Real Property Field Investigator Trainee

Property Inspector

This is technical work inspecting real property for the purpose of determining values for tax purposes. An employee in this class locates and visits properties in an assigned district of the county and gathers specific data through observation, photography, measurement, and interviewing of owners and builders. The emphasis at this level is on obtaining complete and accurate information to assure a fair assessment. Work may be complicated by difficulty in locating specific properties and owners. Office duties include the maintenance of assessment records, explaining the reasons for assessment decisions to the public, and studying maps, deeds, tax records, etc. to gain further information on properties. Inspection reports are reviewed by appropriate supervisor for completeness. Work is performed under the direction of a technical supervisor and reviewed periodically for accuracy and adherence to procedure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical Examples of Work

• Locates properties to be inspected by studying maps, deeds and other county records and also by directly searching the area and questioning residents when necessary.
• Visits properties, notes, and measures size, type and quality of construction, use, age, and condition.
• Takes photographs and makes sketches for use in computing property values.
• Inspects properties where buildings have burned or a catastrophic loss has occurred.
• Explains reasons for assessment decisions to the public.
• Gathers data on assessment decisions for use by Assessment Appeal Board.
• Enters updated property data into assessment records.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director/Chief Clerk.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of physical, social and economic factors affecting property values.
• Knowledge of materials and methods of constructions used in residential and commercial properties.
• Ability to make accurate, detailed observations of buildings and properties and prepare complete reports.
• Ability to measure accurately and make drawings to scale.
• Ability to locate properties using maps and records such as deeds wills and tax records.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other government officials and the general public.
• Must have the ability to prepare sketches on CAMA Software.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training

• Education equivalent of graduation from a standard high school.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Must own a motor vehicle.
• Must attain Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE) license within one (1) year from date of employment.

LUZERNE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

Benefits

I. Medical Insurance The coverage begins for the employee the on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plan varies by the coverage selection and the number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining agreement. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual opt out payment. II. Vision and Prescription The coverage begins for the employee on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Contributions may vary, subject to collective bargaining agreement. III. Dental Coverage The coverage begins for the employee on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Contributions may vary, subject to collective bargaining agreement. IV. Life Insurance A $50,000 life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. V. Retirement All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1,000 hours per year qualify for Luzerne County retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and may choose to add to an additional voluntary contribution, not to exceed an additional 10%.