Appraiser

Farm Credit Services of America•Starkville, MS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides simple to moderately complex appraisals for agricultural and rural properties and assists senior-level appraisal staff with valuations of large and/or complex agricultural, recreational, timberland, rural residential, and special-use properties. Utilizes professional judgment, market analysis, GIS technology, aerial imagery, public records, and field inspections to develop credible opinions of value while complying with USPAP, FCA regulations, and Association policies. Exercises independent judgment in analyzing market data and property characteristics to support sound lending decisions. Works under minimum supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Forestry, Natural Resources, Wildlife or Fisheries, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Real Estate, Business, Finance, Engineering, Geography/GIS, or a related technical or professional discipline.
Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience may be considered.
Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in the area of real estate appraisal with emphasis on appraising agricultural producing properties or collateral evaluation.
Licensed Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser or Certified General Appraiser required.
General knowledge of accounting and financial principles.
Specialized knowledge of agricultural and rural property valuation methods, appraisal theory, real estate law, timberland valuation, agricultural production systems, and market analysis.
Working knowledge of GIS mapping, aerial imagery, public land records, FEMA flood mapping, soils information, and construction cost resources.
Skilled in research, data analysis, written and verbal communication, and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to interview realtors, and landowners in a professional manner.
Ability to communicate complex valuation concepts to customers, loan officers, management, and external reviewers.

Nice To Haves

Experience with appraisal software, mapping software, and other valuation technologies is preferred.
Agricultural production systems, including row crop, livestock, poultry, catfish, and specialty agriculture.
Forestry, timberland management, timber valuation, or natural resource management.
Rural real estate, land management, or agricultural lending.
GIS, aerial imagery interpretation, GPS, mapping software, and public land records.
Soil science, conservation practices, wetlands, floodplain analysis, and USDA/FSA programs.
Construction methods, improvement cost estimation, and rural residential properties.
Market research, data analysis, and valuation of agricultural and rural real estate.

Responsibilities

Prepares valuations or appraisals in connection with loans secured by non-complex agricultural properties and assists with the development of valuations or appraisals of properties that may involve large and/or complex loans, specialized or highly improved properties, loans in litigation, foreclosure or bankruptcy and acquired properties.
Perform collateral evaluations in compliance with district and association collateral evaluation standards and procedures on properties and other collateral throughout the association’s territory.
Researches, verifies, and maintains comparable sales, construction cost data, timber market information, GIS mapping resources, aerial imagery, and other valuation data necessary to develop credible opinions of value.
Communicates market trends and changes in agricultural and rural land values to management.
Reviews contents and analyzes fee evaluations utilized in the evaluation of properties and other collateral.
May review appraisals performed by outside fee appraisers to ensure compliance with USPAP and association collateral evaluations standards.
Prepares collateral evaluation reports and all related correspondence.
Maintains state appraisal certification and completes continuing education required by state regulations, USPAP, and the Association.
Pursues professional development in agricultural appraisal, market analysis, technology, GIS/Maping applications, and related disciplines.
Offers cost effective appraisals and related services.
Assists in monitoring the standards of conduct within the appraisal services area.
Ensures that all policies, procedures and regulations are adhered to as required.
Conducts field inspections of agricultural and rural properties, including documenting site characteristics, improvements, timber, agricultural production, access, soils, floodplain influences, and other factors affecting market value.