Appraiser Trainee

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

The County of San Luis Obispo is looking for a curious and motivated Appraiser Traineeto join our team! In this role, you’ll learn the appraisal process through training and hands-on experience. If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy research, and have an interest in real estate or property values, this is a great opportunity to start your career and work toward becoming a certified appraiser.

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, performs a variety of duties in appraising real and personal property for tax assessment purposes; and other related duties as required.

(Not in order of importance)

• Collects and analyzes data to determine market value of properties as a result of changes in ownership, new construction, improvements, alterations, additions, removals, damages or changes in land-use, zoning or other factors affecting property value.
• Utilizes information on construction costs, sales, rents, leases, business income and expenses in determining cost trends and unit cost factors; determines depreciation factors and their effects on market value.
• Performs onsite inspection of properties to measure, plot and describe land and improvements; identifies significant characteristics including quality and use.
• Gathers and assembles information to be used in setting assessment standards and values.
• Reads and interprets legal descriptions, blueprints and assessor maps.
• Answers taxpayer inquiries concerning assessment laws, values, appraisal methods, billing and assessment issues.
• Investigates complaints and takes appropriate action as directed.
• May assist or lead in the development of new systems, workflow, procedures or policies to be used in the Assessor’s Office.
• May be called upon to assist, coordinate or serve on special projects and/or teams.
• Presents cases and appears as a witness in equalization hearings before the Assessment Appeals Board.
• May train and mentor subordinate appraisal staff.
• Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence.

Knowledge of:

• Appraisal principles, methods, procedures, mathematics and terminology pertinent to appraisal of real property for ad valorem property taxation
• Economics of value and price as they affect the valuation of real property
• Building design and construction characteristics; building materials and costs
• Provisions of the California State Constitution and Revenue and Taxation Code pertaining to the assessment of property for ad valorem taxation purposes
• Common methods of describing real property
• Basic computer software including those applications pertinent to the appraisal of real property and the use of spreadsheet programs
• Assessor’s office organization, procedures and standards as well as strategic direction and goals
• Current technological developments and industry trends in area of expertise
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Oral and written communication skills
• Principles of leadership and training

Ability to:

• Read and interpret laws and regulations, maps and property descriptions
• Independently analyze appraisal data and make proper determinations of value
• Analyze appraisal problems, prepare sound recommendations and adopt effective courses of action
• Prepare concise and accurate written or oral reports and correspondence
• Provide testimony and reports for equalization hearings before the Assessment Appeals Board
• Embrace and follow Assessor’s Office policies, goals, Guiding Principles and Mission – Vision - Values Statement
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships; communicate and work effectively with others
• Foster a spirit of teamwork and support when interacting with staff and others
• Operate a computer and assigned office equipment
• Maintain a safe and orderly work area

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

All Levels:Either A:Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree; OR B:Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. certificate and four years of job related, relevant experience as defined by the State of California State Board of Equalization Property Tax Rules, Chapter 1, Subchapter 2, Article 7, Rule 283 which includes Accountant, Auditor, Real Property Appraiser, Building Cost Estimator, Engineer, Real Estate Loan Agent or Underwriter, Right-of-Way Agent, Licensed Building Contractor, Real Estate Licensee Licensed by the California Department of Real Estate, or any other experience approved in Rule 283.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources athr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website atwww.slocounty.ca.gov.