Appraiser I - III (DOQ)

Appraiser I - III (DOQ)

Salary

$54,017.00 - $81,136.00 Annually

Location

City Hall, 442 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

04559

Department

ASSESSOR

Opening Date

06/18/2026

Closing Date

7/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under general supervision, performs technical work appraising less complex land and residential buildings. Work involves gathering property assessment data at owner premises, verifying data against previously recorded data, and recording discrepancies. Employee is responsible for contacting property owners; and determining the size, type of construction, grade of materials, quality of workmanship and other related appraisal data needed to arrive at the assessed value. Reports to the Property Valuation Manager.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

• Collects, compiles and extracts market data from a common database. Utilize access and excel software to review and analyze market trends specific to real property transfer located in the City of Suffolk.
• Certifies real property transfers (sales) for validity and defining specific markets within the City of Suffolk. Define and clarify neighborhoods and their physical boundaries based on qualified sales. Conduct ratio studies and interpret those findings to conform to State requirements.
• Reports to the Property Valuation Manager the conclusions of the statistical review and recommend a schedule for implementation.
• Appraises, reviews and recommends values for residential properties.
• Conducts informal and formal hearings on proposed assessments contested by property owners to determine accuracy of proposed assessments.
• Prepares cases and testimony and appear before the Board of Equalization to explain and defend real property assessments challenged by the property owners or representative.
• Inputs building and land characteristics into computer software program. Utilize the geographic information system (GIS) to locate parcels, review topography and validate zoning. Enter factors and values into the software application tables of the mass appraisal system that broadcast and apply recommendations to all parcels within a given geographic area.
• Assesses land and less complex residential dwellings and building improvements; determines exterior and interior dimensions of buildings, including the foundation, exterior walls, type of roofing, number of rooms, basement area, interior finish, type of insulation, type of heating and air conditioning, and type of fireplace; determines economic, functional and physical depreciation of the structure; and determines the grade of the structure according to a predetermined scale.
• Studies building plans, information pertaining to sales, and specifications to obtain data regarding size, type of construction and other factors which affect property value.
• Confers with City departments and property owners to obtain information and/or explain property assessment methods, procedures, techniques, values, etc.; presents materials concerning assessments to the Board of Equalization; resolves taxpayer complaints.
• Prepares and maintains computerized records of property assessment activities using the CAMA system; applies derived CAMA factors in order to produce assessments, maintain equity, and maintain quality control.
• Assists in compilation of data for preparation of annual Sales Ratios Study of local and area real property sales market.
• Conducts field inspections on parcels to determine topography, shape, location, soil type, use and other factors affecting value.
• Researches records of various deeds to gather data pertaining to real estate sales; reviews maps, plots, building permits, etc., to gather recorded data pertaining to real property.
• Attends state-sponsored assessment courses and seminars; reviews industry-related literature.
• Answers telephone and responds to inquiries regarding assessment information. Prints property record cards.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in real estate or real estate appraisal or assessment, and

For Appraiser I: 0 to 3 years of experience in real estate or property appraisal, including experience in data entry or with personal computers; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid drivers license.

Must pass IAAO Course 101: Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal (or an equivalent course) within the first eighteen months of employment.

Salary Range: $54,017 - $66,751

For Appraiser II: 3 to 6 years of experience in real property appraisal, including experience in data entry or with personal computers; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid drivers license.

Successful completion of three 30-hour IAAO courses (101, 300 are required, as well as one additional IAAO course)

Salary Range: $56,716 - $70,090

For Appraiser III: : Bachelors degree preferred, supplemented by specialized training in real property assessment, and a minimum of 6 years of experience in real property appraisal or assessment, including experience in data entry or with personal computers; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid drivers license.

Successful completion of six 30-hour IAAO courses (101, 102, 400 and a 300 level course are required, as well as two additional IAAO courses). IAAO Designation and/or Virginia Appraisal License

Salary Range: $65,656 - $81,136

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques used in real property assessment work.
• Knowledge of current construction costs, including building materials and land values.
• Knowledge of the geographical layout of the City.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures of the City Assessors assessment division.
• Skilled in assessment of residential real property.
• Ability to use computer-driven data processing and file maintenance programs.
• Ability to read and understand building construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to make accurate computations with or without a calculator.
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with property owners, contractors and the general public.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in correctly evaluating a variety of residential properties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Is able to perform the physical labor necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
• Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from supervisors.
• Ability to read a variety of reports, letters and memos; real property appraisals and assessments; sales ratio studies and finance audit reports; deeds, surveys and permits, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, studies, assessments, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including engineering, legal, and real estate and tax terminology.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; understand and apply the theories of algebra and geometry.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits

Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)

Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave

Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Workers Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmens Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule

For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have specialized training in real property assessment?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess an IAAO professional designation (or other recognized appraisal association designation) or satisfactory completion of IAAO courses?

• Yes (Please attach certificate.)
• No

05

Do you possess a Virginia State license from the Real Estate Appraisal Board for Licensed Residential, Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser or can you obtain reciprocity from another state?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have any experience working in an Assessors office for a local government or municipality?

• Yes
• No

07

Which of the following best describes your experience in real estate or real property appraisal?

• 0 to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• More than 9 years

08

Which of the following best describes your experience in data entry or with personal computers such as excel and access software?

• 0 to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• More than 9 years

Required Question

Employer City of Suffolk

Address 442 W. Washington Street, Suite 1044

Suffolk, Virginia, 23434

Phone 7575144110

Website http://www.suffolkva.us