Appraiser Trainee
Class Title: Appraiser Trainee
Department: Assessor
Effective Date: May 2025
General Purpose
Work in the Assessor’s Office under the guidance and direction of the Appraiser Supervisor by following annual valuation guidelines set forth by the State of Utah. The trainee may be assigned to work in real or personal property and will value properties within Box Elder County. Trainee will perform essential work processes to collect data relating to county properties. Performs work to maintain the legislative-mandated five-year residential property characteristic review cycle.
Supervision Received
Works under the general direction of the Box Elder County Assessor and Appraiser Supervisor.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Assists the County Assessor in the appraisal of real and personal property within Box Elder County for property tax purposes; assures the accurate establishment and maintenance of procedures related to the assessment of property; gains an understanding of all policies and procedures related to the Box Elder County Assessor’s Office.
- Accurately identifies and locates all properties for the tax assessment roll; accurately inspects and measures land and buildings within Box Elder County.
- Assists the County Assessor in processing greenbelt applications; determines which agricultural properties qualify to be taxed under the “Farmland Assessment Act,” or “Greenbelt Amendment.”
- Accurately maintains and updates new and existing records as set forth by office guidelines and requirements.
- Appraises and prepares tax valuation notices for mobile homes; assists in the billing process of mobile homes.
- Promotes public and private understanding of real estate values and the property tax process; addresses tax payer questions and concerns.
- Participates in the Board of Equalization process by handling official appeals of property tax values before 3 years of hire date.
- Obtains required licensing through the State of Utah within 3 years of hire date.
- Maintains all licensing in good standing.
- Gains an understanding of the property tax system in the State of Utah, and an understanding of the importance of accurate data as a due diligence to tax payers.
- Represent the County Assessor’s Office to the public.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of assessment and appraisal practices, processes and techniques, including principles and methods of real property valuation.
- Skilled in developing formulas and tables for use in cost valuations.
- Skilled in computer-aided mass appraisal systems and related tools.
- Skilled in using software applications, such as Google Suite, and other tools for creating documents, spreadsheets, and data analysis.
- Skilled in calculating and categorizing improvement square footage.
- Skilled in reading plats, blueprints, and legal descriptions.
- Skilled in comparing property characteristics and digital imagery for accuracy and locating property based on descriptions.
- Skilled in effective interpersonal communication both verbally and in writing, including proficiency in technical writing.
- Ability to appraise real property using income, cost, and sales comparison approaches for residential valuations.
- Ability to learn and adapt to new software programs and databases.
- Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks efficiently while managing deadlines and interruptions.
- Ability to maintain attention to detail and process complex tasks accurately.
- Ability to maintain confidential records and reports related to personal and real property.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, citizens, and external contacts by demonstrating professional communication, collaboration, and respect in all work-related interactions.
- Ability to receive and follow instructions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education and experience:
- Graduation from high school and coursework in English Composition, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Finance, Algebra, Geometry (or Higher Mathematics), Statistics, Computer Science, Business or Real Estate Law, Accounting, Geography, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, or Real Estate.
- One year of experience in appraising or a related field.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Licensing with the Utah Division of Real Estate as a “Certified Residential Appraiser” requires college coursework as defined on their official website. The minimum licensing requirement as a Deputy Assessor is “Licensed Appraiser.”
Special Requirements
- Must obtain appraiser licensing within 3 years of hire date.
- Must obtain certification as Registered Appraiser Trainee with the State of Utah Department of Commerce within six (6) months of employment.
- Must be bondable.
- Must have a valid Utah driver’s license.
- Physical requirements include medium physical effort typical of the average office job; outdoor work in every weather condition; bending, climbing, stooping, walking, and jumping may be required as part of onsite structure inspections.
- Attending and passing testing for training classes and courses that can extend multiple days is required.
- Frequent driving and travel is required.
Career Ladder Advancement
For career ladder advancement from a lower classification level of this series to a higher one, there must be funding in the budget and the employee must:
- Possess the required licensure and certifications of the higher classification level.
- Meet the education and experience requirements.
- Receive written recommendation from the department head.
- Receive approval from the Human Resources Director.
Selection Guidelines
Formal application; rating of training and experience; reference check; final interviews with hiring authority.
Box Elder County has an opening for a full-time Appraiser Trainee. The Appraiser Trainee works in the Assessor’s Office under the guidance and direction of the Appraiser Supervisor by following annual valuation guidelines set forth by the State of Utah. The Appraiser Trainee may be assigned to work in real property and will value properties within Box Elder County. The Trainee will perform essential work processes to collect data relating to county properties. The trainee works toward obtaining certification under a certified appraiser.
Those interested in this position must have graduated from high school or equivalent and have 1 year of appraisal or closely related experience, or any combination of education and experience.
Interested parties should submit an application to Box Elder County Human Resources by 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025.