Field Appraiser - Assessor - Lea County

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Establishes real estate values for residential, non-residential and commercial properties. Uses county maps to locate property to be assessed. Assists co-workers in assessing every property within the county once every two years.
• Establishes property grade, based on quality of construction, and sets valuation rates in accordance with legal levies.
• Determines proper appreciation or depreciation of structures and/or land. Such evaluations are based on considerations such as land use for livestock, presence of flood controls and irrigation, type of construction, construction additions, use of property, square footage of structures, utilities available, topography of property, streets and accessibility, and other related details.
• Must be able to interpret the results of sales ratio studies as to how they relate to neighborhoods and related appraisal work; should be familiar with basic preparation of sales ratio study.
• Sketches buildings, takes measurements in the field, and enters all information pertaining to appraisal on property record cards. Submits property record cards to Clerks Office for entry into computer system.
• Testifies before hearing boards in event of disagreements or complaints concerning real estate values assigned.
• Assists in training of part time workers and lesser-rated appraisers as needed.
• As needed, performs research on valuation and tax notice values of property.
• May be required to monitor vehicle maintenance, make sure cameras are ready for field pictures, and ensure that field check materials are ready prior to being needed.
• Employee may be required to work irregular hours, attend job-related meetings, and perform duties with minimal supervision.
• The duties of the Field Appraiser are not limited to those set forth above. The employee will perform such functions, duties and assignments as given by a supervisor, consistent with ability, background and expertise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• At least one year experience in assessment work preferred.
• Previous experience in real estate, construction or appraisal preferred.

Certifications, Skills and Licenses:

• Valid Drivers License.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
• Knowledge of laws relating to ownership, of appraisal methods and techniques, the use of legal descriptions, maps preferred.
• Knowledge of construction and real estate helpful.
• Ability to draw to scale and to read blueprints.
• Property Tax Appraiser I Certificate preferred but may be acquired after hire.

Physical Functions/Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative and not necessarily exhaustive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this Job.

• Must be able to sit for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Must be able to stand/walk for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Must be able to climb and descend ladders and staircases as needed to perform essential duties.
• Must be able to crouch, kneel bend at the waist, twist/rotate at the waist as needed to perform essential duties.
• Must be able to work with arms extended, away from body or overhead, as needed, to perform various measuring functions of the position.
• Must be able to work with arms bent for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight hours total per day.
• Must be able to push/pull with arms with a force estimated at 5 pounds.
• Must be able to lift an estimated 20 pounds to waist level frequently, and to eye level or overhead occasionally.
• Must have eyesight adequate to accurately observe and appraise real estate and property.
• Must be able to grasp/manipulate equipment and materials used in performance of essential duties.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle with automatic transmission on a daily basis.
• Attend training courses and conferences in different areas of the state.

Mental Functions/Requirements:

• Must be able to understand and follow oral directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read, understand and follow written directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read and understand such items as letters, reports, legal descriptions, property valuations, sales reports, and similar documents.
• Must be able to write letters and reports using proper format and grammar.
• Must be able to apply mathematical knowledge in taking measurements and in maintaining appraisal records.
• Must be able to accurately estimate the value of real estate and property, combining mathematical knowledge with knowledge of construction and real estate.
• Must keep up to date concerning types of construction, as well as other factors affecting the value of real estate or property.
• Must be able to use tact and courtesy in working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, sometimes under tense circumstances.
• Must be knowledgeable of relevant traffic laws and regulations.

Other:

• Ability to perform essential duties and adapt to working conditions.
• No history or pattern of reckless driving, DWI or irresponsible driving in the last five years.
• No history of felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, violence, distribution of controlled substances, or dishonesty.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative but not necessarily exhaustive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this Job.

• Performs work both indoors and outdoors.
• Indoor duties are performed in a temperature controlled environment. Worker is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
• Indoor duties are typically performed on even carpeted or tiled surfaces which are normally dry. May on occasion be wet or slippery. Outdoor duties may be performed on even or uneven surfaces, which may be dry, wet or slippery. Outdoor duties may be performed on inclines or hills. Outdoor duties may be performed on surfaces such as natural ground, concrete or asphalt.
• Worker may be exposed to various dusts, pollens and mists while performing appraisal duties. Indoor duties may require use of stairs, elevator and escalator.
• Work is primarily conducted during daylight hours.
• Majority of duties are performed alone or with one other person, with little direct supervision. Worker may perform certain duties as part of a group.
• Work hazards, or potential work hazards, include frequent driving of vehicles, climbing and descending staircases or ladders, exposure to dusts, pollens, grass, weeds, mists, etc., while working outdoors. May also be exposed to wild and domesticated animals and other naturally existing hazards in rural areas.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Interview
• Background check.
• Driving record check.
• General employment background check.
• Job-related skills tests may be given.