Residential Appraiser Job Posting
Please review the information below prior to applying. To apply, submit a resume by email to spostma@obriencounty.iowa.gov or by mail to: Assessor’s Office, PO Box 446, Primghar IA 51245. Pre-employment background screening, drug testing, and physical are required to obtain employment.
The position will remain open until July 23, 2021 or until filled.
The Residential Appraiser is an entry-level position with excellent opportunity for growth, increased duties and responsibilities, and career advancement. The employee will perform door-to-door inspections of residential property in O’Brien County approximately 40% of the time with the remaining portion of the time spent in the office.
Hours: TBD – flexible depending on type of work being performed (office versus field work) with occasional evening hours required when working in the field; potential schedule of M-Th, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM on field weeks; weeks spent in the office can be standard office hours if preferred. Field versus Office Time is expected to be a 40/60 split (based off employee needs and office staffing requirements)
Wages: $41,925 – $47,500 starting annual salary; starting salary is based on relevant experience
Performance Review: Conducted at 3 months and 6 months of employment and annually on July 1 thereafter
Benefits: IPERS, Health Insurance, sick leave, personal leave, and vacation leave
DEFINITION:
Under supervision of the County Assessor, the appraiser acts independently in completing physical inspections of properties and collecting property information on Residential classified properties. The collected data will be entered into the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software and will be used in setting the assessed value of real property. Guidance on policy and procedures is received through both oral and written instructions. Scheduled work hours/days will be different than the standard office hours to increase contact with owners when they are at their property.
DUTIES:
• Measure the perimeter of all buildings.
• Make a careful inspection of each structure and list all pertinent data on a field worksheet or electronic device. Collected information will include, but is not limited to details on foundations, amount of basement area and basement finish, exterior wall and roof types, floor coverings, condition of the building, number of rooms and the number and type of plumbing fixtures.
• Coordinates with Assessor and Deputies on the scheduling of work.
• Coordinates the mailing of pre-inspection letters to owners.
• Schedule appointment times with property owners when needed.
• Enter gathered listing information into the CAMA system.
• Assist taxpayers and the general public by answering questions in person or by phone.
• Answers information requests from property owners regarding the inspection and listing process.
• Operate measuring devices, common office machines and computers.
• Attend workshops, conferences and meetings as required by the Assessor.
• Confer with the Assessor / Deputy Assessor with regard to appraisal questions.
• Performs all activities in accordance with office policies and safety practices.
• Performs any related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Interactions with the public will be a common part of this job and the appraiser must be able to interact with them in a pleasing manner when receiving criticism, not be easily upset or insulted. The appraiser must have the ability to exercise sound judgment. This position requires large amounts of time outside of the office and as such the appraiser will be exposed to various weather elements and physical requirements such as walking and climbing many types of grades and terrains. Must have the ability to do detailed work with a very high degree of accuracy as well as the ability to plan, organize, and work independently. Must have modest levels of computer skills. Must have the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, contractors, property owners and the general public. Must have and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. Occasional use of personal automobile possible; therefore, a reliable automobile with state mandated insurance coverage is required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Typical office environment setting involving sitting, walking, occasional bending, lifting and carrying paper and related light objects generally weighing 30 pounds or less with frequent horizontal and vertical reaching motion. Aptitudes required are typical for an office position including clerical entry, numerical and form perception, visual clarity of vision 20” or less to view computer screens, legal documents, written documents and perform visual inspections of property. Eye/hand/foot coordination, hand and finger dexterity, motor coordination, and hearing and conversation skills required.
Work is performed indoors and outside. Employee will work while seated at desk and will travel throughout the county by vehicle and on foot. Work will include exposure to extreme outdoor temperatures in all seasons in potentially humid and dusty conditions, exposure to noise and domestic animals likely. Some amount of walking, kneeling, bending and other standing movements required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or equivalent is required. Preferred experience may include construction, real estate sales, or appraisal experience. Preferred education includes persons who have taken the Iowa Department of Revenue test for Assessor or Deputy Assessor and are on the list eligible for appointment. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
O’Brien County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.