Real Estate Field Inspector/Researcher

Position Summary

The Researcher/Field Inspector position is responsible for traveling to various proposed development sites (vacant land) and existing developments (generally apartment complexes) throughout the country, inspecting, collecting, and coalescing pertinent apartment market data and assisting in data collection. This position is expected to travel approximately 50-75% of the time during a typical work week. The Researcher/Field Inspector reports to a designated Manager/Partner on the Government Consulting and Valuation Advisory (GoVal) team.

Your Contributions and Responsibilities

• Perform data collection research and analysis for assigned field inspections across the country
• Contact property representatives to schedule visits and interviews at designated sites
• Visit/inspect multiple sites per fieldwork trip, including existing properties or vacant land for new construction in a variety of location types such as urban, suburban and rural areas
• Take photos of designated sites and comparable properties (internal and/or external photos)
• Drive around the neighborhoods of designated sites and document businesses, housing options and other factors to assess the services and atmosphere of the local area relevant to performing real estate appraisals 
• Effectively document findings from designated sites, comparable sites and local neighborhoods where sites are located; this includes taking and recording notes using the required form(s) and methods
• Perform phone and/or in-person interviews with property managers of market/LIHTC/subsidized properties to gather property-specific information and general market conditions
• Enter data and update data collected from interviews in our multifamily database
• Conduct basic economic and cultural research regarding market areas via telephone interviews and internet resources
• May assist with preparing analysis after completion of fieldwork in conjunction with GoVal colleagues
• Assist with other duties, projects or partner requests as assigned

Your Background and Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with on-site apartment managers and maintenance staff at various types of apartment complexes in all types of communities (urban, rural, suburban) and enter units to photograph/inspect
• Strong verbal communication skills, including telephone skills; this position involves primary research in addition to web-based research, and a researcher must be comfortable speaking with individuals via telephone and synthesizing this information into our database
• Ability to meet deadlines and effectively prioritize a fast-paced and varied workload, effectively manage a variety of concurrent and shifting priorities
• Prefer a candidate that is outgoing, takes initiative, and is comfortable communicating with a variety of contacts daily, including those internal and external to the organization
• Ability to drive regionally, rent a car, and fly nationally in order to reach designated sites for in-person site visits
• Ability to travel via plane and/or car during the week (including overnight stays). Eligible travel costs will be reimbursed and/or paid for according to company policy and in accordance with applicable laws.
• Ability to travel for 50-75% of the work week, up to 3 to 4 days per week, regionally and nationally, working independently during travel with limited oversight

Your Qualifications

High school diploma plus 1-2 years of related experience and/or appropriate combination of education and experience. Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree is preferred. Prior experience in customer service or in a position with frequent contact with clients or customers is strongly preferred. Candidates who are travel-savvy are also preferred.

Why work with us?

Our firm is committed to providing our people with opportunities to excel professionally.  We believe in the importance of a welcoming work culture and quality work-life integration to support our staff as we grow together.

We’re leading the way to a better future of work culture. 

• Increased number of paid holidays per year
• Competitive salaries with continuous review of market conditions
• Flexible working hours and work arrangements
• Remote and hybrid opportunities
• Expanding Social Impact department for a healthy, happy, inclusive and productive workplace

The benefits of joining our team

• Strong growth opportunities
• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) package with firm profit-sharing
• Strong emphasis on quality work-life integration
• Dress for your day policy
• Resources of a national firm
• Compensation of $52-58k

Get to know us better!

Hello! We’re Novogradac & Company LLP, a national certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco. Founded in 1989, the allied group of Novogradac companies has grown to more than 800 employees and partners with more than 25 offices throughout the country.

Novogradac & Company LLP is one of the nation’s top 40 certified public accounting and consulting firms and is a recognized leader in real estate and community development. Novogradac provides publicly and privately held national enterprises with a full spectrum of audit, tax, valuation, expert witness and litigation support, property compliance and general consulting services and works extensively in the affordable housing, community development, historic preservation and renewable energy fields.

Ready to learn more?

To be considered for this position, interested candidates MUST apply via our company website:  http://careers.novoco.com/   

Novogradac & Company LLP offers a progressive work environment, competitive pay and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life/disability insurance, commuter flex accounts and a 401(k). 

Novogradac and Company LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Novogradac’s culture is centered on education, acceptance, innovation and opportunity. We value diversity and respect the different perspectives that each of our employees bring to Novogradac no matter their age, race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace for our entire workforce.

By submitting an application with us, you are providing Novogradac with personal information. More information on how we use your personal information may be found in our Privacy Notice at Collection.