Appraiser

County of Oconee•Walhalla, SC

2d•$33,860 - $43,215

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to identify, classify, appraise, and assess residential, commercial, agricultural and vacant property in Oconee County for ad valorem taxation with the guidelines of the SC Code of Laws, SC Department of Revenue regulations, Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and Oconee County Ordinances. This role involves verifying legal descriptions, inspecting properties, maintaining appraisal records, and preparing detailed reports. The appraiser reconciles data from various sources, qualifies properties for legal and agricultural assessments per SC Tax Law, and resolves real estate appeals. Proficiency in using appraisal software and maintaining effective communication with county departments and the public is essential.

Requirements

Customer service skills: Appraisers interact frequently with property owners and must demonstrate excellent customer service.
Communication: Written and verbal communication in a professional and courteous manner are frequently used and required for this position.
Analytical skills: Appraisers are required to obtain and analyze data from many sources in order to obtain credible market values for properties. Advanced mathematical analysis techniques are used.
Organizational and time management skills: Appraisers work under time constraints, and many times appraising many properties in a single day. Therefore, managing time and organizing is crucial to meet deadlines.
Problem-solving skills: Appraisers encounter unexpected problems when appraising real estate, therefore the ability to develop and implement alternative solutions is crucial to success.
Knowledge of Appraisal practice and principles: Conform to USPAP guidelines. Obtain and/or maintain appropriate license and attend required continuing education courses. Ability to use specific computer software related to Appraisal functions.
Computer skills: Frequent use of various software systems for daily duties. Software systems include CAMA software, mapping, word processing, email, and many others. Basic knowledge of computer use is required.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and five (5) years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid driver's license.
Must possess a valid license as a South Carolina Licensed Certified Residential Appraiser.

Nice To Haves

None.

Responsibilities

Reviews legal documents to accurately identify, list, and describe real property in Oconee County.
Inspects and reviews properties as required to determine market value for the purposes of ad valorem property taxes in Oconee County.
Qualifies properties for legal residence and agricultural assessments per SC Tax Law.
Utilizes property inspection, multiple listing services, and any other resource necessary to obtain data used to determine property market value. Information includes but is not limited to: nature of property; quality, condition, and size of any improvements; construction methods and materials; and any other information relevant to market value.
Uses information obtained, combined with industry standard appraisal techniques, various measurement tools, and photography, to derive a fair and equitable market value for the purposes of property taxation.
Maintains all records of valuation, and accurately records data in appropriate computer systems in order to generate correct tax notices.
Reviews market data to refine valuation models, techniques, and methods to improve fair and equitable assessments across the county. Provides improvement suggestions to supervisors as appropriate and assists with implementation.
Maintains compliance with USPAP and any other laws or regulations as required.
Analyzes sales information from multiple sources to determine impact on valuation.
Analyzes property changes to determine impact on valuation. Examples of property changes include changes to property boundaries and construction, or demolition as demonstrated by building permits.
Reviews and processes applications for various property tax exemptions or special valuations.
Assists property owners in filing assessment appeals. Reviews appeals and notifies property owners of any determination made.
Maintains adequate knowledge and understanding of applicable SC law, and explains to citizens as needed.
Assists in evaluating properties after natural disasters, floods, fires per FEMA regulations.
Represents the county in property tax appeals to the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Communicates effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other departments as needed to provide superior service.
Obtains and maintains an apprentice license to assist in appraisal assignments under supervision.
Attends seminars and training required for continuing education and maintenance of license, enabling appraisal of residential and non-residential properties, without value or complexity limitations, below specified transaction values.
Uses Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) programs, Microsoft Office suite, MLS, real estate websites, and county-specific web-based systems for property research and data management.
Utilizes county-provided vehicles for property visits, ensuring vehicle maintenance and a clean driving record.
Collaborates closely with county departments involved in property valuation and taxation, including Planning, Building Codes, GIS, Register of Deeds, Auditor’s office, and Treasurer's office, as well as internal departments for comprehensive property valuation.
Interacts with the public, explains tax bills, addresses inquiries about property assessments, and assists with applications for special assessments or corrections.
Performs other related duties as assigned.