Position Title: Chief Appraiser

Union: Non-Union

Working Title: Chief Appraiser

Salary Grade: N - $5,881.85-$6,179.62 month

Reports to: Assessor

FLSA Classification: Exempt - Administrative

Department: Assessment & Tax

Effective Date: 1/29/2024

General Position Summary:

Plan, organize, manage and administer the appraisal program for assessment purposes; performs routine and complex real and personal property appraisal work and reporting as required. Participates in development of the department strategic plan; responsible for implementation and progress of the appraisal division objectives and goals.

Essential Functions (in a typical work week):

· Supervises and directs appraisers in appraisal of real and personal property. Supervises all appraisal, exemption and special assessed valuation programs. Supervises Measure 50 valuation and exception procedures.

· Plans, organizes and directs all valuation work.

· Performs complex appraisals of Real and Personal Property that may include residential, commercial, industrial and personal property valuation.

· Represents the Department at appeals hearings before the Board of Property Tax Appeals, Department of Revenue and Tax Court; directs and assists appraisal staff in appraisal work and preparation for appeals.

· Trains and/or supervises training of new and existing appraisal staff.

· Implement policies, procedures and performance standards to assure effective operational functions resulting in equitable outcomes in compliance with County, State, Federal and Local Laws.

· Assists and advises the Assessor in matters of property valuation; interprets policy, researches Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules and supplemental documents/publications as needed for their proper application.

· Maintains advanced computer skills necessary to perform complex tasks and reporting using a personal computer with required office software. Maintains an in depth knowledge of Assessor's mainframe database software and its operation.

· Assists in selection of new employees, work methods and departmental goals.

· Assists in the maintenance of the valuation software (upgrades, testing and application).

· Manages valuation operations to achieve department goals, reviews progress, directs changes in priorities and schedules as needed to assure performance standards.

· Supervises the collection and confirmation of data on all property transfers in the county. Analyzes and prepares sales information in sales databases. Prepares sales reports and other studies as needed. Analyzes sales information and supervises the production of the Ratio Study for the Department of Revenue annually.

Secondary Functions (in a typical work week):

• Supervises and/or determines values for segregations that include partitions, plats and combination of properties.
• Participates in Oregon Department of Revenue technical group meetings and group meetings with other county or state agencies to address administration of state wide policy. Attend external meetings. Travel to meetings and conferences.
• Develops, implements and monitors subordinate performance and professional development, including required continuing education for professional development.
• Performs employee reviews of appraisal staff as needed.
• Answers public inquiry relative to appraisals, value, tax limitations or assessment.

· Any employee may be required by their manager to perform other duties which may be necessary or desirable and for which the employee is qualified.

Responsibility/Accountability:

This section of the job description describes the amount and breadth of responsibility and accountability that rests with the position, including the expected results of the position, the impact on County operations and activities, and the responsibility for budget.

Some influence on departmental operations, programs, and expense or budgetary outcomes. Dollar amounts influenced would be considered moderate when compared to the overall County budget. Responsibility for the prudent use of County assets may extend beyond own work responsibilities to the work unit or department financial management. Contact with the public is a regular aspect of the position and actions could impact community or user satisfaction levels.

Supervision of Employees:

This section of the job description describes the supervisory responsibility assigned including the range and types of supervisory functions performed, from directing work activities and delegating assignments to coaching, counseling, making disciplinary decisions, hiring, firing, salary actions, performance appraisal, training, etc. as well as the types of employees supervised.

Positions at this level are normally responsible for some supervisory responsibilities, including providing daily work direction; provide input regarding hiring, disciplining, terminating employees, making pay adjustments, and/or making employee job/assignment changes. This is the of County supervision and would typically be at the nonexempt level where similar work to subordinates is performed as a portion of routine assignments.

Interpersonal Skills/Contacts:

This section of the job description describes the characteristics of personal interaction with others including the frequency of contacts with others, the breadth of interactions (within the County, outside the County, with vendors/contractors, dealing directly with the public, etc.), and the level of persons interacted with. Also, included in this section is the reason for contact such as gaining cooperation; use negotiation, tact, teamwork, and sensitivity; or the likelihood of dealing with disagreeable or hostile individuals.

