APPRAISER III: RESIDENTIAL/LAND/AGRICULTURE

Appraiser III

Hiring Range $32.20 to $36.82 Hourly (PLEASE NOTE: hiring offers will be made within this range).

Performs professional appraisals and data gathering functions for the assessment of residential, vacant land, and agricultural properties within assigned areas. This position involves lead roles in the reappraisal of complex and specialized properties, necessitating a high degree of technical accuracy and market analysis (under supervision). Key responsibilities include responding to taxpayer inquiries regarding property valuations and performing the comprehensive review work required to process protests filed by taxpayers. The incumbent prepares and presents evidence for County Board of Equalization and abatement hearings, including single-property appraisals conducted in accordance with USPAP Standards 1 and 2. Additionally, this role acts as a lead appraiser and expert witness for high-level appeals involving District Court, Arbitration, or the Board of Assessment Appeals. The appraiser also participates in and may conduct ongoing professional training and continuing salary range is $32.20 to $41.43 Hourly (range of potential position compensation).

Essential Job Functions

(The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

• Complex Valuation & Appraisal:

Performs the appraisal of complex residential properties, including apartments, manufactured homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities; may also value agricultural, commercial, vacant land, or other specialized property types.

• Litigation & Expert Testimony:

Acts as lead appraiser and expert witness during litigation and appeals; represents the county before the County Board of Equalization, Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals, binding arbitration, or District Court.

• Independent Decision-Making:

Makes independent decisions and applies sound judgment regarding technical tasks, difficult appeals, and departmental workflow issues.

• Geographic & Audit Responsibility:

Responsible for setting values and ensuring state audit compliance within assigned geographic areas and property classes.

• Valuation & Appraisal:

Responsible for the appraisal of land, residential, and agricultural properties within assigned areas; utilizes thorough knowledge of architectural styles and construction methods to ensure accurate valuations.

• Agricultural Specialization:

Conducts research and advanced calculations to establish irrigated, orchard, grazing, and dry land values; determines soil classification based on USDA soil maps and actual surface usage; determines values for miscellaneous agricultural buildings and support structures.

• Data Collection & Compliance:

Conducts sales verification and data collection for biennial reappraisals; ensures compliance with annual State Board of Equalization audits; discovers omitted property via site reviews, building permits, and aerial photography.

• Legislative Administration:

Assists in the administration and explanation of changes in Colorado property tax laws and procedures to residential appraisal staff and market participants.

• Appeals & Litigation:

Performs appraisal work associated with tax protests and complex litigation; prepares appraisals and exhibits for hearings and trials; acts as a lead appraiser and expert witness for the District Court, Arbitration, or the Board of Assessment Appeals.

• Administration & Technical Tasks:

Processes parcel splits and combinations; calculates subdivision discounting and agricultural possessory interests; maintains accurate internal policies and procedures based on changes to Colorado property tax law.

• Leadership & Mentorship:

Mentors and trains appraisal personnel; may direct team efforts or supervise junior appraisers for licensing purposes if the candidate holds a Certified Appraiser designation.

• Communication & Collaboration:

Responds to specific taxpayer inquiries regarding assessment and valuation; interacts with other departments and neighboring Colorado counties to ensure regional uniformity in land and building values.

• Field Work:

Completes work throughout rural and suburban areas of Mesa County, requiring regular travel to and from remote locations.

• Professional Conduct:

Maintains the highest professional and data integrity standards. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Valid Driver's License required

Education And Experience

Appraiser III

Associate's degree or appraisal course work, education or training associated with attaining higher level license or appraiser certification and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience. Appraisal or Mass Appraisal experience desired.

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Licenses And Certifications

Ad Valorem Appraiser Licensure required. Higher-level license or certification is desired.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• This position requires standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting (up to 10 pounds).
• Work is generally an equal mixture of a standard office environment and field work.
• Field work is primarily within populated areas, but may occur in remote areas of the county where direct communications are unreliable.
• While performing site reviews on properties, employee may encounter domestic and wild animals or livestock.
• Appraisers may work in a variety of settings and locations.
• The employee is frequently exposed to dirt, smoke, fumes, extreme heat and cold, outside atmospheric conditions, traffic noise, and dust for sustained periods of time.
• The employee may be exposed to conditions such as fumes, noxious odors, mists, gases, and poor ventilation which may affect the respiratory system, eyes, or the skin.
• The employee is frequently exposed to loud noise, high-speed and high-volume road conditions, construction sites, and other traffic hazards.

In Compliance With The Equal Pay For Equal Work Act The Following Items Can Be Used As a Determining Factor In The Starting And Ongoing Wage Of An Employee Working In This Position

• Merit system that recognizes the value of advanced professional accreditation.
• Seniority based on length of employment.
• Merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.
• Education, training, or experience that contributes extraordinarily above the norm and which is related to the work in question.

This position is eligible for the Mesa County benefit package which includes the

Following

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement
• Paid Sick and Vacation

Leave

• Life

insurance

• Long term

disability