Residential Appraiser II to III

POSITION DESCRIPTION







TITLE: RESIDENTIAL APPRAISER II

Scope of Responsibility: This is the trainee (entry) level in the Residential Appraiser series. Under
direct supervision of the Chief Appraiser, learns the basics of appraisal and methodology used to
conduct mass appraisals in Okanogan County. The trainee is expected to gain sufficient knowledge and
experience to perform field inspections to appraise new and existing residential structures and land for
the purpose of establishing a value upon which property taxes will be assessed.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no assigned supervisory responsibility.

Essential Functions:
Gains sufficient knowledge and experience to attain Accreditation as an Appraiser with the State of
Washington by performing residential property appraisals.

Typical Duties:

• Performs field inspections of existing property and gathers information on new construction and

parcel improvements to place a true and fair market value on property and determine a tax base
for fair and equal taxation. Responsible for valuing real estate for revaluation purposes including
residential, recreational and agricultural lands each year.

• Begin to learn and master the Terrascan software which is the Assessor and Treasurer software

package. The Terrascan software is a critical component of the appraisal and property taxation
process and must be understood and used on a daily basis to do the appraisal work.

appraisals using Terrascan software and ArcView GIS mapping software to accomplish this task.

• Responsible for the annual valuing of new construction on a county-wide basis. Up to 600

building permits must be physically inspected during the new construction phase of the property

• Utilizes the computer and the Terrascan software to perform a variety of analyses, including

sales, and to maintain current data base; enters valuation information; analyzes recorded sales
using parcel data and spreadsheets to qualify and quantify sales; completes statistical
comparisons of similar properties to document and defend assessed values; applies property
trending techniques and depreciation tables to compute values. Defends assessment values with
presentation to the Board of Equalization or State Board of Tax appeals.

adjustments can be made to taxable parcels. Physically inspects each parcel that has been
destroyed or removed.

which may be in person, by phone or in writing. Explains valuation methods and procedures and
how the particular value was calculated. Informs taxpayers of their course(s) of further action as
needed.

and the general public by phone, in person, or in writing; providing information or assistance
within the scope of knowledge and authority.

commercial farm and agriculture property tax classification as well as lands that are valued as
designated forest lands which are intended for commercial growth and harvest of timber.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Requires a valid Washington State Drivers License.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates (2-year) degree with major course work in business administration, real estate,

appraisal, economics or a related field of study.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles of construction, including building materials.
• Knowledge of agricultural and forest practices in Okanogan County.
• Knowledge of forest product industry and timber harvest in Okanogan County.
• Knowledge of geography and economic trends within Okanogan County.
• Knowledge of uniform building code and construction methods and practices.
• Skilled in reading maps and aerials using legal descriptions and parcel numbers.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, legal descriptions, blue prints, maps and property descriptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of others

• Must possess good computer skills. Successful interviewees will be tested.
• Must possess excellent math skills. Successful interviewees will be tested.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others demonstrating effective listening skills and exhibiting

in hearings on typical valuation issues.

Physical Demands:
This position requires the ability to perform those activities to complete the essential function of the job.
The duties require sitting, standing, walking on all types of terrain, maintaining balance, climbing stairs
and inclines, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting; requires a
sense of touch, finger dexterity, ability to grip with fingers and hands; to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Requires working alone, ability to operate a passenger vehicle; to hear voice conversations; close, far,
side vision with depth and color perception. This position also includes working with a computer in an
office environment for extended lengths of time. The duties also require working in all types of weather
conditions for extended lengths of time.

Acknowledgements:
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of
this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should
not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as
assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work
periods or otherwise to balance the workload

THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT.

Employee Signature Date

Supervisor Signature Date

Department Head Signature Date

Effective Date: 8/1/2007 EEO Code: 3 Department: Assessors

Dates Amended: 8/15/2007 Union: None Division: n/a