Appraiser

Join to apply for the Appraiser role at Albemarle County

Creates well-supported assessments of real estate based on verified market information. Uses comparable sales information and other market data that is gathered and confirmed to establish reassessment results that meet guidelines in the International Association of Assessing Officer (IAAO) Standard on Ratio Studies.

Full‑Time, 12 months
Non‑Exempt, Pay Grade 31
VRS‑Eligible, Benefits‑Eligible

Advertising as an Appraiser (grade 31), but may hire at Appraiser Technician (grade 29) or Senior Appraiser (grade 33) based on qualifications and experience.

• Sales Validation – confirm all relevant descriptive data based on established standards on properties that have sold and update their information as needed. Research and confirm information, including field visits, relating to each transaction and interview involved parties as needed to determine if a sale is a valid, arm’s‑length, market sale.
• Reassessment – create and analyze sales ratio studies of valid sales for assigned market areas/neighborhoods annually to determine rates and adjustments for the next tax year. Recommend changes to meet International Association of Assessing Officer (IAAO) Standard on Ratio Studies guidelines.
• Plats – move improvements to newly created parcels as needed and set up valuation on all new parcels.
• New Construction – Conduct regular checks to properly describe and appraise properties under construction or renovation (with or without a permit) to add the new improvements to the tax rolls based on their status as of January first of each year and/or when substantially complete.
• Five‑Year Checks – Conduct regular checks of property data to update records. Appraisal staff conducts checks, including field visits, to confirm or update data on approximately 20% of their assigned properties each year. All parcels assigned to an appraiser should be reviewed every five years.
• Reviews/Appeals – Process review requests to confirm/update property characteristics and recommend a course of action to the County Assessor regarding value. Prepare for Board of Equalization (BOE) hearings by reviewing property and market data with the County Assessor and testifying in front of the BOE as needed.
• Assignments – will include properties of medium complexity with some rural areas and heterogeneous neighborhoods. May assist with some commercial property appraisals. Maintain digital files of assigned property data.
• Staff Training and Cooperation – appraisers must coordinate their work to ensure that standards are followed by all staff, which requires cooperation between colleagues. Appraiser II’s will be expected to assist Appraiser I staff when needed.

• Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of ad valorem appraising
  • Pertinent state and local assessment laws
  • Applicable Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
  • Local real estate market and how it affects market value.
• Skills:
  • Intermediate use of computer assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) software, preferably VISION.
  • Ability to generate reports, and use Excel spreadsheets.
  • Ability to utilize and understand cadastral mapping and aerial photography.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction plans and specifications.
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, real estate professionals and the public.
  • Capable of handling multiple tools (measuring tape, laser, camera, clipboard, pencil, cell phone, door knockers) while maneuvering unstable topography or terrain.
• Ability to:
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Analyze and compile information to make decisions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Assist in work of co‑workers, if needed.
  • Plan and organize assigned work, but able to adapt to changing situations.
  • Handle a high level of responsibility in making decisions.
  • Communicate complex ideas orally and in writing.
  • Perform and follow detailed work procedures.
  • Work independently and as…