Appraisal Technician

The Assessor's Office is responsible for administering the County property tax assessment program.  Revenues from property tax assessments benefit the public by funding public schools and services provided by the County, cities, and special districts.

The Assessor's Office has one current full-time/permanent vacancy for Appraisal Technician.  Appraisal Technicians provide technical support to many areas in the Assessor's Office including Residential Property, Commercial Property, Ownership, Business Property, Exemptions and Land Development.

Technical support includes, but is not limited to:

• Customer service via phone, written correspondence and in person
• Performing complex cost estimation
• Change of ownership/recorded deed processing
• Tax exemption/exclusion administration
• Data collection and report preparation
• Understanding and applying State Board of Equalization Tax regulations

This recruitment will be used to fill both open and promotional vacancies in the Assessor's Office as they arise in both Auburn and South Placer, subject to specific position requirements.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view General benefits

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County’s Human Resources website.

To provide para-professional and specialized technical duties related to property tax assessment and cost estimates within the Assessor Department; performs the most complex and difficult specialized work in the preparation of cost estimates; to compile data for the assessment of taxable properties and preparation of the assessment roll; and to assist the professional appraisal staff by collecting, assembling, processing and recording information pertaining to real and business personal property. 

This is a journey level para-professional position.  Incumbents initially perform the more routine duties assigned to positions in this class and work under close supervision.  However, as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned with increasing independence. This class is distinguished from the Appraiser or Auditor–Appraiser series in that the latter perform the full range of professional duties necessary to make property appraisals and are required to have a higher level of training and possess a valid certificate as an Appraiser issued by the California State Board of Equalization.

Receives general supervision from management, professional or supervisory personnel.
 
May exercise technical and functional supervision over clerical personnel.

• Gather data to compile cost estimates on new buildings, alterations and additions.
• Estimate taxable value of business property, boats or aircraft, using available publications and data based on guidelines identified by appraisal staff.
• Perform on-site data-gathering for cost estimates and/or assessment roll, including physical measurements of new construction; make appropriate entries on building records relative to type of construction, amenities, finish details and quality.
• Calculate square footage from information gathered on-site; apply appropriate cost and class factors to accumulated information and drawings in order to arrive at total building cost estimates.
• Assist Appraisers in identifying taxable properties not previously on the tax rolls; assist in other information-gathering activities as requested for development of data necessary for appraisals. 
• Update documents, as required and make appropriate entries in computerized property management program; code and key detailed assessment information; edit, balance and correct assessment activity reports.
• Use calculators and computer programs to make calculations.
• Perform paraprofessional and technical duties related to area of assignment including interpreting, analyzing, and determining compliance or acceptance of information and materials; prepare reports to document results of duties performed.
• Act as interdepartmental liaison relating to project or administrative support functions for the office and for compliance with County regulations and practices relating to those functions.
• Verify the accuracy of assessment data entered into computerized files; compare and proof information for completeness, accuracy, and conformance to standards; research changes, omissions and errors; adjust and correct records.
• Interpret, apply, and explain, policies and procedures related to area of assignment; respond to individuals requesting services related to area of assignment.
• Prepare correspondence and supporting documentation relating to area of assignment; maintain accurate records and files of program activities.
• Respond to public inquires, both on the telephone and in person, and refer to appropriate staff members for more complex information as appropriate; exhibit familiarity with functions of the County.
• Collect information from a variety of documents pertinent to assigned functional area of responsibility; compile data for reports; prepare routine reports as required.
• Maintain and monitor records and files; follow up on due dates; perform other monitoring functions to ensure timely completion of work.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public, using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible technical or administrative clerical experience which has included the interpretation and application of complex rules and regulations.  Experience in an Assessor Department is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to completion of an Associate of Arts Degree with major course work in economics, business administration, construction or a closely related field.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles, materials and terminology typically used in the construction industry.
• Various cost estimating methods.
• Techniques of making measurements and calculating dimensions.
• Rules, policies, and work practices used in property tax assessment and exemption matters.
• Property law, real estate terminology, and the Revenue and Taxation Code.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Filing and record keeping systems
• Basic mathematical calculations.
• Personal computer and office equipment necessary for successful job performance.
• Business letter and report writing.

Ability to:  

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job.  Intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and solve problems necessary to make calculations of dimensions and estimate costs; sit at desk for long periods of time; and stand at the counter to answer questions of the public.
• Intermittently, walk, stand, kneel, climb and bend in the field; twist and reach office equipment;  perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; intermittently write or use a keyboard to communicate and occasionally lift light weight.
• Conduct field examinations to capture critical appraisal/assessment roll data.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Learn and apply the principles and requirements set forth in the Revenue and Taxation Code pertaining to establishing the cost of construction, and the replacement cost of business property, boats and airplanes.
• Learn and apply the building classification system and other data contained in the various manuals and regulations of the State Board of Equalization.
• Learn to read construction or architectural drawings.
• Measure and calculate dimensions; assemble and analyze data.
• Make sound judgments in the interpretation and evaluation of property statements and exemption claims; research, collect, assemble, process, and record data related to property value.
• Understand the organization and operations of the County and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Interpret, explain, and apply complex laws, rules and regulations, operating policies, rules, and procedures, of assigned function.
• Establish and maintain basic financial records; perform mathematical calculations.
• Assign and review the work of others.
• Compile and maintain extensive records and files.
• Operate a personal computer in an on-line processing environment, utilize software application programs commonly used in the Assessor’s department, analyze, and interpret the information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

Week of 6/15/2020    Minimum Qualifications Screening

Week of 6/22/2020    Training & Experience Rating

Week of 6/22/2020    Eligible List Established