers, building inspectors, attorneys, State agency personnel, title company personnel, Realtors, County Treasurer, property description personnel, County Register of Deeds, and data processing personnel.
• Knowledgeable of mathematical and statistical tools used in real property appraisal. Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, present values, and spatial relationships. Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.
• Knowledgeable of the principles and practices of real estate appraisal. Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
• Ability to work independently, exercise judgement and effectively utilize authority, decisiveness,
• and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria in a timely manner, including the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as computer keyboard/terminal, calculator, camera, drafting instruments and telephone.
• Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms and textures associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks.

Physical and Working Environment
Limited exposure to disagreeable elements such as dirt, temperature fluctuations, and/or limited exposure to weather conditions. Limited travel within the city limits.  Normal mental and visual attention to detail is required. Light physical demands to include bending, twisting, turning, and light lifting, walking on unlevel or hazardous surfaces, walking up and down stairs.  Limited exposure to workplace hazards.IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application.  Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.
When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses.  References will not be contacted unless a conditional offer of employment is extended and accepted.

SALARY INFORMATION:
This position is classified as Grade 18 of the General Employee Wage Chart.  Minimum $23.91/hr., Midpoint $29.40/hr., Maximum $33.49.  Candidates are hired between the minimum to midpoint of the salary scale based on related qualifications, but may be hired above midpoint if the candidate's related qualifications warrant it.

Salary increases of 3% are provided bi-annually up to midpoint Step 8, then 1.5% annually up to maximum Step 17.  Increases are granted to employees who receive satisfactory performance evaluations.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:
Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.

If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.
 
ADDITIONAL NOTICES:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/fmla
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/employee-polygraph-protection-act
 
The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $52,749 - $69,659