Land Appraiser

Land Appraiser

***Due to continued growth in Polk County, this is a newly budgeted position.

General Description of Position

Under general supervision the Land Appraiser is responsible for the assembly of data and analysis of facts in order to formulate estimates of property land values. This position requires knowledge of Ad Valorem assessments and an understanding of the procedures and techniques required to estimate the market value of land. A deputy in this position performs various data entry functions utilizing data entry software and hardware. Work involves a variety of complex tasks requiring considerable independent judgment in the assembly of data and facts and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in order to formulate objective, equitable, and defensible estimates of value. Salary commensurate with experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Review Sales to determine the sale qualification status in order to set commercial, industrial and residential land rates for vacant and improved sales.

2. Prepare various reports to establish vacant and improved land base rates and table changes as needed for residential properties in order to establish land valuation. Ensure proper preparation of data entry documents by reviewing for completeness, legibility and overall workflow.

3. Review assigned neighborhoods to ensure fair and equitable assessments while implementing mass appraisal principles.

4. Examine new subdivision plats to determine valuation before and after the date of assessment (proration of value) and assign codes accordingly; conducts field reviews of new subdivisions to verify level of completion for accurate assessment.

5. Identify, locate and analyze property information using GIS/Mapping software.

6. Work with team members to adjust the market area boundaries Strata 4 and 5.

7. Advise property owners concerning methods and procedures used in determining values, answer questions relative to property values, appraisal techniques, property ownership, Ad Valorem assessments and exemptions.

8. Defend values before the Value Adjustment Board by correlating detailed statistical data and analyzing comparable sales ratio studies, as they may apply to the specific parcels in dispute.

9. Utilize site inspections, digital imagery, tax roll parcel data and property maps to conduct reviews of assigned properties to fulfill statutory requirements of five year inspections.

10. Performs minor safety and operational checks on assigned agency vehicles (i.e. cleanliness, gas level, safety devices, tire pressure check, etc.)

11. May be required to conduct damage assessment in coordination with federal and state emergency management offices during the aftermath of local disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Contingencies such as these may require after-hours or weekend duty to identify damaged property

12. Maintains the confidentiality of personal identifying and location information including: names, physical, mailing, and street addresses, parcel ID, legal property description, neighborhood name, lot number, GPS coordinates, or any other descriptive property information that may reveal identity or home address pertaining to parcels owned by individuals that have received exempt / confidential status.

13. Performs other duties as assigned and must participate in departmental meetings, cross-training, educational courses, seminars, and job-sharing / job duty organizational efforts as directed.

14. Position requires driving to parcels of land in Polk County for assessment of ad valorem taxation, offsite training, occasional travel to satellite offices and other required work related locations.

Education and/or Work Experience

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent of two years of college level classes in a related field – OR –

Experience:
Level I – Two or more year’s knowledge of appraisal practices through prior work experience in-house or with another county agency or Property Appraiser’s office.

Level II and III – Four or more year’s knowledge of appraisal practices through prior work experience in-house or with another county agency or Property Appraiser’s office.

NOTE: Each year of required education may be substituted by two (2) years of work experience. Each year of required experience may be substituted by two (2) years of additional education.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Certified Florida Evaluator (CFE)

IAAO Courses Required – 101 Fundamentals of Real Property; 102 Income Approach to Valuation; 201 Appraisal of Land and 300 Fundamentals of Mass Appraisal

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License to operate a Polk County vehicle. To operate a personal vehicle for County business, must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License and retain the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage a vehicle operator must keep and maintain as required by Florida Statute 324.021 (7) (a)(b)(c).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Florida Evaluator (Preferred)
• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person