What are the responsibilities and job description for the Real Estate Appraiser position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Are you a driven, confident, and proactive professional who thrives on taking initiative and delivering results? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering an exciting opportunity for an individual with a passion for real estate and a desire to make a meaningful impact. As a Real Estate Appraiser, you will apply your expertise to appraise and review a variety of property types—including homes, residential lots, and multi-unit buildings up to four units—for right-of-way acquisitions that support critical highway and bridge improvement projects.
In this role, you will ensure that appraisals reflect fair market value and just compensation, all while meeting tight deadlines and maintaining the highest professional standards. If you excel in a fast-paced environment and bring exceptional communication and negotiation skills to the table, we would be excited to consider your application.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will apply your real estate expertise to support PennDOT’s right-of-way acquisition process and ensure that property valuations are accurate, defensible, and compliant with state and federal standards. You will conduct thorough property assessments, identify issues that may affect valuation, and collaborate closely with project teams, property owners, and legal representatives. Your work will directly support major transportation improvement projects across the Commonwealth.
Key Responsibilities- Evaluate the appropriate appraisal methods needed to determine accurate property values.
- Identify hidden issues or omissions not reflected in project plans and report minor plan changes to your supervisor.
- Coordinate with the Right-of-Way office to process claimant-related plan modifications and prepare formal responses for significant concerns that may affect project timelines.
- Attend and provide testimony at Board of View Hearings or Court Trials regarding appraisals and damage estimates when required.
- Offer technical guidance to project team members on appraisal preparation and support district review appraisers to ensure compliance with state and federal policies and procedures.
- Conduct preliminary field investigations and cost estimates, and coordinate appraisal activities with other right-of-way functions.
- Appraise individual properties, prepare related correspondence, and provide clear information on departmental requirements.
- Deliver prompt, accurate customer service by addressing property owners’ questions or concerns and ensuring they understand their rights and the Commonwealth’s obligations.
- Assess the potential impact of proposed developments on adjacent properties and determine when access or drainage releases are necessary.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Indiana. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $51,971.00 (before taxes)
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
- All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser certification.
- All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
Salary : $51,971