Placer County

To provide para-professional and specialized technical duties related to property appraisal and the preparation of cost estimates within the Assessor's Office; to collect and review a wide variety of data needed to appraise property; and to assist Appraisers with field investigations. 

Appraisal Technician I

This is the entry level class in the Appraisal Technician series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine and less complex tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level. Employees work under general supervision while expanding their experience and learning more complex job tasks. 

Appraisal Technician II

This is the full journey level class within the Appraisal Technician series. This class is distinguished from the Appraisal Technician I by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level. 

Appraisal Technician I

Receives immediate supervision from assigned management, professional or supervisory staff.

Appraisal Technician II

Receives general supervision from assigned management, professional or supervisory staff.

• Estimate taxable value of business property, boats or aircraft, using available publications and data based on guidelines identified by appraisal staff.
• Interpret, apply, and explain policies and procedures related to area of assignment; respond to individuals requesting services related to area of assignment.
• Verify the accuracy of assessment data entered into computerized files; compare and proof information for completeness, accuracy and conformance to standards; research and correct errors and omission.
• Gather data to compile cost estimates on new buildings, alterations and additions.
• 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.
• Collect and review data from a variety of sources to update information on land and/or improvements to be used for taxation purposes. 
• Review sales and economic factors within assigned neighborhood codes for assessment purposes.
• Estimate property value for taxation purposes in compliance with the Revenue and Taxation Code.
• Investigate property owner complaints on assessments; recommending changes in property valuation orally and in writing for the resolution of inquiries; prepare various records and reports related to appraisal of all classes of real property.
• Perform discovery of vessels and aircraft; process aircraft and vessel statements for annual tax roll. 
• 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.
• Conduct visits to construction sites to obtain information for appraisal purposes.
• Respond to inquiries from the general public regarding property assessment matters; and performing other related duties as required.
• 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.

Appraisal Technician I

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: No experience required. One (1) year of responsible clerical experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to completion of an associate's degree with major course work in economics, business administration, construction or a closely related field.

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.

Appraisal Technician II

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: Two years of responsible experience in the technical support of property tax appraisal at a level equivalent to an Appraisal Technician I with Placer County. 

Training: Equivalent to completion of an associate's degree with major course work in economics, business administration, construction or a closely related field.

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.

Appraisal Technician I 

Knowledge of: 

• 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:  

• 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.
• 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.
• Learn to measure and calculate dimensions; assemble and analyze data.
• 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.
• 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.