Appraisal Technician

Under general supervision, provides specialized field and office support related to the approval of real property and business property valuation for tax purposes; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a specialist level in the Assessor's Office support series, with responsibilities for performing complex support work for professional appraisal and audit or appraisal staff. This class is distinguished from the professional Appraiser and Auditor/Appraiser classes in that these professional classes involve work of a more complex nature requiring a background of theoretical knowledge in addition to practical experience. It is further distinguished from the Assessment Technician classes in that the latter provide office support related to property ownership and transfer and related functions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Assembles and prepares appraisal records, maps, forms and support data for review by professional staff.
• Conducts field inspections of business property, fixtures, machinery and equipment; measures property, structures and improvements.
• Calculates and verifies changes to business property tax assessment records, following established procedures.
• Interviews property owners and other interested parties to obtain and verify cost information and other data.
• Computes depreciation on business property statements using depreciation tables. ? Reviews business property statements for accuracy and completeness.
• Researches personal, business and real property values and information form a variety of sources within the office.
• Prepares, processes and updates a variety of forms such as appraisal records, for ownership changes, splits, and consolidations, boat and aircraft declarations, and building permits.
• Draws plot plans and diagrams of property; posts information to existing plans and diagrams.
• Corrects and updates map books and other documents and records.
• Performs various support projects for appraisal staff as assigned.
• Provides factual information to the public and property owners in person and on the telephone regarding assessment and appraisal practices, revenue and taxation code provisions, and property descriptions.
• Reviews appraisal documents for completeness, correct codes and to verify the accuracy of mathematical calculations.
• Calculates homeowner exemption qualifications and prepares change orders.
• May develop and maintain simple data base systems; develops computer generated reports and checks edit reports for accuracy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Basic practices and terminology related to real property appraisal.
• Basic federal, state and local laws and ordinances governing property appraisal.
• Basic drafting tools and techniques.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages.
• Office practices and procedures, including filing and the use of standard office equipment.
• Business data processing principles and the use of personal or on-line computers.

Skill in:

• Collecting, processing and recording data related to property values.
• Interpreting, explaining and applying pertinent laws and rules in the assessment of property.
• Reading and interpreting maps and property descriptions.
• Exercising initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Drawing and modifying accurate plot plans and diagrams.
• Researching and compiling information from a variety of office sources.
• Making accurate arithmetic computations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Three years of office support work experience which has provided a knowledge of appraisal and assessment techniques, processes, and terminology.