Chief Real Estate Appraiser

Job Summary

Plans, directs, coordinates and monitors the operational, financial and personnel activities of the Tax Assessor's Office. Ensures all residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and personal property is assessed equitably and fairly.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Directs activities and staff of the Hall County Tax Assessor’s Office to assure all residential, commercial, industrial, and personal property is assessed equitably and fairly.

Directs the development of sales ratio studies; compares sales ratio results with current appraisals to assess accuracy and ensure fair and equitable valuation of all property in Hall County.

Directs the processing of personal property business returns to determine fair market value on inventory, machinery, and equipment owned by Hall County businesses; locates and processes business accounts not in compliance with personal property tax audits of various retail and industrial accounts regarding inventory and field assets.

Directs appraisal program for all mobile homes located in Hall County.

Serves as secretary to the Board of Tax Assessors; coordinates meetings with taxpayers, provides technical advice, assists in policy development, etc.

Acts as liaison between the Board of Tax Assessors and Board of Equalization; coordinates and attends appeals hearings.

Supervises the assessment and reassessment of all taxable and non-taxable real and personal property, and the maintenance of all County records pertaining to properties. Retains property records according to State and Department of Revenue requirements.

Interviews, hires, assigns work, reviews and evaluates performance of professional and clerical support staff engaged in the valuation of real and personal property; trains, counsels, and disciplines staff as necessary.

Develops annual departmental budget for submission to Board of Tax Assessors and County Commission; monitors expenditures and approves purchases and requisitions to ensure proper use of funds.

Maintains knowledge of Agricultural Conservation Use Program, including delineating property lines over soil maps, determining acreage within each soil type, and determining qualifying use of land for the program.

Interprets rules and regulations involved with Agricultural Conservation Use Program, Exempt properties guidelines, Freeport exemptions and explain to taxpayer in a simple and understanding manner.

Answers taxpayer inquiries concerning property assessment problems; reviews property assessment cases requesting appeals.

Conducts appeal hearings related to the valuation of property; defends assessments with the Board of Tax Assessors, Board of Equalization, and Superior Court as necessary.

Prepares department annual report; submits progress to the Board of Tax Assessors; makes recommendations related to policy, procedure, and regulation changes as necessary.

Coordinates and monitors educational requirements of department staff and board members to ensure all parties maintains and/or attains Georgia Department of Revenue as liaison between Board of Assessors, County Commission, County Attorney, Department of Revenue and other public agencies and private entities.

Serves as advisor and liaison to the Gainesville Hall County Development Authority, Economic Development Council and City of Gainesville Tax Allocation District committee.

Prepares and makes presentations to neighborhood groups and agencies as needed.

Responds to media inquiries and conducts interviews and appearances.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Real Estate or related field.

Seven years property appraisal experience of which at least three years is in a supervisory capacity.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.

Licenses and Certifications:

Georgia Department of Revenue Appraiser IV meet annual requirements to maintain Class I Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of mass appraisal and property valuation principles, practices and alternative approaches regarding real property.

Knowledge of the techniques and methods of personal property appraisal.

Knowledge of tax laws and regulations governing taxable property and its of accounting methods relating to of basic materials and methods used in residential, industrial and commercial building construction.

Knowledge of real estate practices and activity in the area.

Knowledge of Agricultural Conservation Use Program.

Ability to make mathematical calculations and tabulations with speed and accuracy.

Ability to plan, assign, supervise and direct the work of subordinate employees.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

ADA Minimum Requirements

Physical Ability: Essential functions continuously require the ability to repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents constantly must think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; concentrate on tasks; examine and observe details; make decisions, adjust to change, and discriminate colors. Additionally, incumbents must continuously maintain stamina throughout the work day; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential functions frequently require the ability to remain stationary (sitting or standing); move inside the office and at appraisal locations including building sites and manufacturing locations by walking; maintain body equilibrium to prevent failing when walking, standing, or navigating narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces; grasp office items and appraisal tools; use hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use tools and equipment. Incumbents are frequently required to attend work related meetings and trainings; handle confidential information; and operate equipment.

Essential functions of this position occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, twisting at the waist, hips or knees; move/transport up to 10lbs; push or pull items; ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and ramps; reach overhead; and position oneself by crouching or kneeling. Incumbents must occasionally direct others.

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions continuously require the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions continuously require the ability to work in a high stress/emotional environment. Incumbents are regularly required to work alone and/or with others.

Essential functions frequently require exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity while working outside; extreme dry environments; dirt/mud, fumes, gasses, odors, dust, grease, and oil; and wet/slippery floors or surfaces.

Occasionally, essential functions require exposure to extreme temperatures while working inside, risk of bodily harm from hazards of sharp objects/tools and heavy machinery; and extreme noise.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.