Appraiser I or II (DOQ)

The Assessor's Office is seeking to fill the position of Appraiser I or II DOQ.  This position will perform field inspections and mass appraisals of new and existing residential structures, land, farms, mobile homes and personal property, where valued in the manner of real property.  

Depending on job classification, key job duties may include:

• Conducts appraisals of assigned houses, multifamily dwellings, buildings, mobile homes and personal properties, using prescribed cost factors and market comparison approaches as principal method.
• Conducts sales studies; identifies intangible factors affecting sales prices; inspects and inventories value influencing features of buildings; determines building classification; calculates square footage; researches building costs and calculates depreciation rates; and estimates the fair market value as a basis for tax assessment.
• Crosschecks values against recent sales of comparable properties.
• Conducts assigned appraisals of urban and rural land, both developed and undeveloped.
• Inspects and appraises farm and rural land, using highest and best use analysis and current use valuation criteria. Refers to soil conservation service maps to determine soil classifications.
• Researches, collects and analyzes complex or diverse information.  Records valuation and sales data on maps, spreadsheets and appraisal information sheets as appropriate.
• Checks computer-generated records against source documents for accuracy of data.
• Interviews owners, occupants, buyers, sellers, agents and neighbors for information that may influence values.
• Initiates or assists in the preparation of correspondence, narrative and statistical reports or other documents, keeping others adequately informed.  Writes concisely and correctly.  Organizes information clearly.
• Appears before the County Board of Equalization to explain, interpret and/or defend the value placed on a particular property, as directed.

Supervisor:  Chief Deputy Appraiser

Hours of Work:  Four 10-hour shifts, Monday - Thursday or Tuesday - Friday

For more information please review the job description:

• Appraiser I
• Appraiser II 

Appraiser I Requirements:
Requires a High School Diploma or GED, AND one year of experience in appraisal related work, property inspection, real estate, or similar field AND completion of International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) course 101: Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal, or equivalent.
 
Must have, or obtain, a Washington State Department of Revenue (WADOR) accreditation, as required by RCW 36.21.015 within 15 months of employment. 
 
Experience in property management and finance, knowledge of real estate transactions, economics, statistics, and geography are desired.

Appraiser II Requirements:
Requires a High School Diploma or GED, one year of appraisal experience and a minimum of 60 class hours of state sponsored or professionally approved appraisal coursework.  

Coursework must include the following courses, or equivalent:

• International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) 101:  Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal
• Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice Course (USPAP)

Must have, or be qualified to immediately obtain, a Washington State Department of Revenue (WADOR) accreditation, as required by RCW 36.21.015.   Application for WADOR accreditation equivalency must be made within five days of employment.

Experience in property management and finance, knowledge of real estate transactions, economics, and geography  are desired.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Salary Range:

• Appraiser I:  MCBA- Range 130.0, $28.69 - $41.36 per hour
• Appraiser II: MCBA- Range 150.0, $31.14 - $44.86 per hour

Hiring rate depends on qualifications.  Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range (posted above), subject to required approvals. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).  

Salary : $29 - $45