Chief Real Estate Appraiser

Chief Real Estate Appraiser

As a Chief Real Estate Appraiser for the Department of Transportation, you take on a leadership role that helps move vital transportation projects forward. This position offers the opportunity to solve challenging property issues and guide staff in producing accurate and timely appraisals. You will work closely with experts across the agency to support safe and efficient project development. It is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys responsibility and positive impact!

This position focuses on leading appraisal activities to support transportation projects and ensure consistency with state and federal standards. The work involves guiding staff, reviewing complex appraisals, and coordinating property-related actions for the District. As a Chief Real Estate Appraiser, you will perform the following duties:

• Appraisal Oversight: Assign appraisal tasks and provide guidance to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Technical Support: Assist staff with complex appraisal issues and complete damage valuations when needed
• Report Review: Analyze appraisal reports for adherence to standards and prepare required submissions
• Contract Management: Prepare bid documents, open bids, and award contracts for fee appraiser work
• Property Transactions: Manage excess right-of-way sales including advertising, agreements, and public requests
• Staff Leadership: Plan, direct, and evaluate the work of subordinates and provide coaching and training

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Allentown. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• This position may be eligible for alternate work schedule (AWS).
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a General Real Estate Appraiser (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional real estate appraisal experience which includes one year appraising all types of real property.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Certified General Appraiser certification.
• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.