Property Appraiser I/II/III

Butte County • Oroville, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027. This recruitment is for all levels. The salary range for Level I is $2,040.00 - $2,733.60 biweekly ($25.50 - $34.17 per hour). The salary range for Level II is $2,253.60 - $3,020.00 biweekly ($28.17 - $37.75 per hour). The salary range for Level III is $2,489.60 - $3,336.00 biweekly ($31.12 - $41.70 per hour). FLSA: Non-Exempt. Under close supervision or general supervision or direction, performs market value appraisals of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and institutional real properties for tax assessment purposes; and performs related duties as assigned. Receives close supervision (Property Appraiser I), general supervision (Property Appraiser II), or direction (Property Appraiser III) from the Supervising Property Appraiser. Some positions exercise technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Property Appraiser I: This is the entry-level classification in the property appraiser series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine appraisal of a variety of real property for taxation purposes. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Property Appraiser II: This is the journey-level classification in the property appraiser series. Under general supervision, positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Property Appraiser III: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the property appraiser series responsible for performing the more complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements. Positions at this level are distinguished from the II-level by independently performing the more complex appraisals such as commercial appraisals and providing project and/or specialist support. Positions in the Property Appraiser class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II- and III-levels may be filled by advancement from the I- and II-levels, respectively; progression to the next level in the series is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the next level in the class series.

Requirements

• Principles and practices of conducting property appraisal for tax assessment purposes.
• California Revenue and Taxation Code governing the appraisal of commercial, industrial, residential, agricultural, and special purpose properties.
• Business arithmetic.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report generation.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping and preparation of reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Research, organize, analyze, interpret, and verify appraisal data.
• Apply appropriate methods, practices, procedures, and regulations in the appraisal of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and/or other real and personal properties.
• Explain appraisal procedures and determinations to taxpayers.
• Assign accurate and equitable fair market value to property for taxation purposes.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Learn, understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, real estate, or a related field.
• Property Appraiser I: No experience required.
• Property Appraiser II: One (1) year of property appraisal experience equivalent to the County’s class of Property Appraiser I.
• Property Appraiser III: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible property appraisal experience equivalent to the County’s class of Property Appraiser II.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application.
• Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Property Appraiser I: Must qualify to obtain a temporary Appraiser Certificate, and within one (1) year of appointment, must obtain a permanent appraisal certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization (Revenue and Tax Code section 673).
• Property Appraiser II/III: Must possess and maintain a permanent Appraiser Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization (Revenue and Tax Code section 670 and subsequent sections).

Responsibilities

• Appraises residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and/or other real and personal properties for changes in ownership, new construction, and other changes for taxation purposes.
• Researches, analyzes, interprets, and documents required information, updates records and makes notes, and performs income, cost, and/or sales comparable analyses to derive equitable and justifiable property appraisals in accordance with California Revenue and Tax Code guidelines.
• Plans and implements strategies for preparing and accomplishing inspections and appraisals of real and personal properties including planning a site visit itinerary, preparing correspondence, assessing type of appraisal needed, and gathering appropriate equipment.
• Conducts field inspection of property site for property transfers, foreclosures, lot line adjustments, permitted and non-permitted construction, and informal assessment review; inspects and photographs property, verifies property characteristics at time of purchase; determines the nature, extent, and quality of new construction; and measures improvements.
• Collects and verifies property data by taking notes and photographs and interviewing property owners and other relevant parties; prepares written summaries of appraisal procedures and findings; updates appraisal files on specific transfers or new construction under consideration.
• Reads and interprets a variety of maps and aerial photographs to ascertain boundaries and condition of properties.
• Determines taxable value of property and makes corrections to tax rolls.
• Provides information to the public and property owners in person and on the telephone; explains appraisal and appeal procedures, valuations, and revenue and taxation code provisions.
• Participates in property tax appeals; receives complaints, researches, and prepares defense of Assessors Office valuations, provides testimony to the Appeals Board, and implements Board decisions.
• Compiles and organizes a variety of information, documents, forms, records, and data to prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence and provide follow-up information to inquiries.
• Represents the Assessor’s Office at various meetings and committees.
• Maintains accurate and detailed documents and records, verifies accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and records information.
• Monitors changes in laws and procedures and evaluates their effect upon County operations; recommends and implements recommended changes.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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