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10/04/2025
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Sedgwick County Government

County Appraiser

Wichita, Kansas Appraisal Director Full-Time In-Office $150,000 per year

Job Description

The Position

The County Appraiser is appointed to a renewable four-year term and is responsible for the fair and equitable valuation of all real and personal property for ad valorem tax purposes. This role is mandated by Kansas law and ensures compliance with state statutes and directives from the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Property Valuation Division. This position reports directly to the County Commissioners and is responsible for managing a budget of $6.1 million, along with overseeing a team of approximately 70 employees across five key divisions: Administration, Land Records, Resident Services, Commercial Services, and Special Use.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advisor & Liaison to Commission

  • Provide expert guidance to the Board of County Commissioners and elected officials.
  • Represent the department at public meetings and legislative hearings.
  • Collaborate with legal counsel on property tax appeals and hearings.

Department Leadership & Compliance

  • Develop a departmental strategic plan to clearly outline what will be accomplished and when.
  • Lead departmental operations, budgeting, and long-term planning. Oversee the financial forecast for enterprise funds. Accurate assessment projections are essential, as they directly inform the county’s five-year financial forecast, not just the annual budget. The appraiser must deliver timely, trustworthy data to support strategic financial planning and ensure confidence in revenue projections
  • Ensure compliance with Kansas statutes and Department of Revenue standards.
  • Oversee fair market value assessments and property inventory management.

Technology & Innovation

  • Lead modernization initiatives by integrating digital platforms to enhance appraisal accuracy, operational efficiency, and streamline the online appeals process.
  • Develop and implement tech-enabled strategies to improve service delivery and efficiency.
  • Apply advanced data analysis and mass appraisal techniques.

Appeal Process Reform

  • Address high appeal rates by improving transparency and public communication.
  • Streamline the appeal process to be more citizen-friendly and locally resolved.

Change Management, Communications & Collaboration

  • Challenge outdated practices and foster a culture of innovation.
  • Engage stakeholders to implement best-practice solutions and align teams
  • Improve public perception by planning for an interactive and engaged level of communications with the community.

Qualifications

Qualified as a Kansas appraiser under KSA 19-430:

  • Certified general real property appraiser pursuant to article 41 of chapter 58 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated and amendments OR
  • Registered mass appraiser pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the secretary of revenue OR
  • Hold a valid residential evaluation specialist (RES) or certified assessment evaluation (CAE) designation from IAAO.
  • County or municipal government experience is helpful but not required.
  • The county allows a 12-month period to obtain required certifications; however, continued employment is contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications within that timeframe

Other Important Information

Application Instruction and Deadline Date

The county will not be receiving applications for this recruitment. Qualified candidates should submit résumé, cover letter, and contact information for four or more supervisory and/or professional references.com by Monday, November 3, 2025.

Comprehensive Benefit Package

The County offers excellent benefit options for full-time employees that include:

  • Health Coverage: Excellent coverage with nominal employee contribution. Employee only: $20.85 to Family coverage = $57.81 per paid period (24 pays)
  • Paid leave: 12 days (0-5 years) accrued monthly for vacation and sick leave each. Eleven (11) paid holidays
  • Retirement Plans: Optional Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (pre or post tax)
  • Voluntary Supplemental Benefits: Include life, accident, cancer, illness, disability and pet insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program

For more detailed information, please visit the benefits page at 2025 Sedgwick County Benefits Summary.

Sedgwick County Commitment to making the application, interview, and pre-employment testing process accessible to all qualified persons in compliance with ADA, EEOC, Non-Discrimination, Veterans Preference and all federal and state employment laws. For specific details, go to: Sedgwick County Commitment to Compliance.