Job Description

The salary for this position is: $5,147.00 - $6,847.00 monthly.

Are You Ready to Love Where You Work?

The Thurston County Assessor’s Office offers a friendly work environment dedicated to consistency, transparency, and service. We are seeking a Senior Appraiser to join our team; someone who delights in the details while being goal, customer, and community focused. This position appraises residential and light commercial property to establish fair market value by performing field and aerial inspections and maintaining accurate property records. The successful candidate will have healthy time/workload management skills and possess strong written and oral communication skills.

Essential Functions

Performs extensive research and analysis of sales within the assignment area and throughout the County for development of trends and depreciation schedules.
Prepares maps with property, sales, and zoning information; reviews aerial photos to establish property boundaries, land characteristics, and structure locations.
Locates, inspects, and classifies properties according to quality and important characteristics. Estimates the market value for each property for assessment purposes based on market analysis.
Participates in developing appraisal procedures, organizing and completing special appraisal projects.
Defines neighborhood boundaries for computer-assisted appraisals. Maintains computer database of parcel information for land and building valuations. Updates sales reports.
Prepares Assessor’s written responses to property owners’ appeals to the County Board of Equalization or the State Board of Tax Appeals.
Coordinates and prepares special sales reports.
Participates in training and guiding other appraisers and appraiser assistants in their work.
Requests and verifies information on income producing residential properties.
Contacts property owners to verify sale price, type of financing, and parties involved.
Explains and supports the appraisals to the public.
May participate on the MAS Team for training assignments.
May determine the value of industrial, farm, business, or other equipment or machinery.

Working Conditions

Full time, in-office position.
Travel Requirements: This is a field position and is primarily out inspecting properties.
Interacts with the public (in-person, computer, telephone).
Scheduled shift: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.

Who We Are

Thurston County Assessor, Steven J. Drew, is responsible for identifying, locating, and fairly valuing all real and personal property within the county for tax purposes.

Thurston County Values

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

What We Offer Our Employees

Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why You’ll Love It Here

Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events.

Message to Potential Applicants

We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in business, economics, finance, real estate, or statistics, and Washington State sponsored or professionally approved courses in real or personal property appraisal.
Must achieve Real Property accreditation from Washington State Department of Revenue within one year of appointment. Prior to appointment, applicant must have successfully completed IAAO Courses 101 and 102 or equivalent course work.
Three years of experience in appraising property for equitable valuation. Additional applicable experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Ability to utilize a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
Current Washington State Driver’s License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.

Desired Skills

This position requires a high level of understanding and ability in math, statistics, & computer operations.

This Position Is
- Represented by a union
- Eligible for benefits
- Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Items Requested For Consideration
- Application
- Resume
- Letter of Interest
Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

Thurston County Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.