Property Appraiser Trainee

Tillamook County•Tillamook, OR

About The Position

The Property Appraiser Trainee is an entry-level position in a four-level property appraiser classification series in the Assessor Department. The role performs standardized appraisals of real and personal property to establish fair and accurate values for tax assessment purposes. The trainee gathers and analyzes data, updates assessment information, learns appraisal, tax, and assessment processes, and conducts field appraisals to support appropriate changes to the tax roll. Training is provided by an appraiser in a higher classification. After the initial training period, the employee conducts increasingly difficult appraisals, with a lead appraiser or supervisor available for unusual problems or circumstances. The position requires registration for the appraisal work performed and continued education in approved courses to retain registration. A twelve-month probationary period is required. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with frequent local travel. The position works under close supervision; routine tasks are performed independently based on experience, while deviations from established practices are referred to a supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
No experience required.
At appointment, possess a valid Oregon driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Meet State of Oregon requirements under ORS 308.015, including completing a Department of Revenue training course of no more than two years and passing the written Property Appraiser examination after completing the course.
Pass a pre-employment criminal history background investigation.
Possess general knowledge of property appraisal theories, principles, practices, and techniques, including land mapping and surveying, property description and measurement, and building construction principles and practices.
Possess reasonable knowledge of state appraisal statutes and guidelines, local zoning and planning regulations as they relate to property values, and Oregon Revised Statutes pertaining to Assessment and Taxation.
Demonstrate skill in mathematical and statistical calculations, operating work-related and automated equipment and systems, map reading, following legal property descriptions, and using valuation reference manuals.
Demonstrate keyboarding skills and ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Office products.
Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
Accurately appraise a variety of landholdings and make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, using initiative and judgment.
Use problem identification and resolution techniques; conduct research; determine distinctive characteristics and similarities or differences from benchmark data; and gather and analyze sales data for clear, concise reports.
Establish and maintain records and statistical data; understand and interpret deeds, legal property descriptions, and maps; and effectively use computer-assisted appraisal programs.
Remain calm and exercise good judgment in confrontational or high-pressure situations, manage time efficiently, meet deadlines, and deal courteously and effectively with employees, property owners, boards, real estate and title companies, fee appraisers, other agency representatives, and the public.

Responsibilities

Perform routine appraisals of residential, rural, commercial, or personal property for tax assessment purposes.
Gather field data and speak with homeowners.
Physically inspect buildings and land to determine value; measure and classify buildings; observe construction type, quality, and age; and classify land.
Inspect taxable personal property, determine appraised value, and calculate assessed value.
Appraise properties in the field and ensure improvements are accurately classified.
Complete appraisal cards or workflows for land and buildings; calculate building square footage and land acreage; redraw building diagrams; review computer printouts for accuracy; and determine market value.
Compute reproduction cost and apply obsolescence or depreciation factors as needed to determine the market value of buildings and structures.
Calculate assessed value and update county tax records, including calculating M-50 exceptions.
Research and gather data for local cost modifiers, class and sales benchmarks, and depreciation studies; maintain daily reports and records using a computerized record-keeping system.
Maintain legal description files and maps.
Interpret and explain appraisal and assessment procedures to the public in the office and in the field.
Assist department users in gathering information.
Assist in classifying farmland by location, topography, soil productivity, and other pertinent factors, and establish values.
Perform additional duties as assigned.