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.
Enters information gathered from the field onto computerized appraisal sheets and calculates market values using methods prescribed by the appraisal profession.
Measures, grades, and verifies the condition of existing structures and new construction.
Organizes maps, aerials and appraisal data to assist in conducting physical inspections and 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.
Reviews and inspects destroyed properties to determine the amount of loss so that appropriate adjustments can be made to taxable parcels. Physically inspects each parcel that has been destroyed or removed.
Responds to taxpayers’ questions and complaints and performs review of appraisals as requested 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.
Responds to inquiries, complaints or requests for information from other departments, agencies, and the general public by phone, in person, or in writing; providing information or assistance within the scope of knowledge and authority.
Inspects and verifies use of classified lands such as lands that are in the current use open space 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.
Maintain assigned County vehicle.
Other duties as assigned.

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 encountered in the course of the work.
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 patience.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing sufficient to conduct or participate 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.