Residential Appraiser 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL) na Spokane County, WA

About the Department

This position works 37.5 hours per week. 

This is an entry level training position for Residential Appraisers, responsible for learning the process of residential property and land appraisal work for tax assessment purposes in the County Assessor’s Office.   Work involves on-site inspections to evaluate land or structures, the use of reference manuals and materials, the analysis of data (including sales and income) and the determination of value under the direction of a residential Appraisal Supervisor.  Initial assignments will include familiarization with County appraisal techniques, records, office operations and field appraisals.  Work performance is evaluated for the accuracy and uniformity of appraisals, and pleasant, courteous service provided to the public.  Incumbents are required to work towards full accreditation by the Washington State Department of Revenue and pass the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) exam.  Employees are able to promote to a Residential Appraiser 2 once they have received accreditation and our able to perform the functions below independently.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) submitting applications between 10/13/25 and 10/20/25. First consideration will be given to applicants working in the Assessor's office in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to all other applicants, including the public.

Position Duties

The following duties are expected to be learned with direct supervision until able to be performed independently.

• Inspect real property such as residential, condominiums, manufactured homes and farms for valuation.  
• Determine fair market value using a combination of two approaches to value (cost and market); utilize computer assisted mass appraisal software (CAMA).
• Classify, measure, photograph and draw to scale structures or improvements thereon.
• Explain pertinent rules and procedures to public and justifies value.  
• Present in a court-like setting, arguments and justification in setting values before the Board of Equalization and the State Board of Tax Appeals.
• Use approved assessment procedures, equipment and/or reference materials. 
• Analyze building permits, blueprints, maps, legal descriptions and new plats. Inspect and investigate all building permits for valuation.
• Compute values; maintain public contact both on phone, by letter and in person.
• Canvass assigned areas to determine existence of all taxable property.
• Update and maintain an accurate database of property characteristics.
• Assist management in training, review work performed by others, complete others work in their absence and assist others in the completion of their work.
• Maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.   
• Any combination of experience and training which displays an ability to learn and perform this work (per RCW 36.21.015). 
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of employment.
• Incumbents are required to work towards full accreditation by the Washington State Department of Revenue within 2 years of hire date and pass the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) exam.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of the types and quality of building construction.
• Knowledge of computer systems and software.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with employees and the public.
• Skilled in use of personal computer and related software.
• Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and uniformly apply statues, rules and regulations applicable to property assessment.
• Ability to meet and deal with the public in a pleasant and courteous manner and represent the County in a professional manner.
• Ability to think and reason logically.
• Ability to accurately and effectively compile data from various sources, analyze data and prepare well documented reports.