Classification Specification

Classification Title: Appraiser IV

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to perform various functions related to appraising commercial, industrial and exempt properties. Serves as system administrator for the property appraisal information system.

Essential Functions

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.

Manages the appraisal of all commercial, industrial and exempt properties.
Serves as system administrator for the property appraisal information systems. Works with system vendor to install updates and upgrades. Provides training to staff on use of the system.
Defends value on appeals of commercial or industrial properties before the Board of Equalization, hearing officers, and/or Superior Court.
Manages the annual implementation of cost and land tables for all types of properties.
Performs basic data entry; analyzes business and financial records; designs specialized reports; assists in the development of the departmental budget.
Conducts sales ratio studies to update property values.
Performs annual tasks for the department; prepares assessment notices; records all tax payer appeals and field checks properties to make adjustments as needed; documents and prepares for Board of Equalization hearings; prepares digest adjustments and informs Tax Commissioner of changes; enters tax payer requested address changes; enters requests for property Homestead Exemptions; transfers pre-bill mobile homes to real property.
Assists with the interpretation and explanation of state and local laws pertaining to property appraisal and assessment.
Conducts statistical analyses; performs statistical analysis of sales data to determine appraised/assessed property values; reviews statistical analyses conducted by staff members to ensure valuation at fair market value; analyzes data, identifies trends, and prepares reports/presentations.
Completes tasks involving property reviews and operations; physically checks assigned properties on a yearly basis for accuracy and uniformity; documents reasons for value changes; attaches photos or updates photos as needed; creates and maintains files for completed and ongoing work per tax year; reviews zoning changes and adjusts values; analyzes sales and adjusts property values for residential and commercial properties.
Responds to citizen questions and concerns regarding the valuation of property; receives, prints, copies and/or notarizes forms, applications and other documents; collects filing fees; enters requests for property Homestead Exemptions.
Reviews taxpayer appeals of assessed values; discusses values and answers questions; attends Board of Equalization hearing and provides testimony in support of county assessed value(s).
Researches and compiles deeds, plats, Internet data, etc., to update property tax records; distributes updated documents to staff; assigns parcel numbers and sends information to GIS.
Interprets and explains state and local laws pertaining to property appraisal and assessment.
Operates basic office equipment including a computer, printer, copier, fax machine, typewriter, calculator, blue line map machine, and related machinery; utilizes word processing, data entry, spreadsheet, database, and appraisal software.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

*Knowledge of:

Tax Assessor’s Office timelines;
Georgia Department of Revenue guidelines, processes and procedures applicable to tax appraisal and recordkeeping functions;
Applicable Georgia laws;
Advanced appraisal principles and practices.
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements
Property appraisal and valuation;
Board of Equalization procedures
Construction terminology;
Deed terminology and legal descriptions;
Board of Equalization procedures;
Tax processing principles and practices;
All forms, applications and department documents required by the Tax
Assessor’s Office
General office principles and practices; and,
Customer service principles

*Skill in:

Operating a computer and applicable software, including computer-assisted mass appraisal systems.
Collecting data for appraisals;
Conducting research;
Problem solving;
Applying formulas for calculating values;
Analyzing sales ratio data;
Reading and interpreting deeds, plats, and maps; and
Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

*Ability to:

Multi-task (i.e. conversing on the phone and simultaneously looking up information);
Interpret policies and procedures and disseminate to the public;
Maintain accurate records

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent. Associate’s degree with course work emphasis in Accounting, Business, Finance, Public Administration or related field of study is preferred.
Minimum of seven years previous experience and/or training that includes real property appraisal, personal property appraisal, property valuation, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain valid State of Georgia Appraiser IV certification.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Performance Aptitudes

*Data Utilization:

Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

*Human Interaction:

Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

*Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to utilize a variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.

*Mathematical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

*Functional Reasoning:

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

*Situational Reasoning:

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving a variety of generally pre-defined duties which are often characterized by frequent change.

ADA Compliance

*Physical Ability:

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds), climbing stairs, crouching, kneeling and reaching. Tasks may involve walking and driving.

*Sensory Requirements:

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

*Environmental Factors:

Essential functions are performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. When working in the field, incumbents are exposed to varying climates.

Jackson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.