Residential Appraiser

The Residential Appraiser appraises new and existing residential property on a mass appraisal basis for ad-valorem purposes, according to established department and County policies, procedures, and in compliance with applicable regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Applies principles of mass appraisal and conducts annual adjustments using statistical studies and data to adjust residential property values.
• Inspects residential new construction properties and verifies structural quality and characteristics; measures and prepares related building drawings and photographs according to established department procedures.
• Inspects residential real property, verifies, updates, and documents database characteristics or changes, and applies data to assist in establishing benchmark values for the revaluation process.
• Collects and analyzes residential property sales information and conducts sales research to verify construction quality and establish market value.
• Prepares and presents cases with Board of Equalization and State Board of Tax Appeals on residential properties.
• Conducts residential mass appraisals utilizing research and analysis of sales, according to established process.
• Provides customer service and performs department functions by responding to requests, inquiries, questions, or appeals by researching, reviewing, analyzing, tracking, or reconciling and communicating policy interpretation, sharing detailed and/or technical information, making recommendations, and providing advice, reports, answers, and presentations within scope of knowledge or authority or referring to appropriate individual. 
• Maintains records including files, lists, logs, and other recordkeeping systems utilizing computerized and manual systems that provide for proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned operations according to current department and County practices. 
• Pursues self-development and continuing development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional or technical publications, and establishing personal networks. 

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge, interpretation, and application of Franklin County business acumen, County and department policies and procedures, as well as federal, state, and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to areas of assignment. 
• General knowledge in principles, practices, procedures, techniques, terminology, and related tools and technology as they relate to area(s) of assignment including mass appraisal process, new construction, and the use of statistical studies and data in adjusting property values. 
• Proficient skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues or problems by analyzing information, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Proficient time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.
• General skills in operating the tools and equipment used in performing essential functions of the position or assigned area. 
• Proficient skills in data entry, typing, and in Word and Outlook; expert level skills in Excel and the internet for research. The ability to develop proficient skills in the current appraisal and tax administration software, mapping software, and statistical-related software. 
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, maps, and property descriptions.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely, to express ideas and recommendations effectively orally and in writing, and communicate department, technical, or industry information, policies, requirements, and procedures in a language understood by co-workers and the general public. 
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and discretion. 
• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message. 
• Ability to work independently and take advantage of opportunities, organize and prioritize several ongoing and frequently changing assignments to meet deadlines, and communicate changes and progress to supervisor and staff, remaining calm during emergency situations. 

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

• Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions: 
  1. Constantly: office environment and outside in various weather conditions for inspections, and 
  2. Frequently: around dirt, dust, and shavings.
• The noise level in the general work environment varies depending on the task and location and can range from usually moderate to higher levels on location during inspections. 

 
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS 

• Required to drive a County vehicle within the local County to perform inspections and travel within the local region and state to attend training or meetings. 

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
The person in this position must be able to 

• spend the following amount of time in an activity: 
  • Constantly: use hands, fingers to handle or feel, or operate equipment or tools, and 
  • Frequently: talk or hear, sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and 
  • Occasionally: climb, pull, push or balance, and work in a cramped or confined space.
• Occasionally carry or transport up to 25 pounds. 
• have the following vision abilities: 
  • Depth perception, 
  • Peripheral vision, 
  • Ability to adjust focus, and
  • Have close and distance vision (from one inch to 20 feet or more).

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Two year college degree.
• Work related experience or educational courses in finance, real estate, economics, home construction, appraisal, or a closely related field with State Accreditation.
• One year appraisal experience

OR 

• Any combination of education, Accreditation and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of entry into position, Appraiser Accreditation from the Washington State Department of Revenue.
• Must maintain State Appraiser Accreditation status by obtaining the required classroom hours of approved continuing education and by completing the time sensitive application according to the current process designated by the property tax division of the Washington State Department of Revenue.

OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER
The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

Salary : $52,026 - $69,849