Property Appraiser II

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision, performs various technical duties in the appraisal of new and existing real property within the city to determine appropriate property values for real estate tax purposes.  Work is performed independently and requires incumbents to draw upon training and experience in choosing the most appropriate method of valuing property from the available alternatives, which meet departmental standards.  Focus is primarily on all, including the most complex, residential properties and non-complex commercial properties.
 
Scope of Responsibility:
 
Responsible for the quality and accuracy of his/her work product.  Performs professional, technical work where the financial impact is minimal to moderate.  Provides work direction to others as assigned.
 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Determines appropriate property value for real estate tax purposes on all, including the most complex, residential properties and non-complex commercial properties.
   1. Compiles and analyzes physical property characteristics, including materials and dimensions, subjective characteristics including quality and condition, and identifiable internal and external factors to produce initial data sets;
      1. Periodically enters properties to take measurements, observe condition, finishes, and upgrades;
      2. Verifies property information, discusses assessment with property owners, creates sketches and takes detailed field notes, and takes photographs;
      3. Collects data for non-complex commercial properties to assist Appraiser III or Deputy Assessor.
   2. Interprets the compiled data sets and selects appropriate information to produce accurate and defendable property values on residential and non-complex commercial properties;
      1. Sets up models and cost tables, develops market comparisons;
      2. Compiles and analyzes market sales data for ratio statistics on residential property for application and determination of appraisal methods to apply to properties;
   3. Values land by recording and tracking sales, performing calculations and determining value to assign;
   4. Determines value changes as it relates to housing rehabilitation contracts;
   5. Inspects and analyzes physical characteristics on incomplete, damaged, substandard or environmentally hazardous properties; interprets and applies adjustments to value.
   6. Researches industry trends and attends ongoing formal training in real estate and appraisal to be knowledgeable of the continually changing external factors affecting the real estate market, gain new skill sets, and to obtain and maintain licensing requirements.
       
2. Investigates the validity of complaints of inequity or fairness of real estate values; defends property values when there are tax appeals.
    
3. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Frequently interacts with the public, banking and finance community, realtors, appraisal firms, property owners, etc. and assists or advises colleagues from other departments on related matters (engineering, building inspections, planning) to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
   2. Provides information and/or refers individuals to supervisor or other appropriate personnel to resolve issues regarding appraisal process, department policies and procedures, records and other related matters
   3. Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations with another party to achieve a common work related objective.
       
4. Assists and provides input to the City Assessor in planning and scheduling projects, and provides advice to peers and to the Assessor on issues relating to assessment functions.Collaborates and coordinates with other Appraisers to ensure consistency of department functions.
5. Applies manual, GIS and automated mapping techniques in collecting and preparing mapping and survey documents to assist in the appraisal function; Provides criteria to assist Land Management Specialist in the preparation of mapping presentations for appeal and court cases.
6.  Provides training and guidance for Appraiser I positions.Provides training and assists in supervising part-time Assessment Technicians and Appraiser Interns in both field work and computer functions.May serve as a team leader to other Appraiser II positions.
   1. Collaborates with the responsible supervisor and recommends performance review content for assigned employees;
   2. While performing the same or similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, assigning particular work to their co-workers using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments and ensuring the employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices;
      1. Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
          
7. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
       
8. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The job requires an Associate's degree in architectural drafting, engineering technology or a related field (business administration, economics, finance, accounting) and five or more years of previous real estate appraisal experience at the equivalent level of the Appraiser I position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.  The possession of, or the ability to obtain within one year, a valid State of North Dakota Class I City Assessor certification. A valid driver's license is also required.
 
Required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Working knowledge of appraisal principles, practices, and techniques and real estate terminology
• Working knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to property taxes
• Working knowledge of building construction costs, materials and practices
• Proficiency in reading real estate descriptions, plats, maps, contracts, mortgages and blueprints
• Skill in performing appraisals including collecting, recording, and analyzing data and applying appropriate appraisal methods
• Skill in performing mathematical computations sufficient to calculate area, volume, sales ratios, percents, etc.
• Intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer
• Intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings including private homes and non-complex commercial properties as well as in a normal office environment.  Work is generally light with considerable variety.  Daily work involves regular inspection of properties and improvements and moving between buildings and rooms.  Frequent driving is required to collect field data and attend meetings. There is considerable attention to detail required and specific deadlines.  There is extensive use of a computer and other office equipment.  At times there is exposure to multiple disagreeable working conditions such as new construction sites, poorly maintained properties, pets, inclement weather conditions and occasionally dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.
 
Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions. 
 
Light Work:  Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.