Commercial Appraiser

Job Summary

This is an exempt full-time position that involves moderately complex to complex appraisal duties in the preparation and certification of a county-wide real property assessment roll. Work is subject to moderate supervision and reviewed through conferences and performance evaluations.

Essential Functions

• An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employees may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.*
• Appraise, analyze, and review moderately complex to complex commercial real property within Palm Beach County using standard appraisal practices and procedures; travel to property locations, measure, photograph and assemble necessary records and field data; work closely with property owners, builders and developers. This includes a good understanding and application of the income, sales and cost approaches to value.
• Interpret legal descriptions, read blueprints and analyze statements or records of individuals, partnerships or corporations to aid in the determination of market value; review appraisals submitted by various entities for validity.
• Input commercial property information into the CAMA system (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal). Utilize other software and services as needed; Microsoft Office suite, PowerBi, DataComp, Trepp, PowerBi, etc.
• Understanding of the responsibilities of the various departments in the Property Appraiser’s Office. Understanding of generally accepted appraisal practice and Florida Statute 193.011.
• Research, review, and verify vacant and improved sales. Review deeds, listings, sale surveys and other documents to determine if sales should be qualified. Determine and apply appropriate sale qualification codes.
• Prepare various reports documenting analysis and production and provide to supervisor as needed.
• Conduct analysis to determine property specific adjustments such as effective age, grade, physical, functional and external/economic obsolescence.
• Defend and support values at Value Adjustment Board hearings. This includes preparation of VAB evidence packages and attendance of VAB hearings. Possess the skills to do business with the public in sometimes difficult and adversarial situations.
• Maintain current knowledge of assigned appraisal area, and accepted work and building standards; update work area files and records.
• Consult in person, via email and by telephone with taxpayers and other representatives to resolve appraisal and administrative problems; explain assessment criteria; answer questions regarding property values, appraisal techniques and statutory requirements.
• Assist with developing and maintaining commercial property valuation models including income modeling and CAMA adjustments.
• Establish effective working relationships with staff and act professionally and courteously when dealing with the public, staff of other agencies, or co-workers.
• Assist in the training of new and less experienced co-workers, as requested by the Supervisor or Manager.
• Operate modern standard office and field equipment including, but not limited to, telephone, computer and related software, calculator, copy machine and scanner.

Additional Responsibilities

Perform other related duties as requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• The following qualifications are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job related criteria.*
• Considerable knowledge of appraisal methodology, business English, spelling, mathematics, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Substantial knowledge of building standards, appraisal methods, and research principles, methods and techniques in relation to real property.
• Substantial knowledge of highest and best use theory and feasibility analysis; must be able to utilize the income, cost and sales comparison approaches to determine market value of commercial properties.
• Must possess skills in understanding and interpreting legal descriptions, public records abstracting and planning and zoning concepts.
• Considerable knowledge of appraisal techniques and practices; ability to represent the office at Value Adjustment Board hearings.
• Ability to generate market reports and studies.
• Ability to perform required functions in IAS World independently.
• Competent in the use of computers, databases, word processing and spreadsheets is required.
• Ability to use MS office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) comfortably and knowledgeably.
• Considerable knowledge of departmental policies and procedures and the ability to apply this knowledge to work assignments.
• Ability to work independently or as a member of a team with minimal supervision. This includes prioritizing assignments and working overtime when required to meet established deadlines.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or recognized equivalent. Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, Accounting, or Economics is preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of varied technical appraisal experience and a CFE or related professional appraisal designation or state certification.
• Must possess a valid Florida Class “E” driver’s license, automobile, vehicle insurance and good driving record and maintain all while employed in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this job description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:

• Walking over uneven terrain to conduct appraisals of property structures.
• Climbing stairs in order to conduct appraisals of property structures.
• Bending, stooping and kneeling to make measurements and appraisals.
• Ability to travel throughout the County.
• Ability to lift and carry paperwork and measuring devices weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to file and retrieve documents from department files.
• Work for sustained periods of time maintaining concentrated attention to detail.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is regularly performed in an environmentally controlled office setting; however, some work is regularly performed for sustained periods outdoors and occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather.
• May travel to various properties throughout the County to conduct appraisals and inspections.
• If necessary, ability to walk long distances in all types of varying South Florida weather conditions when inspecting property. This may involve exposure to hazards at building sites if reasonable caution is not exercised.
• Support before, during, and after major storm events such as hurricanes and emergency situations may be required of this position. This may include after-hours and/or weekend duty.