Chief Appraiser

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

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.

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

To plan, organize, direct and manage the activities of a division within the Assessor Department including property appraisals, compliance audits, assessment ownership, mapping and exemption functions, resource planning and integration; ensure compliance with statutory requirements; to coordinate activities with other divisions and departments; and to provide highly complex assistance to the Assessor and/or Assistant Assessor.

The Chief level recognizes positions that assume full functional responsibility for a major division, which provides diverse, but related programs.

Receives administrative direction from the Assessor and Assistant Assessor.

Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical personnel.

• Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Manage tasks associated with the continuous preparation, updating and maintenance of assessment roll and supplemental roll information.
• Manage departmental forms and records management systems; and to coordinate maintenance and use of State Board of Equalization mandated forms, procedures and rules.
• Manage the appraisal programs of the Department.
• Manage the assessment compliance audit programs of the Department.
• Manage multiple complex computer systems necessary for property appraisal, assessment roll preparation and maintenance, production reporting and electronic mapping.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the division work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Prepare the division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Represent the division and/or the Assessor Department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Assume responsibility in the absence of the Assessor or Assistant Assessor, as needed.
• 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 provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Six years of increasingly responsible professional property and/or financial experience with a focus in appraisal and California property assessment work involving automated computer systems, including two years of supervisory responsibility.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, accounting, economics, public administration or a related field. Training must be consistent with the requirements of Property Tax Rule 283 of the Revenue and Taxation Code or the Successor section.

Required 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.
• Possession of a valid Appraiser's Certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization must be obtained within six months from date of hire.  Failure to obtain this certificate will be cause for termination of employment in this class.

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:

• General principles and government procedures used by California counties.
• Property tax assessment laws and regulations.
• Principles and techniques used for property appraisal.
• Principles and techniques used for property assessment tasks.
• Principles and practices of computerized data processing applications for appraising, accounting, auditing, property exemptions, ownership, mapping and financial reporting.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of policy development.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.

Ability to:

• Organize and direct a division in the Assessor Department, performing complex appraisal, assessment, auditing, mapping and data management operations.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem-solve Department related issues; remember various rules; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means.
• Understand the most complex appraisal principles, techniques, assessment laws and procedures.
• Develop and implement new and revised systems and procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Analyze, improve, interpret and apply Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Prepare and administer a budget.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate a personal computer in an on-line processing environment; utilize software application programs commonly used in the Assessor Department.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Oral Examination (100%) - The oral examination date is TBD

The oral examination will be conducted by a panel of raters who will assess and rate the degree to which each applicant demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. Applicants’ responses to a series of job related questions, as well as their education and experience, will be rated in relation to the requirements for this classification.

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.

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 (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), political orientation, 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.