DEFINITION

Under direction, appraise difficult and complex residential, commercial, industrial, rural, agricultural, recreational and institutional real property for tax assessment purposes; lead, supervise and train appraisal staff; review and monitor appraisals for equity, accuracy and conformance to laws and codes and perform other duties as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class are assigned to appraise the most complex, specialized and difficult real properties, supervise, train and assist Real Property Appraisal staff, perform the most difficult and complex appraisals, or review and monitor appraisals for equity, accuracy and conformity to laws and codes. These positions may act for the Chief of Valuation in the latter's absence. Positions in this class differ from an Appraiser II by the assignment of the most complex specialized work, including auditing the work of other appraisers or supervisory responsibility. 

TYPICAL TASKS

Collect and analyze data to determine market value of complex and difficult to appraise property, i.e., large industrial and commercial plants, complex agricultural properties, large shopping centers, hotels and office buildings; reflect changes in real property values resulting from changes of ownership, new construction, additions, alterations, removals, demolitions, damages or changes in land use, and calamities or other factors affecting property value; supervise, conduct field audits and provides on-the-job training for subordinate Real Property Appraisal staff; prepare assessment appeals cases, and testify before the Assessment Appeals Board; review and monitor completed appraisals to assure equity, accuracy and conformity to laws and codes; measure and calculate areas, plot and describe land and improvements; interviews owners, contractors, real estate agents and others regarding building costs and sales prices; explain appraisal and assessment practices and policies to the public; may act as an internal consultant or expert in a specialized appraisal area; conducts field inspections of properties and structures; read and interpret legal descriptions, blue prints and topographical maps; prepare training and procedure manuals, analyze problem areas and may work on special projects; prepare reports and correspondence; use a computer terminal to input, access and analyze data; attend meetings and conferences.

 EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of: 

Thorough knowledge of:

•  Real property appraisal and assessment principles, practices and techniques.

• Principles of land economics and real property valuation.

 Working knowledge of:

•  California tax laws, rules and regulations.

• Building depreciation and other factors which change property values.

Some knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of supervision and training.

• Application of Data Processing to appraisal operations.

Ability to: 

• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.

• Make accurate appraisals of complex properties.

• Read, interpret, explain and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures that relate to the Assessor's office.

• Walk rugged terrain and climb through partially built structures.

• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.

• Prepare accurate detailed records, reports, training materials and procedures manuals.

• Make complex mathematical computations.

• Analyze and solve complex technical appraisal problems.

• Prepare and present Assessment Appeals cases.

• Make effective oral presentations.

• Review and monitor appraisals prepared by others for equity, accuracy and conformance to laws and codes.

• Read and interpret maps, blue prints, sketches and legal property descriptions.

• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer.

• Lift and carry buckets of parcel folders weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Perform field inspections at the airport, harbor, building sites or campgrounds.

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: 

• One year of experience performing duties comparable to an Appraiser II 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 approved by the appointing authority; Must qualify to obtain a temporary Appraiser’s Certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization AND must obtain a valid Appraiser’s Certificate within the first twelve months of employment.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required.

 PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 03
Occupational Grouping: 20
Workers' Comp Code: 0285