COUNTY APPRAISER - TRAINEE

General Statement of Duties

Performs entry level technical duties related to the appraisal of improved and unimproved rural, farm, and residential land, manufactured homes and/or personal property to determine market value for ad valorem tax purposes; performs related work as required.


Classification Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to attend formal classes and training and receive on-the-job training in the techniques and methods of property appraisal. The Trainee observes and assists Certified Property Appraisers in the performance of their duties.


The work is performed under the general direction of the Chief Appraiser or Chief Deputy, with assignment to a Certified Property Appraiser. The nature of the work requires the employee to be detail oriented and time sensitive to mandated deadlines. The principle duties of this class are performed in the field and in the general office environment.


Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions
• Reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;

Under direction of trained personnel:

• Performs detail appraisal of rural, residential, manufactured housing and personal property to arrive at an estimated fair market value for ad valorem tax purposes;
• Records appraisal information on standardized report forms and on computer;
• Identifies taxable personal property to ensure such items as office furniture, removable fixtures, machinery, equipment, unlicensed vehicles, etc., are properly assessed and entered onto County personal property rolls;
• Answers questions of property owners related to the valuation and assessment of property;
• Interviews persons familiar with property, collects income and expense information, takes measurements and makes sketches of the same;
• Inspects property for the type and quality of construction, condition and functional design;
• Compiles data according to accepted appraisal practices in order to determine fair market value;
• Prepares diagrams of appraised properties; calculates square footage; inputs all inventory data on computer;
• Maintains current files and records of property sales within County in order to monitor trends of impending changes in market values;
• Travels through designated areas being alert to new construction and land development;
• Prepares documentation; processes paperwork and performs computer data entry; conducts audits to assure accuracy of records;
• Responds to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Performs other office functions and related duties as needed;

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Current laws, resolutions, ordinances, codes, and contracts and how they apply;
• Mathematical calculations in determining percentages, volumes, areas, etc.;
• Legal descriptions, deeds, plat books, maps and blue prints;

Ability to:

• Attend classes and training seminars to become a certified property appraiser;
• Visually observe the physical details of property and arrive at an accurate and equitable appraisal;
• Apply appropriate methods of valuation;
• Interpret cost manuals used in appraisal of personal and real property;
• Make judgment decisions in the appraisal process;
• Operate a variety of tools and equipment such as: camera, measuring devices, etc.;
• Work under varying and extreme weather conditions;
• Work independently and handle a variety of public interactions or situations with tact and professionalism;
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment;
• Prepare statistical reports and records;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, supervisory personnel, state and local elected officials and the public;
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous manner;
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Operate a computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established procedures;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent general educational development (GED) certification; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Special Qualifications

• Must successfully complete Appraisal Courses 1 and 2, approved by the International Association of Assessing Officers, within two (2) years of date of employment;
• Valid Idaho Driver's License

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to observe, inspect and appraise real and personal property;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to drive to various locations and operate computer equipment, ten key calculator and other office equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to conduct on-site field inspections, often driving or walking through rural or unimproved property.

Position to remain open until filled

Shift hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with an hour lunch break.