Career Opportunities

Commercial Appraiser

This is professional work in the mass appraisal of commercial real property in Sarasota County.  Activities include property inspection and collection of field and market data, research, organization, analysis, and interpretation of market data in order to establish just values for real property; discussions about and explanations of value with taxpayers, and preparation of single property assessment reviews for oral presentation in Value Adjustment Board public hearings or legal challenges to value.  Reports to the Commercial Valuation Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Analyze, appraise, and review commercial real property using standard appraisal practices and procedures; travel to property locations, measure, photograph and assemble necessary records and field data; work closely with property owners, builders and developers. This includes a competent understanding and application of the income, sales and cost approaches to value.
• Input commercial property information into the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal system (CAMA).  Utilize other software as needed, including GIS and Microsoft Office suite.
• Understanding of generally accepted appraisal practice
• Research, review, and verify vacant and improved sales. Review deeds, listings, sale surveys and other documents to determine if sales should be qualified. Determine and apply appropriate sale qualification codes.
• Support values at Value Adjustment Board hearings. Assemble and organize data and analyses in preparation for depositions and testimony related to Circuit Court challenges.
• Consult in person and by telephone with taxpayers and other representatives to resolve appraisal and administrative problems; explain assessment criteria; answer questions regarding property values, appraisal techniques and statutory requirements.
• Assist with developing and maintaining commercial property valuation models including income modeling and CAMA adjustments.
• Establish effective working relationships with staff and act professionally and courteously when dealing with the public, staff of other agencies, or co-workers.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree (Associates or Bachelors) from an accredited college or university in Real Estate, Finance, Economics or Business Administration, is preferred. High school or recognized equivalent required. Combination of education and appraisal experience commensurate to a degree may be considered.
• Extensive experience appraising commercial property. Mass and single property appraisal experience is preferred. Progressive appraisal experience may be considered.
• A minimum of five (5) years of varied technical appraisal experience and a CFE or related professional appraisal designation or state certification.
• Required knowledge of highest and best use theory; must be able to utilize the income, cost and sales comparison approaches to determine market value of commercial properties.
• Competent in the use of computers, databases, word processing and spreadsheets is required. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Marshall & Swift. Ability to comfortably and knowledgeably use Microsoft Outlook, Access and TEAMS.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

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Commercial Field Technician

This full-time position in our Sarasota office involves moderately complex work in gathering data for appraisal analysis and preparation to determine values for tax roll and Value Adjustment Board appeals.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Researches sales data and property records and speaks with parties involved to confirm information
• Assists in conducting inspections of properties and determination of characteristics and securing valid information contained in permits
• Collects and reviews field data related to property changes and improvements, proper measurements, consistency of data and accuracy of data entry input
• Assists in analysis of sales data and market conditions to determine accuracy of appraisals
• Receives and makes telephone calls to taxpayers regarding concerns of property valuations
• Conducts field reviews as requested to address questions and confirm information
• Conducts annual property inspections

Knowledge & Skills:

• Good written/verbal communications
• Strong interpersonal relations – ability to remain calm and professional in the face of difficult situations
• Report preparation
• Good math skills - geometry
• Spreadsheet technology
• Able to develop resources and contacts
• Good analytical ability
• Problem solving
• Exercises sound judgment
• Shows initiative- volunteers, seeks responsibility, asks for and offers assistance
• Excellent grammar, spelling and language skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Florida driver license (or be obtained prior to start)
• Impeccable organizational skills and time management
• High level of detail and accuracy
• Associates degree from an accredited college/university or 1 or more years of related experience

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Residential Appraiser

This is professional work in the mass appraisal of residential real property in Sarasota County.  Activities include property inspection and collection of field and market data, research, organization, analysis, and interpretation of market data in order to establish just values for real property; discussions about and explanations of value with taxpayers and preparation of single property assessment reviews for oral presentation in Value Adjustment Board public hearings, or legal challenges to value.  Reports to either the Residential Valuation Manager if stationed at the North County office and/or the Residential Valuation Supervisor if stationed at the South County office.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Collects, analyzes, interprets, and processes data
• Assists with professional development and training of less experienced Appraisers as directed
• Able to recognize and anticipate data or valuation problems and develop solutions
• Conducts and ensures property inspections are completed in accordance with Florida Laws
• Develops and utilizes regression analysis and other statistical models
• Specifies and calibrates valuation models on a mass appraisal basis
• Receives and makes telephone calls to taxpayers regarding concerns of property valuations
• Determines just values based upon analysis of location, use, income, and other factors
• Utilizes the three approaches to value
• Able to develop adjustments from market data
• Allocates values and makes adjustments for split or combined properties
• Prepares and presents data and information to Value Adjustment Board as required
• Other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree with 5 or more years of related experience in mass or single property appraisals with CFE, State Certification, or Bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years of related Appraisal experience
• Those employees hired without proper certifications must achieve them within specified periods of time
• Varying combinations of education and experience will satisfy required minimums
• All courses and certifications must be completed before promotion to the Senior or Management level
• Must possess a valid Florida driver license

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Part-time Positions

There are no part-time positions available at this time.