Appraiser I, II, III

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Under limited supervision, performs technical and administrative work assessing complex land, residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Compiles and analyzes statistical market data and summarizes findings to develop preliminary recommendations for annual commercial-property reassessments. Works independently within broad policy and organizational guidelines, plans and implements projects, and reports progress of major activities to the Valuation Manager, Deputy Assessor, and Assessor. Trains less experienced appraisers. The role assesses property and building characteristics, determines depreciation and building grades, analyzes real-property sales and market trends, conducts ratio studies, and develops values for complex commercial and industrial properties using cost, sales, and income approaches. It uses CAMA software, GIS, Access, Excel, CoStar, and other research tools to analyze, maintain, and apply property data and assessment recommendations. The appraiser also responds to property-owner inquiries and complaints, conducts hearings, prepares and presents cases before the Board of Equalization, and may provide expert testimony in court. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a bachelor’s degree preferred, specialized training in real-property assessment, and experience that varies by level: six or more years for Appraiser III and three to six years for Appraiser II. Appraiser I requires passing IAAO Course 101 or an equivalent within the first 18 months of employment. Additional IAAO coursework is specified for Appraiser II and III. A valid driver’s license is required. IAAO designation and/or a Virginia appraisal license is preferred.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Specialized training in real-property assessment.
At least six years of experience in real-property appraisal or assessment for Appraiser III; three to six years for Appraiser II. Experience in data entry or use of personal computers is included in the stated experience requirements.
Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities may be accepted.
Valid driver’s license.
Appraiser I: Pass IAAO Course 101, Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal, or an equivalent course within the first 18 months of employment.
Appraiser II: Successful completion of three 30-hour IAAO courses: Courses 101 and 300, plus one additional IAAO course.
Appraiser III: Successful completion of six 30-hour IAAO courses: Courses 101, 102, 400, one 300-level course, and two additional IAAO courses.
Knowledge of real-property appraisal principles, practices, and techniques; current construction costs, building materials, land values, the City’s geography, assessment-division methods, and employee-supervision principles.
Skill in assessing commercial and industrial buildings and improvements and operating computer-driven data-processing and file-maintenance programs.
Ability to read and understand building plans and specifications; make accurate computations; instruct and advise less experienced appraisers; and exercise independent judgment and initiative in valuation work.
Ability to communicate effectively with property owners, contractors, the public, colleagues, and subordinates; explain procedures; prepare correspondence, reports, studies, and assessments; and speak before groups.
Ability to read and interpret appraisals, assessments, ratio studies, audit reports, deeds, surveys, permits, maps, manuals, and applicable legal materials, including the Code of Virginia.
Ability to apply mathematical and statistical concepts, including decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, statistical inference, and statistical theory.
Ability to perform physical labor required by work assignments and inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
IAAO designation and/or Virginia appraisal license.

Responsibilities

Assess land, residential properties, income-producing properties, and commercial and industrial buildings and improvements.
Determine building dimensions and characteristics, including construction features, rooms, basement area, interior finish, insulation, heating and air conditioning, and fireplaces; assess depreciation and assign building grades.
Collect, compile, and extract market data from a common database, and use Access and Excel to review and analyze real-property market trends and transfers in the City of Suffolk.
Certify real-property sales for validity and qualification, define local markets, and identify neighborhood boundaries based on qualified sales.
Conduct sales-ratio studies, interpret findings to meet State requirements, report conclusions to the Valuation Manager, and recommend implementation schedules.
Appraise, review, and recommend values for complex commercial and industrial properties using cost, sales, and income approaches.
Conduct informal and formal hearings regarding contested assessments and resolve taxpayer complaints or questions about assessment methods, procedures, and values.
Prepare cases and testimony and appear before the Board of Equalization to explain and defend assessments; provide credible testimony in court and be able to serve as a certified expert witness.
Use CAMA software to enter building and land characteristics, update findings, locate parcels with GIS, review topography, validate zoning, and apply recommendations through system tables.
Coordinate and oversee maintenance of real-property assessment data and records, and prepare and maintain assessment activity records in the CAMA system.
Assist in developing real-property assessment policies, procedures, and methods, and train less experienced appraisers.
Research deeds, sales, maps, plats, permits, building plans, and specifications to gather property and valuation information.
Interview owners, contractors, real-estate appraisers, attorneys, and others concerning construction costs and resale values.
Use CoStar and other available research tools to analyze market data and trends.
Attend classes, seminars, conferences, workshops, and meetings to maintain knowledge of developments in real-property assessment.
Perform other related duties as required.