APPRAISER - COMMERCIAL - ASSESSORS

Appraiser - Commercial - 1164

Grade - 118

Pay Range - $79,281.18- $100,431.02/yr - Doe - Plus A Comprehensive Benefits Package

General Statement Of Duties

Locates, identifies, performs data collection, values and reviews nonresidential real property as assigned by the Assessor Chair for the purpose of taxation; field qualifies sales; analyzes income and expense data; performs directly related work as requires. Maintains review work according to International Association of Assessing Officials and State Department of Revenue Administration Standards. Performs directly related work as required.

Distinguishing Features Of The Class

The principal function of an employee in this class is to assist the Assessor's office in ensuring professional standards are applied to property assessment procedures, consistent with International Association of Assessing Officials (IAAO), NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) and NH Assessing Standards Board (ASB) standards, rules and regulations. The work is performed under the direction and supervision of the Assessor Chair but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and requires good interpersonal skills in dealing with taxpayers and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in both in a general office environment and at various field sites throughout the City.

Examples Of Essential Work

• Performs field measurements, inspections, values and review primarily nonresidential properties, i.e.; commercial, industrial buildings, multi-family, and special purpose real estate, including but not limited to updating records with the aid of computer assisted mass appraisal system (CAMA) into City Valuation system and submits work to Assessor Chair for final review and valuation. Appraisals performed may be utilized for tax appeals and/or Superior Court;
• Maintains and updates various assessment records in accordance with state statutes, regulations, IAAO, DRA and ASB standards and generally accepted practices and policies of the Board of Assessors;
• Reviews and maintains City digital database using electronic camera and computer;
• Investigate complaints/problems and furnishes information of a technical nature to Chief Assessor and/or Board of Assessors for resolution;
• Analyzes current citywide and site-specific Income and Expense data and capitalization rates in conjunction with revaluation data;
• Assists in sales qualification, utilized in revaluation updates and sales ratio analysis for City and State Equalization process;
• Arranges the creation and maintenance of manual and electronic reports and property tax records in assisting the Chief Assessor for warrants and other statutory requirements;
• Promotes an appropriate level of confidentiality regarding pertinent City records;
• Identifies new commercial construction and modifications (additions, renovations, replacements) to existing properties;
• Obtains leases, rent rolls, income statements, balance sheets, cost breakdowns, construction plans, mortgages and other pertinent information through formal legal discovery processes;
• Confirms commercial sales in the city for purposes of State Equalization per State Equalization Board guidelines;
• Produces and answers formal legal interrogatories for active Superior Court appeals; Prepares for and testifies via direct and cross examination as the City's expert appraisal witness in hearings of tax appeals at the NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA) and Hillsborough County Superior Court;
• Works in conjunction with the Deputy City Solicitor and Chairman of the Board of Assessors to prepare the Appraiser's testimony and discuss relevant valuation issues for scheduled hearings;
• Attends classes to meet continuing education requirements set by the State of NH Department of Revenue, and the various designations held;
• Produces written appraisal reports for the City of Manchester for non-assessing purposes including property to be sold and acquired by the City and commercial property subject to tax liens;
• Assembles and maintains a database of published market studies, sourced largely from national commercial real estate brokerage and appraisal companies;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

Required Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the procedures, methods and building techniques used in the construction of residential, and in particular, commercial and industrial buildings;
• Working knowledge of Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal systems (CAMA);
• Ability to draw/record in hard copy form and computer detailed sketches to scale;
• Ability to calculate areas using algebraic methods and a calculator;
• Ability to perform interior/exterior inspections and record list of pertinent structural characteristics, including ability to evaluate quality and condition of subject properties, determine models, style, story heights, record visit history;
• Ability to perform site inspections and evaluation of new lots and subdivisions;
• Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations and conclusions on property issues to Assessor Chair or Board of Assessors;
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain working relationships with other City employees, professional and technical entities, contractors, taxpayers and the general public;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience And Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree; and
• One to three years of experience in mass appraisal or fee simple appraising in residential or commercial properties; or
• Three to five years of experience in mass appraisal or fee simple appraising in residential or commercial properties; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications

• Designation as a Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) Certified New Hampshire Assessor or an equivalent certification from another jurisdiction;
• Designation as a Certified New Hampshire Assessor (CNHA) and/or State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser (NHCG);
• Individuals certified from another jurisdiction must obtain NH certifications within one year of employment (Note: Failure to acquire NH certifications will result in termination);
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software applications;
• Valid Driver's License.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform on-site inspections and review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy format;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, related equipment and a registered motor vehicle;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to climb steps and ladders and to stand for extended periods;
• Sufficient mobility and flexibility which allows employees to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, push, pull, climb reach and grasp repetitively;
• Sufficient strength and endurance with or without reasonable accommodations, which permits the employee to lift and carry, through a full range of motion, up to 10 pounds occasionally, 5 pounds frequently and 2 pounds continuously;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to all areas of the City.