Job Description

Posting number: 04220

Department: Tax

Job classification: Appraiser I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Tax Administration, Business, Geographic Information Systems

Summary

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs appraisal work in determining the value of residential properties for the Tax Department.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs appraisal work in determining the value of residential properties for tax purposes in the county. Work involves contacting property owners to inspect their dwellings to determine the type and grade of materials used, the size of the dwelling, the exterior and interior features and the physical depreciation and/or obsolescence of the structure. Tact and courtesy are required in frequent dealings with the public. Independent judgement and initiative are exercised in accurately evaluating dwellings in determining appraisal values. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through observation for conformity to establish departmental appraisal standards.

Examples of duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Reviews permit, listing, and legal documents in workflow queues to determine if and when on-site inspections will be required to set new or adjusted tax assessments on residential properties.
• Appraises residential dwellings, accurately determines exterior dimensions of buildings and documents the appraisal with sketches, images, and an appropriate listing of building components.
• Appraises residential land in subdivisions and in acreage tracts, sets value based upon zoning changes and land splits. Uses comparable sales to set new land values during countywide reappraisals.
• Determining physical depreciation and/or obsolescence of residential property; analyzes available data to determine market value.
• Reviews and qualifies sales of properties in assigned areas.
• Assists the public by telephone, e-mail, and personal contact; answers complaints; explains appraisal procedures; and answers questions pertaining to tax values.
• Organizes and maintains appraisal neighborhoods in assigned areas.
• Sets values for appraisal neighborhoods in countywide reappraisals.
• Prepare reports to document and defend assessed values when properties are appealed to the Board of Equalization & Review or the Property Tax Commission.
• Performs related work as assigned.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures, techniques and methods used in appraising residential properties.
• Ability to accurately calculate and enter data including building sketches on appraisal system.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively about tax records and property taxes.
• Working knowledge of GIS land record systems.
• Ability to prepare accurate scale drawings and records.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Appraiser I:

Bachelor’s degree OR Associate degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance, GIS or related degree and one year of experience in real property appraisal or a related field OR High School Diploma or GED and three years of experience in real property appraisal or a related field.

Special Qualification: Must be able to obtain certification as a real property appraiser from the NC Department of Revenue within one year of employment.

Preferred: Experience in real estate sales or appraisal with real property appraiser software and sketching programs. Proficiency with various Microsoft programs, particularly Excel. Certification by the NC Department of Revenue as a Real Property Appraiser and/or Certification by the NC Appraisal Board can be substituted for up to two years of experience.

Appraiser II:

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in real property appraisal or a related field OR Associate degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance, GIS or related degree and three years of experience in real property appraisal or a related field OR High School Diploma or GED and five years of experience in real property appraisal or a related field.

Special Qualification: Must be able to obtain certification as a real property appraiser from the NC Department of Revenue within one year of employment.

Preferred: Experience in real estate sales or appraisal with real property appraiser software and sketching programs. Proficiency with various Microsoft programs, particularly Excel. Certification by the NC Department of Revenue as a Real Property Appraiser and/or Certification by the NC Appraisal Board can be substituted for up to two years of experience.

An Appraiser I is able to progress to an Appraiser II when the employee has met the minimum qualifications for the Appraiser II level. In addition, the employee must be at a performance level of “meets expectations” or above.

Supplemental information

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, talking and hearing.

Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and statistics, operate a computer terminal and use measuring devices.

Driving is Essential

Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.