Positions at this level have frequent responsibility for contact with others not employed at the County. Internally, primary contacts are usually made with other departments, as opposed to own work group. Contacts usually concern non-routine information, and the potential for positive or adverse consequences to the County because of these contacts is constantly present. Negotiation, persuasion, tact, sensitivity, and confidential exchanges are all part of the interactions required. Formal presentations may be periodically made. Communication and interpersonal skills are important, and must be well refined to complete job responsibilities.

Working Conditions:

This section of the job descriptions outlines the work environment, conditions, and hazards that are encountered in the course of assigned work. This includes the personal risk, hazard, varying work schedules, level of interruptions, job pressure, and the need to frequently juggle priorities and work assignments. Also, exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as high noise levels, heat or cold, inside or outside work, exposure to electricity, chemicals, poor lighting, confinements, machinery, interactions with disturbed or dangerous individuals, personal attacks, contact with contagious disease, or situations where personal safely cannot be assured.

This level has a work environment that is usually well protected and free from hazards or obstacles. There is little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues of confinement, temperature change, incident of noise, interactions of a disagreeable nature, interruptions, changes in job assignments that require adapting, etc.

Physical Requirements:

This section of the job description describes the physical effort and manual labor, such as sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, digging, operating equipment, performing with speed, etc., as well as the dexterity required to complete the job functions. The need for travel, extended hours, and situations of physical discomfort are also outlined here.

Positions at this level require some physical efforts or guide labor, such as lifting and carrying of items weighing 15-25 pounds on a regular basis as part of the work assignments, or constant movement is necessary to complete tasks. Some regular stooping, bending, and pushing/pulling may also be required. This level also includes job situations where speed, guide dexterity, and equipment operation are a continual requirement. Positions with responsibility for driving are to be placed at least at this level.

A valid driver’s license is required as an essential function of this position.

Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure:

This section of the job description outlines the education, previous experience, professional licenses, certifications, and specific skills necessary to perform the assigned work.

Positions at this level require abilities, skills, training, and/or a knowledge base equivalent to a seasoned level professional. Education will typically include a four year degree and positions will typically require 3-6 years of directly related experience. Knowledge of multiple business areas and skills are required by the positions. Work may be in a more generalized professional role, or specialized in one particular function where in-depth understanding is required. Capabilities include reasoning, exercise of sound judgment, ability to draw conclusions with limited information, and to forecast or envision future needs and opportunities.

Below is an outline of the specific Education type, Experience type or licensure/certification that is required for this role. The County will also consider any equivalent combinations of the qualifying criteria.

• Four (4) year college degree in a related field such as Agriculture, Business Administration, Economics, or Statistics or must have worked in the field at least five (5) years with progressive experience in supervisory skills, or have an acceptable combination of education or experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of ad valorem taxation.
• Principles and practices of real and personal property valuation as well as mass appraisal.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of real property law, Oregon Revised Statues, Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Department of revenue valuation methods related to property valuation.
• Possesses advanced computer skills with experience using word processing, database and spreadsheet software. Extensive knowledge of Assessor's existing computer databases, spreadsheets and software. Assists in implementation and supervision of appraisal software.
• Ability to make accurate appraisals of difficult and complex land holding including farms, forestland urban and other properties, and prepare extensive technical appraisal reports. Is able to gather and analyze information for the appraisal of commercial and industrial properties.
• Ability to prepare written recommendations relating to appraisal and assessment
• Ability to represent the department before the Board of Property Tax Appeals, Department of Revenue, Magistrate and Tax Court.
• Ability to review and critically analyze appraisal reports of subordinates

· Must have passed the Oregon State Registered Appraiser examination and hold registration as a qualified appraiser by the State of Oregon Personnel Division as set forth in ORS 308.010. The candidate must also have maintained the necessary annual management and appraisal technical hours approved by the Department of Revenue

Notice to Applicants

Equal access to programs, services and employment opportunities are available to all persons, in regards to age, ancestry, color disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, medical condition, military veteran status, national origin, race, religion sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state and/or local law.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and/or applicable star and local laws, applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application and/or interview process should notify Human Resources.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36.19 - $38.02 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• The Dalles, OR 97058: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person