COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under direction, appraise residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, rural, recreational and institutional real property for assessment purposes; and perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Appraiser I is the entry level professional class. Incumbents are assigned to geographic areas and under supervision, receive training and learn to appraise vacant land, single family residential, simple commercial and agricultural properties. Appraiser I's, after gaining experience and demonstrating expertise in appraising residential commercial, industrial and agricultural properties are eligible for promotion to Appraiser II.

Appraiser II is the journey level generalist class. Incumbents are required to appraise single family and multiple residential, agricultural, commercial and light industrial properties. Incumbents may provide training and assistance to Appraiser I's and Appraiser/Auditor Aides. The Appraiser II class differs from the Senior Appraiser class in that the latter performs the more difficult and complex commercial industrial and specialized appraisals, audit appraisals or may act as a lead.

TYPICAL TASKS

Collect and analyze data to determine market value of properties; appraise properties to reflect value changes resulting from changes in ownership, new construction, improvements, alterations, additions, removals, damages or changes in land use, and calamities or other factors affecting property value; utilize a wide variety of data to determine market value, including class of structure, area, construction costs, sales, rent, leases, and depreciation; conduct field inspections of property and structures; measure and calculate area, plot and describe land and improvements; interview owners, contractors, real estate agents and others regarding building costs and sales prices; read and interpret legal descriptions, blueprints and topographical maps; explain appraisal and assessment practices to the public; maintain and record data on assigned map books; investigate complaints and make reappraisals as directed; utilize market cost and income approaches to value; may assist with the appraisal of large commercial and industrial properties; may investigate complaints and present information at review meetings or before the Assessment Appeals Board; input, access and analyze data using a computer.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Appraiser I

Working knowledge of:

• Principles of land economics and real property valuation methods and procedures;

Some knowledge of:

• California tax laws, rules and regulations.

Appraiser II

The above plus:

Working knowledge of:

• California tax laws, rules and regulations.
• Building construction materials, methods and costs.
• Building depreciation and other factors which change property value.

Ability to:

Abilities required of all positions, level I as trainee and level II as journey--

• Read and interpret maps, blue prints, sketches and legal property descriptions.
• Summarize and evaluate factors related to value and to accurately and impartially value property.
• Read, and interpret, explain and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures that relate to the Assessor's Office.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.
• Prepare accurate detailed records and reports.
• Compute ratios and percentages and make mathematic calculations.
• Make effective oral presentations.
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a personal computer.
• Make accurate appraisals of increasingly complex properties using market, cost and income approaches to valuation.
• Prepare and present Assessment Appeals cases.- Drive a car to perform work in the field.
• Walk rugged terrain and climb through partially built structures.
• Perform field inspections at the airport, harbor, building sites or camp grounds.
• Lift and carry buckets of parcel folders weighing up to 25 pounds.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Appraiser I: Graduation from an accredited college OR job related experience in the appraisal of real property, building cost estimating, engineering or related may be substituted for the required education on a year to year basis OR two years experience as an Appraiser/ Auditor Aide AND Meet eligibility requirements of the California State Board of Equalization for temporary certification as an appraiser for property tax purposes.

Appraiser II: Two years of experience performing duties comparable to an Appraiser I in Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

• License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California class C driver license, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is ap proved by the appointing authority; ability to be temporarily certified as a real estate appraiser for assessment purposes by the State Board of Equalization; must obtain a valid Appraiser's Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization within twelve months of employment.
• Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required.