Real Property Appraiser

Company Description

The Town of Manchester is a vibrant and diverse community with an array of public services that reflect a set of values shared by its residents and leaders committed to bringing Manchester into the 21st century as an up-and-coming community that cares about its residents, its children, its schools and parks, its roads and utilities, and the health and safety of the Manchester Community.

Town of Manchester’s employees are essential to the town’s ability to provide quality services to the community. It is our goal to attract a diverse, and well-qualified workforce that are representative of our residents to bring their experience and expertise to join our team. 

Come take a look at what is happening in the Town of Manchester https://www.youtube.com/@manchestercttown

Job Description

Under the general supervision of the Assessor, the Real Property Appraiser is responsible for the inspection, appraisal, and valuation of real property for assessment purposes. This position performs field inspections, reviews permits and new construction, analyzes sales data, administers specialized assessment programs, and supports the preparation and defense of the annual Grand List. The position exercises independent judgment in applying appraisal techniques and interpreting statutory requirements, while working within established policies and procedures. This position is a combination of office, public-facing counter, and regular field work. Field work includes walking properties and navigating construction sites.

Essential Functions

• Inspects and appraises all categories of real property (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use), and selects and applies appropriate appraisal methodologies to determine accurate and defensible estimates of fair market value.
• Conducts field inspections related to permits, new construction, additions, renovations, demolitions, and property condition changes.
• Reviews and evaluates Sales Verification responses to determine valuation changes or the need for field inspections.
• Prepares activity, workload, and progress reports related to assigned appraisal and inspection duties.
• Assists in maintaining accurate and current records of property ownership and characteristics; updates the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system, including sales data, construction improvements, demolitions, land splits, and parcel combinations.
• Supports and assists in the preparation, review, and certification of the annual Grand List of taxable and non-taxable real property.
• Reviews Public Act 490 (PA 490) properties for continued eligibility, qualifying use, and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Processes crumbling foundation exemption applications, inspects affected properties and applies corresponding abatements in accordance with state statutes and local policy.
• Assists with appraisal reviews and prepares documentation for hearings before the Board of Assessment Appeals; attends hearings as required.
• Runs valuation, sales, and audit reports within the CAMA system and interprets report data for analysis, quality control, and decision-making.
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding property valuations, appraisal methods, and applicable legislation; provides courteous and professional customer service at the public counter, by phone, and electronically.
• Interprets and explains state assessment statutes, local tax ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations to taxpayers and the general public.
• Assists and supports other assessment functions as needed, including the discovery, documentation, and processing of personal property information.
• Performs related duties as required to support the efficient operation of the Assessor’s Office.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of real property appraisal principles, techniques, procedures, laws, and regulations applicable to municipal assessment.
• Knowledge of real estate values, market trends, and sales analysis.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts as they relate to property appraisal and assessment.
• Knowledge of research techniques and sources of information relevant to appraisal and valuation.
• Knowledge of applicable building, zoning, and construction terminology.
• Knowledge of computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principles, practices, and applications.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and internet-based research tools.
• Ability to use assessment software, including Vision 8 and QDS 5 Assessor System, or comparable CAMA platforms.
• Read, interpret, and accurately apply appraisal methodologies and techniques.
• Read and understand deeds, legal descriptions, appraisal manuals, and related technical documentation.
• Analyze data, prepare factual reports, and draw reasonable conclusions and recommendations.
• Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with taxpayers, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with municipal staff, elected officials, and the general public.
• Perform field inspections and appraisal duties in varying environmental conditions, including inclement weather.

Physical and Mental Effort/ Environmental and Working Conditions 

• Must be mobile, able to push/pull/lift objects of less than 20 pounds, and able to sit for prolonged periods. Able to perform moderately difficult manipulative skills and skills which require hand-eye coordination, such as keyboard skills or using a calculator.
• Must be able to see objects closely, as in typing a report; hear normal sounds with some background noise, distinguish voice patterns and communicate through human speech, as in answering a telephone.
• Must be able to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption, attend to tasks for 60 minutes or more, remember multiple tasks given to self and others over long periods, and understand the theories behind several related concepts.
• May be exposed to dust, electro-magnetic radiation as in computer screens. 

Minimum Training and Experience

• An associates or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university desired, but not mandatory; (major coursework in business administration, public administration, real estate, engineering, GIS, or a related field is preferred).
• Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor preferred.
• Experience working in a municipal assessment office or the appraisal field is preferred, but not mandatory.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Must posses a valid driver’s license.
• Suitable experience may be substituted for educational attainment and work experience if deemed appropriate by the Town Manager or his/her designee.

THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION IS ILLUSTRATIVE. IT IS INTENDED AS A GUIDE FOR PERSONNEL ACTIONS AND MUST NOT BE TAKEN AS A COMPLETE ITEMIZATION OF ALL FACETS OF ANY JOB.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• 14-Paid Holidays
• Sick Time
• Annual Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Defined Contribution Plan with 6% employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement & loan repayment assistance
• Access to fitness center
• The Town of Manchester is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer