Senior Appraiser - Commercial

Under minimal direction, independently performs responsible, difficult, professional, and technical assessment work in appraising complex commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Spotsylvania County. Position is responsible for appraising and reviewing commercial, industrial, office, and multi-family properties in the County, collecting information pertaining to appraisals, analyzing current sales of properties, assisting in the training of appraisal personnel, and entering appraisal information into the computer. In addition, this position may provide technical appraisal expertise to enhance mission-critical business operations.  Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in completing appraisals of properties. Performs related work as directed. Reports to the Commissioner of the Revenue and Chief Real Estate Appraiser.

• Plans, organizes, and collaborates on the work of the Commercial Division of the Assessment Department. Plans, directs, and organizes the work of the Commercial Division with strict adherence to Virginia Assessment Case Law and   Code of Virginia as it relates to the Assessment and Reassessment of real estate.  As well as the International Association of Assessing Officers' Professional Standards.   
• Conducts appraisals on commercial and industrial properties county-wide; appraises residential properties as needed; collects information, references, and resources needed to obtain property appraisal information; analyzes and reviews information and applies appraisal standards and guidelines to complex commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural properties in order to determine the fair market value of improved and unimproved properties.
• Establishes the market value of Commercial, Industrial, Office, and Multi-Family real estate in Spotsylvania County for ad valorem tax purposes; establishes the market value of Residential real estate as needed.
• Formulates, develops, and implements complex models and valuation rates for Commercial, Industrial, Office, and Multi-Family properties.
• Receives, maintains various forms of sensitive, confidential income and expense data from investment property owners; after proper analysis, applies such data to the appraisals of Commercial, Industrial, Office, and Multi-Family properties. 
• Assists in planning, supervises, participates in, and reviews annual reassessment of real property in the County; oversees compilation of Sales Ratio studies in an effort to ensure validity of figures and values cited. 
• May assist in managing, planning, and organizing the implementation and use of the County’s Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal system; monitors status of work in progress; consults with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise.

• Coordinates, advises that any new software integration into the County’s Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal system meets and maintains functional requirements, as well as County and State regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and analyzes existing applications’ effectiveness and efficiency, and then develops strategies for improving these systems.
• Assists in ensuring departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Consults with Chief Real Estate Appraiser, Commissioner of the Revenue, and other officials to review department operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations.
• Provides technical leadership to project IS managers when needed.
• Provides Customer service; responds to questions, complaints, appeals, and requests for information/assistance; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
• Assists in managing, coordinating, and/or performing special projects as requested.
• Receives and responds to difficult, unusual, and complex problems and inquiries in person or over the telephone. 
• Plans and coordinates staff training with CAMA System as requested. 
• Supervises and directs assigned staff.
• Provides information, education, and response to questions from corporations, Board of Equalization, property owners, and the general public; works with property managers, corporate tax representatives, corporate attorneys, and property owners regarding specific confidential income and expense information; confers with property owners to obtain information or to explain property assessment methods, procedures, techniques, values, or other information.
• Analyzes current sales of commercial/non-commercial properties; applies analysis, findings, and conclusions to the appraisal process; enters new appraisal data into the computer database.
• Analyzes market data and sales ratios to measure and improve equalization.
• Reviews appraisals and recommends to the Chief Appraiser whether assessments should be adjusted during the appeals process.
• Appears before the Board of Equalization to explain and defend assessments challenged by taxpayers.
• Prepares for court cases; appears in Circuit Court and presents expert testimony.
• Advises and assists the County Attorney(s) in preparing for trial on lawsuits brought against the County for property assessments.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of Virginia Case Law and relevant changes in the Code of Virginia as it relates to the assessment and reassessment of real estate. 
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, geographical information system (GIS), Internet, email, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as replacing paper, ink, or toner. 
• Follows safety procedures and utilizes safety equipment.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of building, depreciation, and land value charts as needed.
• Assists in providing queries and statistics to COR and the Chief Appraiser.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Public Administration, Real Estate, or closely related field; a minimum of five (5) years’ experience and/or training in Real Estate Assessment Administration, in a senior/supervisory role related to Ad Valorem Taxation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data Analysis, Real Estate Investment and Development Analysis, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Significant coursework in real estate assessment standards, processes, and procedures as provided through the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).

Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Must maintain thorough knowledge of Virginia Assessment Case Law and statutory updates in the Code of Virginia as it relates to the assessment and reassessment of real estate. 

Appraisal Certification/License of Certified General Real Estate Appraiser by the Real Estate Appraisal Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia is preferred.

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the County and departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Commercial Appraiser. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of performing ad valorem appraisals on commercial, industrial, and residential property. 
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the essential duties of the position.  
• Knowledge of the use and implementation of Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal systems and their function in local government. 
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, and members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.  Ability to effectively supervise and motivate assigned employees. 
• Knowledge of the organization of the department, and of related departments and agencies. Has an understanding of occupational hazards and of applicable safety practices. Is skilled in the appraisal and assessment of real property. 
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and standards of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as set forth by the Appraisal Foundation.  
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and code of ethics of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). 
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department. 
• Knowledge of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, policies, etc., as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. 
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. 
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. 
• Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant. 
• Ability to use mathematical calculations using percentages and decimals. 
• Knowledgeable and proficient with computers. 
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret financial, technical, and computer reports and related materials.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery and equipment, including drafting tools, tape measure, calculator, computer, facsimile machine, camera, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to five (5) pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  Physical demand requirements are those of Light Work. Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as tape measures, scales, cameras, and office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by ear.)  Must be able to communicate via a telephone

Salary : $73,634 - $104,561