JOB TITLE: CHIEF REAL ESTATE APPRAISER

JOB CODE: 17181

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 supervising staff responsible for appraising real property to acquire real estate, and secure legal rights-of-way.

An employee in this job supervises certified appraisers performing real property appraisals of varying complexities. Work involves reviewing and approving appraisals and overseeing the resolution of difficult appraisal problems to ensure the most effective and best procedural methods are utilized. Work also involves ensuring appraisals are conducted within the guidelines of federal, state, and agency policies; and preparing and executing fee appraiser contracts. Work may involve overseeing the activities of employees who are seeking qualifying experience for obtaining appraiser certifications. Work is performed independently under the general direction of an administrative manager and is reviewed to determine program effectiveness, adherence to agency and federal policies, and achievement of objectives.

DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work is distinguished from the lower-level jobs by the responsibility to supervise certified appraisers and to oversee the work of fee appraisers performing real property appraisals of varying complexities.

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 staff and fee appraisers’ final appraisal reports for completeness, accuracy, methodology, and conformance to state and federal right-of-way requirements.

• Evaluates appraisals to ensure they conform with state and federal policies, and that proper clearances are obtained.

• Determines the appropriate type of appraisal needed for each property and prepares the Appraisal Problem Analysis for staff and fee appraisers.

• Participates in utility line studies with other agency program areas to estimate right-of-way costs associated with projects and reports on right-of-way implications or problems with alternate locations.

• Reviews the work of employees seeking the qualifying experience for appraiser certifications by inspecting the properties they appraise, answering their questions, making recommendations, and reviewing their appraisals to determine if they are acceptable and in compliance before co-signing.

• Reviews right-of-way plans and attends field views to ensure that plans are accurate and to propose changes to reduce acquisition costs.

• Contacts property owners to secure legal rights-of-entry to properties affected by proposed construction projects.

• Prepares project cost estimates to establish project funding.

• Coordinates appraisal projects of subordinates to ensure completion in a timely manner.

• Manages the request and provides the necessary documentation for contracting fee appraisers for projects where a second valuation opinion or expert testimony is needed.

• Prepares appraisal reports justifying determined real estate values and damage estimates.

• Assists legal counsel with questions pertaining to appraisals during the course of litigation.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of real estate appraisal methods and procedures.

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

• Knowledge of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of real and personal property appraisals related to acquiring property for public use.

• Knowledge of technical writing principles.

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

• 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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