Appraisal Technician

City of East Providence•East Providence, RI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Assessor, the Appraisal Technician supports the Tax Assessor’s Office in maintaining accurate and equitable assessment records, processing statutory exemptions, reviewing property improvements, performing field inspections, and assisting taxpayers. The position requires strong analytical skills, familiarity with Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL), and proficiency with CAMA and tax administration systems. The technician contributes to the development and maintenance of fair and equitable property assessments through accurate data collection, data entry, valuation support, and preparation of assessment updates.

Requirements

Valid drivers’ license.
Associate degree or at least 60 college credits, preferably in real estate, business, economics, public administration, or a related field.
Completion of certificate courses in residential appraisal, income valuation, valuation principles or mass appraisal techniques (Examples: IAAO Course 1, USPAP, appraisal institute, or equivalent).
Ability to stand and walk for an extended period of time and ability to climb stairs.
Experience with a CAMA system.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Minimum 1 year of experience in appraisal, revaluation data collection, or related fieldwork; and Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible administrative or technical experience in an appraisal, revaluation, or municipal office; or any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
If selected, the candidate will be required to pass a BCI (Criminal Investigation).

Nice To Haves

Understanding of RIGL related to property taxation, exemptions, assessments, and municipal ordinances.
Proficiency with Patriot CAMA and QDS tax administration systems or similar assessment/administration software.
Ability to read and interpret building plans, surveys, deeds, plats, and other legal documents.
Strong analytical ability to evaluate property characteristics, market influences, and assessment impacts.
Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently, follow established procedures, and conduct field inspections and measurements accurately and safely.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a municipal office setting.
Experience with GIS mapping applications or property-related database tools.
Background in real estate, appraisal, mass appraisal, or property data collection.

Responsibilities

Review, process, and code exemption applications in QDS, ensuring compliance with applicable RIGL statutes and City ordinances.
Maintain, verify, and update property assessment data in Patriot CAMA, including land, building, and outbuilding characteristics.
Review and interpret building plans; enter new permits; evaluate percent-complete construction; and make corresponding CAMA updates based on permit data, plans, and field observations.
Conduct onsite interior and exterior property inspections including measurements when required; accurately document inspection results; and ensure all relevant characteristics are updated in the CAMA system.
Apply valuation adjustments, including depreciation, functional/physical obsolescence, and appreciation, consistent with established mass appraisal standards.
Review market data and neighborhood trends; assist in preparing preliminary valuation recommendations for Assessor review.
Provide courteous and knowledgeable customer service to taxpayers in person, by phone, and in writing.
Review deeds, surveys, plat maps, and land evidence; process parcel configuration changes such as subdivisions, mergers, and lot line adjustments.
Research property history and land evidence records to resolve discrepancies or verify data.
Understand zoning regulations, development approvals, and land-use changes, and apply them appropriately to assessment data.
Generate reports using CAMA, QDS, GIS, and other software systems to support office workflow and valuation analysis.
Assist with statistical studies, sales verification, data audits, and revaluation preparation activities as needed.
Perform general administrative, clerical, and research functions that support the Tax Assessor’s Office.
Work location includes both field/on-the-road assignments and in-office duties.
Perform additional related duties as assigned.