Apprentice Appraiser

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job posted until filled.

Entry salary is $33,860. ($17.36/hour)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to identify, classify, appraise, and assess residential, commercial, agricultural and vacant property in Oconee County for ad valorem taxation with the guidelines of the SC Code of Laws, SC Department of Revenue regulations, Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and Oconee County Ordinances. This role involves providing accurate and unbiased property valuations, essential for various real estate transactions including buying, selling, refinancing, and tax assessment. Working under the supervision of a certified appraiser, the apprentice assists in appraisal assignments and conducts field checks of properties. The role requires maintaining property ownership records, entering permits, and updating property details.

This position provides an opportunity for an unlicensed individual to receive the education, experience, and training required to become a South Carolina licensed real estate appraiser. Apprentices must obtain and maintain an apprentice license, complete required training hours, and eventually obtain a state-required appraisal license.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out but may be considered incidental in the performance of this job.

• Reviews legal documents to accurately identify, list, and describe real property in Oconee County.
• Inspects and reviews properties as required to determine market value for the purposes of ad valorem property taxes in Oconee County.
• Utilizes property inspection, multiple listing services, and any other resource necessary to obtain data used to determine property market value. Information includes but is not limited to: nature of property; quality, condition, and size of any improvements; construction methods and materials; and any other information relevant to market value.
• Uses information obtained, combined with industry standard appraisal techniques, to derive a fair and equitable market value for the purposes of property taxation.
• Maintains and updates all records of valuation and accurately records data in appropriate computer systems in order to generate correct tax notices.
• Maintains compliance with USPAP and any other laws or regulations as required.
• Analyzes sales information from multiple sources to determine impact on valuation.
• Collaborates with other county departments to analyze property changes to determine impact on valuation. Examples of property changes include changes to property boundaries and construction, or demolition as demonstrated by building permits.
• Reviews and processes applications for various property tax exemptions or special valuations.
• Assists property owners in filing assessment appeals. Reviews appeals and notifies property owners of any determination made.
• Maintains adequate knowledge and understanding of applicable SC law, and explains to citizens as needed.
• Assists in evaluating properties after natural disasters, floods, and fires per FEMA regulations.
• Represents the county in property tax appeals to the Board of Assessment Appeals.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other departments as needed to provide superior service.
• Attends seminars and training required for continuing education and maintenance of license.
• Completes required classwork, experience, and testing to upgrade and obtain licensure as a real estate appraiser.
• Conducts field checks and gathers property data, including measurements and photos.
• Utilizes Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software and other relevant programs.
• Maintains and ensures proper functioning of county-provided vehicles.
• Interacts with the public to address queries related to tax bills and property details.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Customer service skills: Appraisers interact frequently with property owners and must demonstrate excellent customer service.
• Communication: Written and verbal communication in a professional and courteous manner are frequently used and required for this position.
• Analytical skills: Appraisers are required to obtain and analyze data from many sources in order to obtain credible market values for properties. Advanced mathematical analysis techniques are used.
• Organizational and time management skills: Appraisers work under time constraints, and many times appraising many properties in a single day. Therefore, managing time and organizing is crucial to meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills: Appraisers encounter unexpected problems when appraising real estate, therefore the ability to develop and implement alternative solutions is crucial to success.
• Knowledge of Appraisal practice and principles: Conform to USPAP guidelines. Obtain and/or maintain appropriate license and attend required continuing education courses. Ability to use specific computer software related to appraisal functions.
• Computer skills: Frequent use of various software systems for daily duties. Software systems include CAMA software, mapping, word processing, email, and many others. Basic knowledge of computer use is required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or equivalent, and one (1) year of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Required: Valid driver's license. Must be able to obtain a license as an appraiser in South Carolina within one (1) year of hire, or as determined by the supervisor.
• Preferred: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• This position has the following special vision requirements: close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less); distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more); color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up or down and to the left and right when vision is fixed on a given point); depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships); adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure indoor and/or outdoor office environment; may encounter weather.

Oconee County is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. The County seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of our core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed.