Appraiser - Business Industrial Personal Property Division

Harris Central Appraisal District•Houston, TX

11d

About The Position

This entry-level position represents the Chief Appraiser in inspecting and recording characteristics of business, industrial, personal, residential, or commercial properties. The appraiser uses judgment and discretion to determine property values, including valuing improvements through mass appraisal. The work combines field inspections and office work with informal meetings with taxpayers to resolve property value disputes. The position supports the appraisal district’s mission, goals, and objectives. In the Business Industrial Personal Property Division, the appraiser values accounts, discovers and values business personal property, models new business property accounts, prepares field packs, inputs renditions, and assists property owners during rendition workshops. The appraiser must register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), attain or work toward a TDLR Appraiser License, and complete the required courses. The position requires achieving Level III designation within three years of employment and Registered Professional Appraiser designation within five years.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, although the requirement may be waived in specified circumstances.
Understanding of property inspection and valuation procedures and techniques.
Register with TDLR and attain or work toward a TDLR Appraiser License.
Complete required training and achieve Level III designation within three years of employment.
Obtain Registered Professional Appraiser designation within five years.
Knowledge of new and revised tax laws and the Texas Property Tax Code.
Valid Texas driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and a verified acceptable driving record.
Use of a personal vehicle is required.
Ability to visit property sites, including rough terrain, and work outdoors in unfavorable weather.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, reach, bend, move up and down steps, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Considerable concentration, creativity, effective time management, and ability to ask questions to obtain information for sound decisions.

Nice To Haves

Major in Accounting, Finance, or Real Estate.
One year of work experience preferred, especially in real estate and appraisal.
The college degree requirement may be waived for an individual with an RPA and current active registration with TDLR; an active residential or general appraiser license with the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; five or more years of applicable experience within the last ten years; for current HCAD employees, two or more years at the appraisal district and 60 hours of college credit; or an honorable discharge from a branch of the U.S. Armed Services.

Responsibilities

Inspect and/or measure properties in the field.
Check field appraisal records for accuracy and completeness.
Inspect and measure assigned properties completely and accurately.
Use aerial photography images to verify property improvement characteristics.
Represent the Chief Appraiser and the district at informal meetings with property owners or their representatives, and consider evidence to form an opinion of value.
Maintain a professional and courteous manner and assist property owners.
Complete appraisal training and courses required by TDLR, including working toward courses #101, #102, and #30; achieve Level III designation within three years and Registered Professional Appraiser designation within five years.
Adhere to professional ethics standards, including the Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Complete special projects, including reviewing accounts with value changes to ensure resulting values are accurate.
Operate a PC or laptop and HCAD’s CAMA software for research and record retrieval.
Value accounts in the Business Industrial Personal Property Division.
Discover new business lists and value personal property businesses.
Model new business property accounts.
Prepare field packs for business personal property.
Input renditions.
Assist property owners during rendition workshops.
Perform other duties as assigned.