Appraisal Specialist

Appraisal Specialist

The Union County Auditor is now hiring an Appraisal Specialist to join the Real Estate team. Under the general supervision of the Real Estate Manager, and direct supervision of the Appraisal Supervisor, the Appraisal Specialist plays a key role in assessing and verifying property data across various property types; conducts field inspections, reviews property data, and ensures accurate property valuations, including those for real (both class 1 & class 2), exempt, and agricultural properties; collaborates with other staff, interacts with the public, and supports the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program, as well as Board of Revision processes. Also maintains accurate and fair property valuations, ensures compliance with state regulations, and provides excellent public service.

Qualifications

Completion of secondary education or equivalent (high school diploma or GED); three (3) or more years of experience in real estate appraisal, property inspections, or field data collection, experience with commercial property inspections and valuation; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Professional education certification required, specifically Certified Residential Appraiser-Ohio; designation from IAAO preferred (mass appraisal); must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and maintain insurability under the County's vehicle insurance policy.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Personal computer, computer software (e.g. Microsoft Office, other applicable computer software); printer, copy machine, fax machine, other standard business office equipment.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:

The employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on even and uneven surfaces; occasionally required to lift, carry, push, or pull objects 15 lbs. or less.

Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered sedentary work.

Essential Functions

(1) Serves as the primary point of contact for property owners, taxpayers, and contractors regarding property appraisals and valuations; addresses property owner concerns, explains appraisal processes, and handles confrontational situations professionally; provides accurate property tax estimates for new construction and offers guidance on the CAUV program.

(2) Conducts field inspections of residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial properties; measures, photographs, and assesses property structures and land use; updates information in the CAMA system; verifies property descriptions, evaluates new construction, and ensures the accuracy of tax data, including properties impacted by subdivision changes, splits, or combinations; performs physical inspections for destroyed or damaged properties; updates records accordingly.

(3) Reviews and validates property sales to ensure accurate market values; assists with neighborhood reviews, annual property sales validations, and market analysis, and ensures fair valuations for real and exempt properties; supports triennial updates and six-year reappraisals of property values; inspects agricultural properties and engages with property owners to ensure compliance with the CAUV program; ensures accurate property classification and performs regular maintenance related to CAUV participation.

(4) Assists with data analysis, case preparation, and recommendations for settlement amounts; helps maintain accurate records and performs tasks related to property valuation disputes; maintains accurate property records; ensures correct valuation entries for new constructions, property changes, and mobile home placements or removals; updates the CAMA system and uses Excel spreadsheets to manage caseloads and other appraisal-related data.

(5) Maintains required licensures and certification, if any.

(6) Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

(7) Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

(8) Performs other related duties as assigned.

(9) Attends staff meetings as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Characteristics

(*indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge of: County, Department, and Division goals and objectives; County, Department, and Division policies and procedures; personnel rules and regulations; real estate; real estate data collection; property inspection; mobile technology; data processing techniques and procedures; office practices and procedures; Ohio Revised Code (real estate);CAUV regulations; Ohio's Auditor's calendar; Board of Revision processes.

Skill in: computer operation; use of modern office equipment; business writing; County's CAMA appraisal software; Microsoft 365; math and analytical skills.

Ability to: develop and maintain effective working relationships; work independently and collaboratively; perform job safely; read maps; interpret three-dimensional structures; create accurate property floor plans; calculate square footage and evaluate property metrics; interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; maintain accurate records; prepare accurate and concise reports; sorts items into categories according to established methods; strong organizational skills; communicate effectively in oral and written form; resolve complaints from angry citizens; explain complex appraisal processes.