This position performs advanced professional commercial real property appraisal work, competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective. The Appraiser III position is expected to possess significant, independent and direct experience in the valuation of complex real property such improved commercial and industrial real estate, including a comprehensive knowledge of the three approaches to value.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive. The Assessor reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.) - Completes field inspections, measurements, property data collection, and sketches for commercial and industrial properties, including both the physical inspection and blueprint review of a project. Monitors project progress and percentage of completion, including core and shell construction and tenant finish. Once structures reach full completion, identifies all characteristics per Marshall Valuation manual, applies Cost, Market and Income models, and reconciles property value.
- Completes field work and input for commercial and industrial vacant land. Conducts field inspections for identifying subdivision infrastructure, agricultural use, and land attributes. Maintains existing land valuation models, recognizes the need for new models, and creates them according to appropriate stratification. Applies appropriate subdivision discounting methodology annually per Division of Property Taxation (DPT) guidelines.
- Participates in County Board of Equalization hearings; completes Value Data Summaries for submission, utilizing the three approaches to value, for CBOE appeals and Abatements. Completes Assessor Protest appeal assignments during annual appeal season, including responding to inquiries, analyzing applied valuation models and interpreting petitioner submissions such as operating statements, comparable sales and other information.
- Acts as an expert witness in the defense and support of such appeals including Abatements, Boards of Assessment Appeals, Arbitrations, and District Court cases. Works closely with the Appeals Administrator, Commercial Appraisal Supervisor, Assessor Administration, and County Attorney’s Office during the appeals process. Composes USPAP compliant Standard 1 Appraisal Reports in preparation of litigation for certain high-level appeals. Acts as an advisor to these same parties as to the final disposition of appeals.
- Completes sales verification including Costar review; research with buyers, sellers, brokers and other market participants; performs field reviews, sale validation and input into the Assessor’s Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system and spreadsheets.
- Conducts property reviews for omitted and incorrect information, quality control reports and classification concerns. Work may include in-person and telephone interaction with property owners and their agents. Provides education and information to property owners regarding statutory requirements, state regulations and assessment processes.
- Applies appropriate procedures and methodologies for the Income approach to value for each type of property: Collects property specific data on rental rates, vacancy, and expenses. Conducts a complete research of the market and calculates appropriate capitalization rates. Applies income, expense and cap rate information in CAMA system to calculate income approach value.
- Analyzes valuation information from the three approaches to value and concludes an understandable and sound opinion of value. Generates and reviews quality assurance reports within CAMA system “canned” reports. Utilizes all available tools such as CAMA software, Excel, Pictometry, GIS, CoStar, and MLS to perform quality control on property characteristics and develop values. Researches and analyzes complex appraisal topics as they pertain to the valuation of commercial properties. Analyzes property sales and income and expense information extracted from the market and derives models by property type, age, location and class.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received: Under light supervision, within a standardized work situation, the employee performs duties common to the line of work without close supervision or detailed instruction. Work product is subject to intermittent review but is expected to be correct and competent without direct assistance.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not directly supervise other employees, but does provide training, coaching and guidance in some areas under some circumstances.
Consequence of Error: Consequence of error may result in the incorrect assessment of property value resulting in loss of revenue to the county, or inequity to the taxpayer. Incorrect property values carry the added expense of defending values at all levels of appeal. Inaccurate property values adversely impact public perception of local government. As an advanced appraisal position, incorrect advice or guidance given to lower level staff could result in broader errors beyond the scope of work of the individual.
Independent Judgement: Apply independent judgment to tasks based on knowledge, training, and experience.
Contacts: This position has daily contact with co-workers, supervisors and regular substantial contact with property owners, tax agents, realtors, developers, builders, appeal referees, arbitrators, municipal building and planning departments, and Division of Property Taxation staff.
MINIMUM QUALFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Education- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to real estate, such as business, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, engineering, construction, architecture, or a related field. An extensive and graduated professional employment record with significant experience in commercial real estate appraisal may substitute for part of this education requirement.
- Has completed the minimum education requirements set forth by the State of Colorado for an Ad Valorem Appraiser license. Preferred is the completion of appraisal qualifying education (QE) required for the Certified General Appraisal License.
Experience- Four or more years of professional appraisal experience in private and/or public sector, including ad valorem experience, and advanced knowledge of real estate principles, procedures and markets. In the absence of direct ad valorem appraisal experience the candidate may have significant commercial appraisal experience in the private sector including possession of a Certified General Appraisal License.
- Direct experience with multiple reassessment cycles in the mass appraisal of complex real property with an assessment jurisdiction, including the comprehensive application of the three approaches to value in single property valuation and mass appraisal situations, with demonstrated ability to apply: correct cost approach methodologies and depreciation theory, a comprehensive sales comparison approach using sound sales verification and data supported adjustment techniques, industry and regulatory prescribed income approach methods to analyze income and expense data. Direct experience in private commercial appraisal that includes the possession of a Certified General Appraisal License may substitute for ad valorem appraisal experience.
- Knowledge of building design, engineering, construction materials and methods.
- Expertise in the Sales Comparison, Cost and Income Approaches to value, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in advanced analysis techniques and when composing valuation summaries and/or appraisal reports for purposes of property appeals on complex property.
- Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite including the ability to apply advanced techniques in spreadsheet, database and word processing applications. Advanced ability to work with, manage and analyze data is required.
- Ability to correctly and efficiently produce Apex sketch files on complex real property.
- General but intermediate or better understanding of computer software and technology, including Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal applications, file management, internet, email use, networking, smartphones and other mobile devices, database and spreadsheet applications, HP12C or equivalent, as well as other technology generally used by the real estate industry.
- Able to understand, interpret and analyze balance sheets, profit/loss statements and cash flow reports, rent rolls, income and expense statements, and other financial documents related to realty.
Skills- Understanding of computer software, including Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal applications, Microsoft Office applications, file management, cloud data storage, document management, internet and email use. Significant expertise in the use of Microsoft Excel is expected.
- Able to solve practical problems by appropriately choosing from a variety of mathematical techniques. Expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups in a succinct and organized manner, listens to others and facilitates an open exchange of ideas.
- Recognizes and uses correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; produces written information that is appropriate for the intended audience.
- Makes sound, well informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action to accomplish goals; embraces change.
Abilities- Sets well-defined and realistic individual goals, displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely, accurate manner; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
- Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
- Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
Integrity / Honesty- Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self and others; is trustworthy.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment. An Ad Valorem Appraisal License, or comparable, is required. A Certified General Appraisal License is preferred.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, organizations and the public. Consistently demonstrates a level of proficiency performing the Essential Duties of this job classification.
For more information on job functions, requirements and to apply please visit:https://douglasco.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/3135?c=douglascoDouglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision.For a more detailed overview please view the fullEmployee Benefit Guide.
