County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to collect and analyze data for the appraisal of single and multiple- family, residential and rural real property and to appraise single and multiple-family residential and rural properties for ad valorem tax purposes; to conduct field investigations and studies pertaining to real property valuation; and to do related work as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is found only in the Office of the Assessor.

This is the journey-level classification in the Appraiser series.  Appraisers II work independently in the field and in the office with minimal supervision, performing the full range of residential appraisal duties, including manufactured homes and multiple-family residential, and rural property appraisal functions as to both land and improvements, or they assist in the development of procedures, forms or training methods with respect to such properties.  Incumbents are assigned to the Appraisal Division of the Office of the Assessor and report to Supervising Appraiser II crew leaders or are assigned to a technical section such as the Assessor’s Standards and Training Section.  This classification is distinguished from the next lower class of Appraiser I in that the latter is the entry-level, trainee classification in the Appraiser series, the incumbents of which perform real property appraisal functions in a training capacity and under close supervision.  This classification is distinguished from the next higher class of Appraiser III in that incumbents in the latter class perform appraisal functions with respect to commercial and industrial properties, as distinguished from residential and rural properties.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE:    The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent or lower level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Appraises residential and rural property in assigned geographic areas; analyzes cost, market and income data relating to values in the area to which assigned; submits written summary reports on market transactions, real property income and expense statements, neighborhood conditions and other factors affecting value.
2. Examines residential structures of all descriptions for type, quality and age of construction; notes materials, structural characteristics and condition; measures perimeters of structures and diagrams them to scale; classifies structures according to shape, type and quality of construction.
3. Analyzes market transactions and income/expense statements; extracts yield rates, develops capitalization rates, capitalizes income into indicators of value; develops and applies gross rent multipliers to produce indicators of value.
4. Examines rural land for current, historical and potential productivity; ascertains contract and economic rents and processes them into value indicators; analyzes sales and listings and gives consideration to location, topography, size and other unique factors of real property when using such data to make comparisons in determining market value of similar properties; gathers data to prepare reports for other governmental agencies.
5. Writes narrative reports concerning residential and rural properties under assessment appeal, testifies and/or presents appraisal reports before the Assessment Appeals Board.
6. When assigned to the Assessor’s Standards and Training Section, assists in the development of appraisal procedures and forms and continuing education procedures and materials.
7. Uses computers and computer equipment, software and programs used by the Assessor’s Office, including computer workstations, personal computers and peripheral devices, independently or as part of a networked information system, for the purpose of entering, storing, retrieving, updating and working with data relevant to the appraisal and assessment of residential and rural property for ad valorem tax purposes.
8. Explains appraisal methods and value determinations to taxpayers.  As needed, answers general questions from the public and other governmental agencies pertaining to property assessment and related issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Experience:  

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Appraiser I in the Alameda County Assessor’s Office,  

AND

Certification:

Possession of a current, valid permanent appraiser’s certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization.

OR II

Experience:  

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the office of a California County Assessor or the office of the California State Board of Equalization at the level equivalent to Appraiser II in the Alameda County Assessor’s Office, which included the appraisal of real property for ad valorem tax purposes,

AND

Certification:  

Possession of a current, valid permanent appraiser’s certificate or an inactive/permanent appraiser’s certificate, issued by the California State Board of Equalization.

OR III

Education:  

Possession of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university.

(Additional qualifying experience gained within the last ten years may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years.  Additional qualifying experience for this purpose includes real estate appraisal, mortgage lending, title work, real property management building construction, structural cost estimating, right-of-way agent, and/or experience as a real estate licensee engaged in buying, selling, leasing or managing real estate.)

AND

Experience:  

Two (2) years full-time work experience performing property appraisals for acquisition, loan, and/or tax purposes.

AND

Certification:  

Be eligible to be issued a temporary appraiser’s certificate by the State Board of Equalization upon hire.  In addition to qualifying for a temporary appraiser’s certificate at the time of appointment, appointees must pass the appraiser’s permanent certification examination administered by the California State Board of Equalization.  Incumbents must obtain a permanent appraiser’s certificate within one year from the date of appointment.  Failure to obtain the permanent certificate within one year will be cause for termination of employment.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Physical Requirements:  

Incumbents must be able to climb stairs and hills.

Incumbents must be able to distinguish between the colors red, blue and green.

 

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed in the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• The theory, methodology, practices and procedures involved in the appraisal of residential and rural real property for ad valorem tax purposes, and the principles underlying the appraisal process.
• Property values and the effect of economic trends on value and the cost of new construction.
• Techniques of estimating replacement or reproduction costs for residential improvements.
• Provisions of real estate law, the California State Constitution, the California Revenue and Taxation Code, Administrative Rules, Property Tax Rules of the California State Board of Equalization, appraisal sections of the Assessor’s Handbook, California statutes, local rules and regulations pertaining to the appraisal of residential and rural real property for ad valorem tax purposes.

Ability to:

• Appraise all types of residential and rural real property for ad valorem tax purposes.
• Estimate construction costs and depreciation for residential and rural property.
• Assemble, analyze and draw logical conclusions from data of the sort used in valuation of residential and rural real property for ad valorem tax purposes.
• Analyze the factors influencing the value of residential and rural property.
• Perform mathematical calculations, including arithmetic and plane geometry.
• Make and understand scale drawings, charts and diagrams reflecting the size, shape, dimensions and physical characteristics of residential and rural real property and improvements thereto.
• Read and interpret assessor’s maps and architectural plans.
• Keep accurate, detailed records.
• Use computers and computer equipment, software and programs used by the Assessor’s Office, including computer workstations, personal computers and peripheral devices, independently or as a part of a networked information system, for the purpose of entering, storing, retrieving, updating and working with data relevant to the appraisal and assessment of residential and rural property for ad valorem tax purposes.
• Prioritize multiple assignments to meet deadlines.
• Interview and elicit information from individuals by telephone and in person.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Organize and plan time for workload.
• Work independently.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

HCW:laa

8/1971

JE:dg

6/1976

JO:jc

Revised: 11/98; 3/25/99; 4/1/99; 4/5/99; 4/7/99; 5/4/99

Final Revision 6/18/99

Old document:  2615H.doc

New document:  Jobspecs/2615

ys/2/01

CSC Date:  7/7/99

RY:cs  Revised 10/30/12

CSC Date:  12/12/12

AS:cs  Revised 10/15/13

CSC Date:  11/13/13

RE:sa  Revised 07/13/2020

CSC Date: 07/29/2020

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.