Real Estate Appraiser I, II, III DOQ

Job Title : Assessor

Under limited supervision, performs technical and administrative work assessing more complex land, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Work involves compiling statistical market data and summarizing the findings to project preliminary recommendations for an annual reassessment for commercial properties. Works independently within broad policy and organizational guidelines, plans and implements projects, reports progress of major activities to the Valuation Manager, Deputy Assessor, and / or Assessor. Work also involves training less experienced appraisers. Reports to the Valuation Manager.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Assesses land, residential properties, income producing properties, commercial and industrial buildings, building improvements, determines exterior and interior dimensions of buildings, including the foundation, exterior walls, type of roofing, number of rooms, basement area, interior finish, type of insulation, type of heating and air conditioning, and type of fireplace; determines economic, functional and physical depreciation of the structure; and determines the grade of the structure according to a predetermined scale. Collects, compiles and extracts market data from a common database. Utilizes access and excel software to review and analyze market trends specific to real property transfer located in the City of Suffolk. Certifies real property transfers (sales) for validity and defining specific markets within the City of Suffolk. Defines and clarifies neighborhoods and their physical boundaries based on qualified sales. Conducts ratio studies and interprets those findings to conform to State requirements. Reports to the Valuation Manager, Deputy Assessor and / or the Assessor the conclusions of any statistical review and recommends a schedule for implementation. Develops assessments of more complex properties including appraising, reviewing and recommending values for more complex commercial and industrial properties. Conducts informal and formal hearings on proposed assessments contested by property owners to determine accuracy of proposed assessments. Prepares cases and testimony and appears before the Board of Equalization to explain and defend real property assessments challenged by the property owners or representative. Must be able to provide credible testimony in a court of law. Utilizes Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal Software : Inputs building and land characteristics, utilizes the geographic information system (GIS) to locate parcels, reviews topography and validates zoning. Enters factors and values into the software application tables of the mass appraisal system that broadcasts and applies recommendations to all parcels within a given geographic area. Coordinates and oversees maintenance of various data and records pertaining to real property assessments. Assists in development of policies, procedures and methods for real property assessment; trains less experienced Appraisers. Researches records of various deeds to gather data pertaining to real estate sales; reviews maps, plots, building permits, etc., to gather recorded data pertaining to real property; prepares sales ratio studies. Prepares and maintains records of property assessment activities using the CAMA system. Confers with property owners to obtain information and / or explain property assessment methods, procedures, techniques, values, etc.; resolves taxpayers' complaints. Prepares cases and testimony and appears before Board of Equalization to explain and defend real property assessments and assessments challenged by taxpayers, as necessary. Must be able to be certified as an expert witness. Must be able to provide credible testimony in a court of law. Studies building plans, information pertaining to sales, and specifications to obtain data regarding size, type of construction and other factors which affect property value; interviews owners, contractors, real estate appraisers, attorneys, and others concerning building cost and resale value. Reviews maps, recorded plats, building permits to gather data related to real property. Provides credible testimony in a court of law. Attends classes, seminars, and conferences workshops and meetings to maintain knowledge of trends and developments in the real property and assessment field. Researches and analyzes market trends, modeling, statistical analysis, Certify real property sales for qualification, sales ratio studies and interpret findings of the analysis. Performs valuation analysis of complex and noncomplex commercial parcels within the City of Suffolk through detailed analysis of cost, sales, and income approach to value. Utilizes CAMA to update data findings and validate zoning applies recommendations and as part of development uses Costar and other research tools available to assist in the analysis of market data and trends.

Performs other related duties as required.

Graduation from high school or equivalent required, Bachelor's degree preferred, supplemented by specialized training in real property assessment, and a minimum of 6 years of experience in real property appraisal or assessment (Appraiser III), (3 to 6 years Appraiser II), including experience in data entry or with personal computers; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license. Successful completion of six 30-hour IAAO courses (101, 102, 300, and 400 are required, as well as two additional IAAO courses Appraiser III). Successful completion of three 30-hour IAAO courses (101, 300 are required, as well as one additional IAAO course Appraiser II). IAAO Designation and / or Virginia Appraisal License preferred.

Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques used in real property appraisal work. Knowledge of current construction costs, including building materials and land values. Knowledge of the geographical layout of the City. Knowledge of the methods and procedures of the City Assessor's assessment division. Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision. Skilled in assessment of commercial and industrial buildings, and building improvements. Skilled in the operation of computer-driven data processing and file maintenance programs. Is able to read and understand building construction plans and specifications. Ability to make accurate computations with or without a calculator. Ability to instruct and advise less experienced Appraisers. Is able to exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with property owners, contractors, and the general public. Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in correctly evaluating a variety of commercial and industrial buildings, and building improvements. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Ability to perform the physical labor necessitated by work assignments. Ability to compare and / or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Ability of speaking and / or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors, and giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants. Ability to read a variety of reports, letters and memos; real property appraisals and assessments; sales ratio studies and finance audit reports; deeds, surveys and permits, maps, manuals, Code of Virginia, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, studies, assessments, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence. Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including engineering, legal, and tax jargon. Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; understand and apply the theories of algebra, geometry, statistical inference and statistical theory. Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below) Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits; Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1 / 1 / 14 - Hybrid Members Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs. Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details. Paid Time Off (PTO) Yearly earnings 120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120-179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over) Sick Leave Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling. Personal Leave All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is