Commercial Appraiser III or IV

This position performs advanced professional commercial real property appraisal work, competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective. The Appraiser position is expected to possess significant, independent and direct experience in the valuation of complex real property such improved commercial and industrial real estate, including a comprehensive knowledge of the three approaches to value.

Classification (level) and compensation is based on qualifications and experience as it relates to the position.

Appraiser III: Generally, the hiring range is $68,953 - $86,191 annually.

Appraiser IV: Generally, the hiring range is $78,364 - $97,995 annually.

Your future is important to us.

Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package — including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans — plus a wide range of additional resources to support your health, growth, and overall well-being. View the full Employee Benefits Guide.

Appraiser III: View the full job description here

Appraiser IV: View the full job description here

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive. The Assessor reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.)

Appraiser III:

• Completes field inspections, measurements, property data collection, and sketches for commercial and industrial properties, including both the physical inspection and blueprint review of a project. Monitors project progress and percentage of completion, including core and shell construction and tenant finish. Once structures reach full completion, identifies all characteristics per Marshall Valuation manual, applies Cost, Market and Income models, and reconciles property value.
• Completes field work and input for commercial and industrial vacant land. Conducts field inspections for identifying subdivision infrastructure, agricultural use, and land attributes. Maintains existing land valuation models, recognizes the need for new models, and creates them according to appropriate stratification. Applies appropriate subdivision discounting methodology annually per Division of Property Taxation (DPT) guidelines.
• Participates in County Board of Equalization hearings; completes Value Data Summaries for submission, utilizing the three approaches to value, for CBOE appeals and Abatements. Completes Assessor Protest appeal assignments during annual appeal season, including responding to inquiries, analyzing applied valuation models and interpreting petitioner submissions such as operating statements, comparable sales and other information.
• Acts as an expert witness in the defense and support of such appeals including Abatements, Boards of Assessment Appeals, Arbitrations, and District Court cases. Works closely with the Appeals Administrator, Commercial Appraisal Supervisor, Assessor Administration, and County Attorney’s Office during the appeals process. Composes USPAP compliant Standard 1 Appraisal Reports in preparation of litigation for certain high-level appeals. Acts as an advisor to these same parties as to the final disposition of appeals.
• Completes sales verification including Costar review; research with buyers, sellers, brokers and other market participants; performs field reviews, sale validation and input into the Assessor’s Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system and spreadsheets.
• Conducts property reviews for omitted and incorrect information, quality control reports and classification concerns. Work may include in-person and telephone interaction with property owners and their agents. Provides education and information to property owners regarding statutory requirements, state regulations and assessment processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Appraiser IV:

• May participate heavily in and be principally responsible for assessment appeal hearings. Within these potential assignments, completes Summary Appraisal Reports (considering the three approaches to value) for higher level appeals. Acts as a principle appraiser and frequent expert witness in the support of higher level appeals such as Board of
• Assessment Appeals proceedings, Arbitration filings, and District Court cases. Works closely with the Appeals Deputy Assessor, Commercial Supervisor, County Assessor and County Attorney’s office in the course of these appeal processes. Acts as a principle advisor to these same parties as to the final disposition of these appeal filings.
• Works closely with the Commercial Appraisal Supervisor to promulgate strategies, policies and procedures for the commercial appraisal team and assessment appeals team. Participates with and may lead in the training, guidance and mentorship of appraisal staff throughout the Appraisal Division. With or without the direct assistance of management, develops and provides formal training opportunities in advanced appraisal topics for Assessor staff. Acts as an interim team manager in the absence of the Commercial Appraisal Supervisor.
• Acts as a principle special projects appraiser for the Assessor’s office. Ability to analyze complex assignments, provide strong and significant leadership to a delegated team, and determine and implement advanced solutions in timely and highly competent manner. Examples of projects related to this competency include but are not limited to the assumption
• Analyze valuation information from the three approaches to value and conclude an understandable and sound opinion of value. Utilize all available tools as applicable, such as CAMA software, Excel and other data management tools, Pictometry, GIS, Costar, and Narrative1, to perform quality control on property characteristics and develop appropriate assessments.
• Apply appropriate procedures and methodologies for the Income approach to value for each type of property: Collect property specific data on rental rates, vacancy, and expenses. Conduct a complete research of the market and calculate appropriate capitalization rates. Apply income, expense and cap rate information in CAMA system and in appraisal reports to calculate income approach to value.
• Completes all assigned sales verification tasks related to appraisal including MLS and/or Costar review; research with buyers, sellers and brokers; physical inspections of sold property; analysis of financing and market conditions surrounding the transactions; application of sale price adjustments in response to research completed, and final sale validation conclusion.
• Conducts property review for omitted and incorrect information, quality control reports and classification concerns. Work may include in-person and telephone interaction with property owners, their agents and public officials. Provides education and information to property owners regarding statutory requirements and assessment practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Appraiser III:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to real estate, such as business, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, engineering, construction, architecture, or a related field. An extensive and graduated professional employment record with significant experience in commercial real estate appraisal may substitute for part of this education requirement.
• Has completed the minimum education requirements set forth by the State of Colorado for an Ad Valorem Appraiser license. Preferred is the completion of appraisal qualifying education (QE) required for the Certified General Appraisal License.
• Four or more years of professional appraisal experience in private and/or public sector, including ad valorem experience, and advanced knowledge of real estate principles, procedures and markets. In the absence of direct ad valorem appraisal experience the candidate may have significant commercial appraisal experience in the private sector including possession of a Certified General Appraisal License.

Appraiser IV:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to real estate, such as business, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, engineering, construction or architecture, OR equivalent.
• Has fulfilled the qualifying educational requirements set by the the Colorado Board of Real Estate Appraisers for a Certified General Appraiser license.
• The ability to meet continuing education requirements set by the State of Colorado CBOREA, Division of Property Taxation and the Douglas County Assessor’s Office.
• Has completed the minimum educational requirements set forth by the State of Colorado for an Ad Valorem Appraiser license
• Ten years of professional appraisal experience in private and/or public sector, including significant direct ad valorem experience, and advanced knowledge of real estate principles, practices and markets.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Appraiser III:

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.
• An Ad Valorem Appraisal License, or comparable, is required.
• A Certified General Appraisal License is preferred.

Appraiser IV:

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.
• A State of Colorado Certified General Appraiser License or equivalent is required.
• An advanced appraisal certification with a highly regarded appraisal organization, such as an MAI, CAE or equivalent, is preferred.