Under general supervision, to investigate, research, and analyze data related to appealed appraisals for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties, and to prepare and present appeals to the Assessment Appeals Board.

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Researches and analyzes data for appraisals performed for the resolution of appeals; 

• Retrieves and analyzes all MLS listings of the property and contacts involved real estate agents to confirm conditions of sales; 

• Photographs property under appeal; performs interior and exterior inspections to verify County records as to the size, quality, condition, and amenities of any structure; 

• Prepares and presents appeals, under oath, before the Assessment Appeals Board; 

• Prepares Stipulations for the resolution of appeals; 

• Contacts planning and building departments of appropriate jurisdictions to verify zoning and general plan information to determine all potential uses for the property; views/retrieves all relevant building plans associated with the property; 

• Makes complex appraisals involving residential, commercial, and agricultural lands; 

• Collects, tabulates, records, and analyzes data relative to building materials, labor costs, and market trends; 

• Analyzes data and establishes values for both productive and nonproductive land; 

• Determines best possible use for land and if relevant to appraisal; 

• Interviews property owners, contractors, real estate agents, bankers, and others regarding building and land costs and sale and resale values;

• Explains appraisal methods and procedures to taxpayers and investigates complaints, reporting and making recommendations based on findings;

• May assist Senior Appraisers with appraisal of industrial or large commercial properties; 

• May assist in training lower level Appraisers and other staff in field and office procedures;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of permanent certification by the California State Board of Equalization as an appraiser for property tax purposes

or

Possession of one of the following professional designations: Member, Appraisal Institute (MAI), Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE), Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), Certified General Appraiser (AG), or Certified Residential Appraiser (AR), issued by a professional appraisal organization or government entity, and qualify for certification by the California State Board of Equalization as an appraiser for property tax purposes

AND

One (1) year of journey level experience as a real estate appraiser.

Special Requirements

• Must acquire and maintain permanent certification by the California State Board of Equalization as an appraiser for property tax purposes within one (1) year of appointment or vacate the position.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs). A DSW is required to complete all assigned Disaster Service Worker-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:

• Economics, business administration, and laws pertaining to the Office of the Assessor; 

• Building construction, workmanship, and costs; 

• Principles involved in the valuation of productive and nonproductive land; 

• Common computer systems and applications; 

• Customer service principles, including the handling of irate/distressed people; 

• Property Taxes Law Guides and Taxation Code.

Ability to:

• Make effective presentations and defend values before the Assessment Appeals Board; 

• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and legal property descriptions; 

• Perform mathematical calculations accurately and interpret statistics; 

• Evaluate and summarize factors relating to values and to reach accurate and impartial appraisals; 

• Instruct lower level real property Appraisers in the less difficult phases of the work; 

• Explain appraisal methods to the public and maintain harmonious relations with those contacted in the course of business;

• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.

• Inspect construction sites, which may require walking over uneven surfaces;

• Lift moderately heavy objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as large commercial plans.