Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Asset Management Division as Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3. The Chief Appraiser is responsible for providing advice and counsel to all department managers on transactions and issues relating to land use and real estate matters, including assistance in developing long term strategies and planning on asset diversification, enhancement of the commercial property portfolio, and maximization of transition land values. Work projects come in from a variety of Divisions and programs, including Product Sales and Leasing Division, Aquatics Division, and the Regions; work is determined in coordination with the Division Manager and agency priorities. The Chief Appraiser plans, leads, organizes, and supervises the work performed by the department’s Appraisal Unit. The Chief Appraiser assures appropriate and optimum use of the group’s resources and enhances the effectiveness of staff through clear and timely directions, appraisals, and feedback. The Chief Appraiser assists staff development through mentoring, development of training plans, and encouraging staff to pursue appropriate professional development opportunities. As the department’s delegated Chief Appraiser, the position is responsible for the preparation and review of narrative USPAP-compliant appraisals for the department, including appraisals and reviews conducted by consultants and third-party appraisers as well as those conducted by Appraisal Unit staff. This position also develops procedures to ensure appraisals meet appropriate legal standards.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• State certification as a General Real Estate Appraiser.
• Three (3) years of experience as a professional appraiser.
• One (1) year of experience supervising professional staff and providing advice and guidance on land use and appraisal issues to project managers and top management within a local, state, federal, or corporate institution.
• Experience in resolving complex and potentially contentious appraisal issues.
• Proficient computer skills in the use of spreadsheets and word processing.
• Experience in conflict resolution.
• Experience in negotiation.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
• State drivers must possess a license that is not suspended, revoked or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).
• Driving is an essential function of this position.

Nice To Haves

• Professional designations such as the MAI, SRA, AI-GRS (Appraisal Institute) and the ARA (American Society of Farm Managers and Real Estate Appraisers) are desirable.
• Experience appraising vacant land, appraising in rural areas, appraising or dealing with issues such as gravel or mineral values, aquatic lands, timber values, and experience appraising agricultural properties.
• Familiarity with functioning GPS units and ability to read maps to identify location in rural areas, and GIS usage ability.
• Ability to maintain a heavy workload and changing priorities, and strong organizational skills are also desirable.
• Strong written and verbal skills, including the demonstrated ability to write narrative reports, ability to work cooperatively as a team member while serving as a mentor and leader, and high ethical standards.
• Experience in developing and maintaining respectful relationships with people of differing backgrounds and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Plans, leads, organizes, and supervises the work performed by the department’s Appraisal Unit.
• Assures appropriate and optimum use of the group’s resources and enhances the effectiveness of staff through clear and timely directions, appraisals, and feedback.
• Assists staff development through mentoring, development of training plans, and encouraging staff to pursue appropriate professional development opportunities.
• Prepares and reviews narrative USPAP-compliant appraisals for the department, including appraisals and reviews conducted by consultants and third-party appraisers as well as those conducted by Appraisal Unit staff.
• Develops procedures to ensure appraisals meet appropriate legal standards.
• Provides advice and counsel to all department managers on transactions and issues relating to land use and real estate matters.
• Assists in developing long term strategies and planning on asset diversification, enhancement of the commercial property portfolio, and maximization of transition land values.

Benefits

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager