Commercial Appraisal and Litigation Assistance Program Manager

State of Vermont•Home Based, VT

3d•$69,742 - $109,304•Onsite

About The Position

The Commercial Appraisal and Litigation Assistance Program (CALAP), created by Act 163 of 2022, supports municipalities in appraising high-value commercial properties to establish fair and defensible values. The CALAP Manager oversees the day-to-day work of the program, including coordinating with appraisal vendors and municipalities to ensure projects are completed on time. The position works closely with the Property Valuation and Review (PVR) Division Director, Field Director, other PVR supervisors, department legal staff including the CALAP attorney, municipal officials, and appraisal vendors. The manager also serves as district advisor to approximately 10–15 municipalities. The position supports municipalities and local officials in maintaining the statewide grand list and promoting equitable property taxation. Work includes training municipal officials, analyzing assessment practices through the annual Equalization Study, updating utility valuation methodologies, reviewing program applications and appraisals, coordinating appraisal projects, and participating in appeals as needed. This is a full-time, field-based position assigned to a district in either the northern or southern portion of Vermont. Duties are performed in assigned municipalities and may include speaking at public meetings scheduled in the evenings. Extensive travel to municipalities and specialized assessment sites is expected, and reliable private transportation is required. The incumbent must live a reasonable distance from the assigned district and dedicate part of their residence to field-office work. The position may involve dealing with irate taxpayers and public officials. Candidates must agree to fingerprinting and pass a background check because the role involves access to sensitive federal tax information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher and at least four years of technical-level experience in property assessment, property tax administration, real estate appraisal, or a related field; or a high school diploma or equivalent and at least six years of such experience.
Experience in real estate appraisal or assessment.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience working with multiple vendors to ensure timely project completion.
A record of prioritizing work, managing deadlines, and aligning expectations of internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge of tax law and policies, or willingness to learn.
Reliable private transportation for extensive travel to assigned municipalities and assessment sites.
Ability to live a reasonable distance from the assigned district and dedicate part of the residence to field-office work.
Agreement to be fingerprinted and pass a background check.
Employees who have not completed an advanced appraisal course approved by the Property Valuation and Review Division must complete it within two years of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Experience reviewing appraisals, especially for utility or commercial properties.
Desire to learn and grow, and experience fostering that desire in others.
Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

Provide training, education, and support to municipal officials to maintain the statewide grand list for education funding.
Conduct detailed analyses of municipal assessment practices through the annual Equalization Study.
Evaluate and update utility valuation methodologies.
Review applications to the Commercial Appraisal and Litigation Assistance Program.
Coordinate with appraisal vendors to ensure projects are completed on time.
Review appraisals for accuracy and completion.
Participate in the appeals process as needed.
Serve as district advisor to approximately 10–15 municipalities.
Work with municipal officials, appraisal vendors, department legal staff, and PVR leadership and supervisors.

Benefits

80% of the medical premium paid by the State and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
State-paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance.
State defined-benefit pension plan and deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
Tuition reimbursement.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare.
Low-cost group life insurance.
Incentive-based wellness program.
Eligibility for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Office allowance.
Reimbursement for allowable business travel expenses. The posting also notes that State employee benefits are worth about 30% of total compensation.