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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Appraiser Senior
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 10615 Salary Grade: UA4
Approved: October 24, 1997 Last Revised: July 29, 2020

Purpose:
 

Under limited supervision, this position performs complex appraisal assignments, including multiple parcel projects, parcels with multiple types of development restrictions and different property types, and performs market research tasks related to the acquisition and/or lease of real estate for the City of Austin.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Performs detailed and comprehensive appraisal reports on City-owned properties for disposition and acquisition by the City of Austin.
  2. Performs technical reviews and prepares detailed evaluations of consultant appraisal reports to identify compliance and approve appraisal reports which meet City of Austin standards and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
  3. Prepares detailed and comprehensive fair market rental rate studies for all types of properties. Coordinates with property agents and brokers on leasing activities.
  4. Reviews and approves environmental consultant reports. Coordinates and monitors environmental investigations and testing for properties.
  5. Solicits and evaluates qualified independent appraisers to perform consultant appraisal services. Calculates fees for new license agreements and renewal of existing license agreements. Evaluates counter offers from property owners as part of the acquisition process.
  6. Reviews and analyzes construction plans, zoning plans, appraisal district maps, site plans, and development plans to determine impact on real property acquisition.
  7. Interprets project plans and makes recommendations to property agents, project managers, and management on real estate issues. Interprets the impact of engineering reports, land plans, and environmental site assessments on the value of real estate.
  8. Participates with other departments and agencies to determine if tracts are eligible for development prior to acquisition and appraisal. Attends and testifies at Special Commissioner Court hearings and jury trials, as required in the condemnation process.
  9. Attends meetings and makes presentations to neighborhood groups, boards, commissions, property owners, real estate brokers/agents, and project managers regarding the appraisal process.
  10. Coordinates appraisal requests, environmental assessment requirements, land-planning activities, project manager requirements, title clearance, and law department requirements. Researches appraisal district data ownership of property and easements, and sales data.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP).
  • Knowledge of real estate practices and/or property title clearing and conveyance.
  • Knowledge of codes, laws, and regulations.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  • Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of City ordinances, including City of Austin Parkland Use Agreement Schedule.
  • Knowledge of local real estate market.
  • Knowledge of construction plans, zoning maps, appraisal district maps, and site plans.
  • Knowledge of the standards and professional practices of appraisers.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Skill in planning and organizing.
  • Skill in writing and interpreting legal descriptions of leases, real estate, easements, and similar properties.
  • Ability to research and interpret blanket type easements, judgments, boundary line agreements, and other documents.
  • Ability to read and interpret field notes, engineering plans, and maps.
  • Ability to resolve discrepancies.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, courtesy, and diplomacy in all public dealings.
  • Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge of Real Estate and Appraisal codes, laws, and regulations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees, different businesses, and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Real Estate, Public Administration, or a related field, plus four (4) years of experience in commercial appraisal activities.
  • Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

State-Certified General Real Estate Appraiser.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.