JOB TITLE: REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL REVIEWER

JOB CODE: 17171

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Real Estate Appraiser job series describes professional work in the appraisal of real property to secure legal rights-of-way or acquire real estate.

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional work involving the review of appraisal reports completed appraisal reports.

An employee in this job reviews appraisal reports completed by professional appraisers and used to secure legal rights-of-way and acquire real property, land, and machinery and equipment (M&E) for other public purposes. Work involves preparing appraisal review reports that approve, disapprove, or recommend modifications to an appraisal report, and providing guidance to appraisers to resolve appraisal situations. Work also involves verifying compliance with appraisal standards, laws, and requirements; determinations of compensable elements of damage; and estimates for just compensation. Work may involve monitoring and coordinating complex appraisal activities in an assigned geographic area. Work is reviewed by a manager to determine program effectiveness, adherence to agency and federal policies, and achievement of stated objectives.

DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work at this level involves independently evaluating appraisal reports completed by staff appraisers, appraiser trainees, and independent fee appraisers and recommending adjustments.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Reviews appraisal reports for completeness; ensures appropriate data, appraisal methods, and techniques are used; and determines if the analyses, opinions, and report conclusions are reasonable.

• Ensures appraisal techniques, requirements, and reports comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, the department’s Right-of-Way manual, and all federal and state requirements.

• Provides guidance in the development of the Appraisal Problem Analysis and approves prior to appraisal completion.

• Completes a separate opinion of value when necessary, such as when appraising high risk properties, when value conclusions are questioned, or when property circumstances have changed.

• Resolves complex appraisal problems, such as those with limited comparable sales data or zoning issues, to ensure effective and best procedural appraisal methods are utilized.

• Oversees the activities of employees seeking the qualifying experience necessary to obtain appraiser certifications by inspecting the properties they appraise, answering questions and providing technical guidance, and reviewing and co-signing appraisal review reports in compliance with established standards.

• Assists and advises contracted and staff attorneys on any questions pertaining to appraisals during the course of litigation.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of appraisal techniques.

• Knowledge of real property and personal property appraisal principles and practices used to acquire property for public use.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to real estate, conveyances, easements, and eminent domain.

• Knowledge of technical writing principles.

• Knowledge of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to interpret and analyze technical information.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

• Ability to analyze and interpret real estate data.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as a General Real Estate Appraiser (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional real estate appraisal experience which includes one year appraising all types of real property for public use.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Certified General Appraiser certification.

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.