Senior Appraiser

Full Job Description

Under general direction, to perform research and valuation work in the appraisal of complex residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial properties for tax assessment purposes, and to review the work of and provide lead supervision to staff appraisers.

Beyond the core valuation duties, the department is seeking a candidate focused on team growth and assessment defense. Key responsibilities for this role include providing direct mentorship and supervision to staff appraisers and defending tax assessments before the assessment appeals hearing board. This role requires a full-time, in-office presence; telework is not an option for this position.

Qualifications

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of permanent certification by the California State Board of Equalization (or equivalent State entity) as an appraiser for property tax purposes 

or

Possession of one of the following professional designations: Member, Appraisal Institute (MAI), Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE), Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), or Certified General Appraiser (AG), issued by a professional appraisal organization or government entity, and qualify for certification by the California State Board of Equalization as an appraiser for property tax purposes 

AND

Two (2) years of journey level experience as a real estate appraiser. 

Special Requirements

• Must acquire and maintain permanent certification by the California State Board of Equalization as an appraiser for property tax purposes within one (1) year of appointment or vacate the position. 

*As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs).

A DSW is required to complete all assigned Disaster Service Worker-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:

• Economics, business administration, and laws pertaining to the Office of the Assessor;

• Building materials, equipment, fixtures, workmanship, and general construction quality as applied to all classes of buildings;

• Laws and court decisions affecting the appraisal of land and buildings;

• Technical and professional knowledge of appraisal methods and procedures for real property;

• Training methods, procedures, and requirements;

• Lead supervision principles and practices;

• State Board of Equalization appraisal guidelines;

• Business arithmetic and statistical measures;

• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation;

• Record keeping principles and procedures;

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Evaluate and summarize factors relating to values and reach accurate and impartial appraisals; 

• Interpret and apply verbal and written instructions;

• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;

• Prepare written correspondence and reports;

• Train, assign, and review the work of others;

• Make effective presentations and defend values to the Assessment Appeals Board.

Additional Information

• Inspect construction sites, which may require walking over uneven surfaces;

• Lift moderately heavy objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as large commercial plans.