CHIEF APPRAISER

The purpose of this classification is to direct the programs, services, staff and resources of the Whitfield County Tax Assessor’s Office.  

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Plans, develops and directs department programs, services, resources and staff; formulates long and short-range goals, objectives and plans; develops policies and procedures; ensures that operations comply with policies, procedures and related State laws; and directs the implementation of programs and services through subordinate supervisors and staff.   The Chief Appraiser reports staff performance metrics to the Board of Assessors.

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals. The Chief Appraiser is the chief administrative officer of the Appraisal Staff.

Monitors and evaluates department programs and services; assesses department and staff performance; and identifies and implements changes to maximize use of resources and achieve goals and objectives as established by the Board of Tax Assessors.

Directs the mapping of parcels, parcel splits, new subdivision plats and deeds; supervises the editing and maintenance of property mapping databases; oversees the preparation of the Tax Digest; and prepares and reviews annual consolidation and total sheets by Tax District for review by the State Department of Revenue. Responsible for meeting regulatory deadlines.

Supervises and conducts research, studies and analyses of internal ratio, property management compliance issues, market issues, and proposed legislation; prepares reports of analyses, findings and recommendations; identifies areas with property value problems; and develops and implements corrective solutions. Provides guidance to staff regarding difficult and upper level appraisal issues and tasks and the interpretation of policies.

Performs complex appraisals for industrial and commercial properties; provides guidance to staff regarding difficult appraisal issues and the interpretation of policies; and negotiates and arbitrates the settlement of appeals and the other complaints and problems.   

Manages department financial resources; develops and administers the department’s budget; reviews and approves expenditures; and prepares and reviews financial reports.

Responds to inquiries and provides information to the property owners, taxpayers, general public, elected officials, government agencies, the media and other departments regarding property values, ownership and other department issues; reads, responds and assigns communications received via e-mail, telephone and written correspondence. 

Acts as custodian for all appraisal records, tax maps and related data residing in the Tax Assessor’s office; and directs the establishment and management of department records, files and databases. 

Reviews Homestead Exemption for accuracy and compliance; and oversees and reviews property applications for farm, historic and other special exemptions.

May serve as a member of varying boards, task forces, committees and management teams; prepares presentations to communicate information and provide updates on projects and initiatives; and attends conference and workshops. The Chief Appraiser is responsible for publicly presenting the role of the Assessor’s office 

Formulates and executes Requests for Proposals for the procurement of special services and projects; and advises management on the procurement of services and systems which affect the Tax Assessor’s office and its programs. 

Operates a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.

Performs other related duties as required.

Associate’s degree in public administration, Business Administration or a related field, supplemented by six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in residential and commercial property appraisal and assessment work.   This position requires a certification through the State of Georgia's Appraisers' Training Program as an Appraiser III (Appraiser IV preferred), or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

An individual hired as an Appraiser III must obtain an Appraiser IV certification within one (1) year of employment. The successful candidate must be proficient in the WinGap CAMA (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal) system and possess excellent communication skills when interacting with the public and other governmental agencies.  Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.   

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.

Strong data management skills, with the ability to develop Key Process Indicators (KPI’s), measure and analyze results, and develop and implement processes and procedures to address identified gaps.

Demonstrated credibility and respect within the Assessor’s Office, and among external stakeholders, with a proven ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Assessor’s Office.

Associate’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field, supplemented by six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in residential and commercial property appraisal and assessment work.   This position requires a certification through the State of Georgia's Appraisers' Training Program as an Appraiser III (Appraiser IV preferred), or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

An individual hired as an Appraiser III must obtain an Appraiser IV certification within one (1) year of employment. The successful candidate must be proficient in the WinGap CAMA (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal) system and possess excellent communication skills when interacting with the public and other governmental agencies.  Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.   

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.

Strong data management skills, with the ability to develop Key Process Indicators (KPI’s), measure and analyze results, and develop and implement processes and procedures to address identified gaps.

Demonstrated credibility and respect within the Assessor’s Office, and among external stakeholders, with a proven ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Assessor’s Office.

Salary : $115,000 - $130,000