Property Appraiser Trainee

Property Appraiser Trainee

Department: Assessor Union Affiliation: AFSCME Work Schedule: Monday – Friday Total Hours Per Week: 40

This Recruitment Will Remain Open Until Filled. This 4-level classification series performs valuation appraisals of real and personal property, calculating an accurate and fair maximum assessed value for tax assessment purposes.

This position is required to serve a twelve-month probationary period. This classification is entry-level in the property appraiser series and performs standardized appraisals of real or personal property to establish a fair and accurate value upon which taxes will be assessed. Incumbents determine valuation of property through data collection and analysis and update assessment information. Incumbents will also focus on learning and expanding knowledge of all aspects of appraisal, tax, and assessment processes and conducting field appraisals to make appropriate changes to the tax roll. Incumbents train under an appraiser of a higher classification. After the initial training period, employee will be expected to conduct property appraisals of increasing difficulty; however, a lead appraiser or supervisor is available when unusual problems or circumstances occur. To promote effective and uniform interpretation and compliance of state appraisal regulations, an appraiser must possess registration for appraisal work performed. Furthermore, the appraiser is required to continue education in approved courses to retain registration.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual in this role is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge

• General knowledge of theories, principles, practices, and techniques of property appraisal including land mapping and surveying, property description and measurement, building construction principles and practices.
• Reasonable knowledge of state statutes and guidelines relating to appraisal.
• Reasonable knowledge of local zoning/planning regulations as they relate to property values.
• Knowledge of the Oregon Revised Statutes pertaining to Assessment & Taxation.

Skills

• Skill in performing mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Skill in operating work-related equipment and automated equipment and systems.
• Skill in map reading and following legal property descriptions.
• Skill in using reference manuals for valuation purposes.
• Skill in keyboarding and in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and Internet Explorer software programs and Microsoft Office products.

Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
• Ability to perform accurate appraisals of a variety of landholdings.
• Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibility.
• Ability to utilize problem identification and resolution techniques.
• Ability to perform research, determine distinctive characteristics and similarity or dissimilarity to benchmark data.
• Ability to gather and analyze sales data and compile it into clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and statistical data.
• Ability to understand and interpret deeds, legal property descriptions and maps.
• Ability to remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, property owners, boards, real estate and title companies, fee appraisers, other agency representatives and the public.
• Ability to effectively use computer-assisted appraisal programs.

Required Qualifications (Minimum qualifications for this role)

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• No experience required.

Certifications or Licenses (if applicable)

• At the time of the appointment, must possess valid Oregon driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must meet State of Oregon requirements (ORS 308.015)
  1. Fulfill the requirements of a training course set by the Department of Revenue, which training course shall not exceed two (2) years in duration; and
  2. After completion of the course, receives a passing grade on the written examination for Property Appraiser.

Preferred Qualifications (if applicable)

• N/A

Other Qualifications (if applicable)

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal history background investigation.

Essential Duties

Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

• Perform the more routine appraisals of residential, rural, commercial, or personal property for tax assessment purposes. Gather field data, talk to homeowners. Physically inspect buildings and land to determine value; measure and classify buildings; observe construction type, quality, and age; classify land. Inspect personal property subject to taxation; determine appraised value; calculate assessed value.
• Appraise properties in the field and ensure improvements are accurately classified.
• Complete appraisal cards or workflows for land and buildings, calculate building square footage and land acreage, redraw building diagrams, review computer printouts for accuracy and evaluate; determine market value.
• Compute reproduction cost and apply obsolescence or depreciation factors as necessary in determining market value of buildings and structures.
• Calculate assessed value and update county tax records, including calculating M-50 exceptions.
• Research and gather data required for local cost modifiers, class and sales benchmarks and depreciation studies; daily reports and records using computerized record keeping system. Maintain legal description files and maps.
• Interpret and explain appraisal and assessment procedures to the public both in the office and field. Assist other users of department in gathering information.
• Assist in the classification of farmland by location, topography, soil productivity and other pertinent factors and establishes values.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Supplemental Information

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervision is not a function assigned to this role.

• Works under close supervision, performing routine tasks independently based on past experience. Deviations from established practices are referred to the supervisor for guidance.

• Mental effort Usually, normal concentration and deadlines with occasional periods of sustained deadline pressure.
• Physical effort Moderate: The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items, such as tables, equipment, and medium-sized parts. The work may require specific but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as above-average agility and dexterity.

• Frequent, local travel.

• Following the closing date of this recruitment, if you are selected as a candidate for an interview, we will contact you by email to arrange a date and time. We want to ensure that we hire the best possible staff for our county team because we believe that the right people are our most valuable asset!