Hybrid Appraiser Trainee, I or II presso Jefferson County, (OR), OR

About the Department

Position Duties

Appraiser Trainee

• Makes field inspections of real and personal property to verify or note differences existing on appraisal records.
• Measures buildings and draws building diagrams by computer program and by hand.
• Records data in computer assessment programs.
• Makes field inspections and assembles basic data for valuation purposes for the use by appraisers, supervisors, or designated trainers for appraisal purposes.
• Inspects land parcels and records characteristics, including size, shape, topography, etc.
• Reports findings to appraisers or designated trainer.
• May make computations of figures determined and supplied by appraisers.
• Assembles and records sales data for appraisers.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

• Independently completes non-complex appraisals requiring moderate supervision.
• Reviews property descriptions and verifies descriptions by field inspections.  
• Assists in making calculations and office studies pertaining to the valuations of real and personal property.
• Assists in conducting technical surveys and field investigations involving sales studies and constructions costs. 
• Assists in gathering and assembling basic valuation data. 
• Assists in making appraisals of land, buildings, or personal property.
• Inspects buildings and gathers construction details.
• Prepares detailed reports on inspection activities or assists in preparing appraisal reports for the Board of Property Tax Appeals and Department of Revenue hearings.
• Provides back-up for the Assessment Clerks as needed.
• Provides customer/taxpayer services.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

• Inspects building and land to determine value; conducts pre-appraisal studies; completes analysis in a clear, concise and timely manner.
• Performs complex real estate appraisals on land, residential, specially assessed and/or commercial properties, as well as multi-family and industrial/warehousing buildings to establish value upon which taxes will be assessed.
• Gathers and evaluates sales data to determine trends and averages as indicators of value.
• Establishes benchmarks.
• Maintains contact with local realtors, builders, lending institutions and planning/zoning officials to obtain information which may affect value.
• Defends appraisals during the appeal process and responds to inquiries from the public.
• Serves as a resource to employees on all aspects of residential, specially assessed and/or commercial property appraisals, sales validation and verification, data input, error correction and reporting.
• Serves as a resource to other departments to answer questions regarding residential, specially assessed, industrial and/or commercial values in the County.  
• Provides customer/taxpayer services. Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills
Appraiser Trainee
Requires basic knowledge of modern property appraisals principles and practices, including mapping and surveying, property description and measurements, construction principles and practices, and contracts and conveyances, basic knowledge of real estate, financial arrangements, zoning regulations, and development of subdivisions.
Appraiser I 
Must possess a good understanding of the application of the cost, market, and income approaches to value.  Some knowledge of modern principles of real estate appraisal, property documents, mapping/surveying, and income/expense statements.  Knowledge of computers, word processing and spreadsheet software.
Appraiser II 
Must posses a good understanding of the application of the cost, market, and income approaches to value.  Considerable knowledge of modern principles of real estate appraisal, property documents, mapping/surveying, and income/expense statements.  Knowledge of computers, word processing and spreadsheet software. 

Abilities
Appraiser Trainee
Ability to learn types of building construction.   Ability to read, understand and apply appraisal manuals, legal requirements, and land use regulations.  Ability to learn to gather, analyze and interpret appraisal data.  Ability to perform appraisals in a uniform manner, sometimes under stressful situations.   Ability to express ideas effectively.   Ability to perform arithmetic computations.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, taxpayers, supervisors, other employees, and the Assessor.  
Appraiser I 
Ability to learn modern principles of real property appraisal and land mapping; ability to learn the fundamental principles of real property law; ability to work with appraisers of higher grade and to learn to make accurate appraisals of residential property and improvements thereto; ability to make clear and concise reports and recommendations relating to appraisals and other activities.  Ability to establish and maintain a harmonious working relationship with other employees and the public, often under stressful and adverse conditions.
Appraiser II
Ability to establish and maintain a harmonious working relationship with other employees and the public, often under stressful and adverse conditions.

Physical Abilities
Appraiser Trainee
Ability to work at a computer screen, using rapid hand and finger movement for extended periods of time.  Ability to walk on uneven ground, talk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time. Must pass a pre-employment post conditional job offer physical based on the duties of the position.
Appraiser I 
Ability to work under uncomfortable outdoor conditions, in all kinds of weather, for extended periods of time.  Ability to walk on uneven ground or rough terrain, stoop, bend, crawl and climb ladders.  Ability to work in an office with substantial time at a desk and using a computer, telephone, and other office equipment. Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds. Position requires a post offer physical capacity test based on duties in this job description.
Appraiser II
Ability to work under uncomfortable outdoor conditions, in all kinds of weather, for extended periods of time.  Ability to walk on uneven ground or rough terrain, stoop, bend, crawl and climb ladders.  Ability to work in an office with substantial time at a desk and using a computer, telephone, and other office equipment. Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds. Position requires a post offer physical capacity test based on duties in this job description.

Special Necessary Requirements
Appraiser Trainee
Must successfully complete a six-month introductory period in the property Appraiser Trainee position and an additional six months of on-the-job training, education, and other related work.  Must pass the State of Oregon Appraiser Test, becoming a qualified registered appraiser within a two-year period of beginning the program.  Must study and pass tests on methods manual, mapping and legal descriptions, income, cost and market approach to value, and the completion examination from the training manual developed by DOR and administered by supervisor

Education and Experience
Appraiser Trainee
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Previous experience dealing with the public, experience in construction, or real estate.  Educational training sufficient to indicate effective math and verbal abilities.
Appraiser I 
Must have or be able to obtain certification as a Property Appraiser under provision of (ORS 308.010) within 9 months of hire.   Have one year experience, within the last 7 years, in an Assessor’s Office as a property appraiser or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training.  
Appraiser II
Must meet the State of Oregon requirements to be registered as a Property Appraiser (ORS 308.010) and have at least two years’ experience, within the last 7 years, in an Assessor’s Office as a property appraiser or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training.  The experience must be at least two years where the majority of the work performed involved complex appraisal techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, an in-depth understanding of a property’s classification related to quality and condition.   Additionally, this experience should include defending appraisals at appeal hearings. 

Licenses and Certifications
Appraiser Trainee
A valid Oregon Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
Appraiser I 
A valid Oregon Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.  Must be registered as a qualified appraiser by the State of Oregon prior to completion of probationary period.
Appraiser II 
A valid Oregon Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.  Must be registered as a qualified appraiser by the State of Oregon.

Other Qualifications