At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people "I work for the County of Marin." Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website. Read on to find out more about this opportunity.

THE ASSESSOR-RECORDER-COUNTY CLERK DEPARTMENTassesses value of taxable property; records and maintains documents for property ownership, births, deaths, and marriages; performs civil ceremonies; and processes marriage licenses, fictitious business names and other legal documents. Our department provides a great opportunity to pursue work that balances interaction with the public alongside problem-solving and highly detailed regulatory work.

Current Vacancies: There are currently three (3) full-time, two-year fixed term vacancies which may be filled at either the Appraiser I or II level. Candidates will be considered for the level(s) for which they meet minimum qualifications.

These fixed-term vacancies are funded for up the two years. These assignmentsmay end sooner or be extended based on staffing needs and staffing. Fixed-term positions are eligible for full benefits. 

Please note: We are also recruiting for a vacancy in the position of Appraiser Aide. If you are interested in working in the Appraisal and Assessment field, you are welcome to submit applications for both Appraiser I/II and Appraiser Aide. There is no penalty for submitting applications to both recruitments. However, you must submit a separate application to the Appraiser Aide recruitment to be considered for the Appraiser Aide level. 

Appraisers perform a full range of market appraisals of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, agricultural and rural properties using data collection and analysis methods. They are required to understand and provide, with a high degree of accuracy, assessment information to property owners, builders, real estate brokers, governmental agencies, residents and the public. They also assist in preparing information for Assessment Appeals Board presentations.  

The Appraiser I is the entry level class in this series and initially works under close supervision. The Appraiser II I the journey level class in the series and works independently to perform the full range of market appraisals for a variety of real property and improvements. 

Other duties for both levels include: 

• Gathering, analyzing and tracking cost, market and income data.
• Performing valuation of land and real property changes.
• Analyzing changes in land use, zoning, building regulations and economic trends.
• Determining depreciation types, trends and effects upon relevant property markets.
• Reading and interpreting legal descriptions of real property, topographical maps, plans and drawings.
• Measuring, diagraming and describing structures and improvements
• Preparing reports and maintaining records regarding assessment activities.
• Explaining appraisal methods and value determinations to property owners, builders, real estate brokers, governmental agencies, residents and the public.

Work Location: Work for this position is performed at the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's Offices in San Rafael and other County campuses. Additionally, appraisal work includes field visits to properties throughout Marin County. 

Fixed Term Positions: These are two-year fixed term positions. However, there may be opportunities for the hired individual during this time-period to move to a regular, ongoing position as other vacancies or promotional opportunities occur, or the position may be funded and convert to an ongoing position. Fixed-term employment ends when the position's funding finishes or the work is completed. Employees in these positions are exempt from the County's policies regarding lay-off order and reduction-in-force rights.

Our Highly Qualified Candidate has both appraisal experience and excellent interpersonal skills. They can interpret, uphold, and explain, with a high degree of accuracy and courtesy, complex rules, regulations, codes, and laws related to property valuation appraisal and tax assessment to a variety of audiences. Technical proficiency using databases and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook), the ability to quickly conduct mathematical calculations and utilize specialized software for appraisal work is highly desirable. Additionally, the highly qualified candidate: 

• Expresses ideas clearly, concisely, and accurately when writing correspondence and reports.
• Has a proven track record of providing excellent customer service.
• Employs strong organizational skills. 
• Enjoys developing and maintaining professional, supportive, respectful, and collaborative working relationships.
• Works successfully both independently and as part of a team.   

For the Appraiser II level, the ideal candidate possesses an Appraiser certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization or an Appraiser license issued by the Bureau/Office of Real Estate Appraisers and has a strong working knowledge of the California Revenue and Taxation Code as it relates to the appraisal of property.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of the appraisal of real property and related improvements.
• Construction practices and methods to analyze costs, market, and income data related to buildings and other structures.
• Land use, zoning, and building regulations affecting property values.
• Organization, function, and procedures related to a California County Assessors' Office.
• Principles of indicating value that affect the valuation of property.
• Principles and practices of the Assessment Appeals Board. 
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations and court decisions related to the work.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Standard office practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Appraise a variety of real property and improvements in an accurate and consistent manner.
• Assemble, analyze, interpret, and summarize a variety of land use and cost, market, and income data.
• Interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations and policies related to the assessment function.
• Read and interpret maps, plans and blueprints.
• Use computer applications related to the work efficiently and accurately.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Organize own work, meeting schedules and deadlines and to working without direct supervision.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Use a variety of standard office equipment.

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR equivalent to a high school diploma and four years of relevant experience; OR any combination of higher education and relevant experience totaling four years. 

When fewer than four years of education from an accredited institution of higher education are used to meet the minimum qualifications, the number of qualifying years will be determined by the number of units in which passing grades were received. One year of education consists of either 30 semester units or 45 quarter units.

Relevant Experience means employment experience within the last ten years in any of the following occupations:

• Experience as an accountant-auditor, real property appraiser, building cost estimator, engineer, real estate loan agent, real estate loan underwriter, right-of-way agent, licensed building contractor; OR
• Experience as a real estate licensee, licensed by the California Department of Real Estate, engaged in buying, selling, leasing or managing real estate; OR
• Experience as an Appraiser's Aide or Appraiser Trainee in an Assessor's office or the Property Tax Department of the California State Board of Equalization; OR
• Experience as an employee, other than an Appraiser, Appraiser Aide, or Appraiser Trainee, of an Assessor's office or of the Property Tax Department of the California State Board of Equalization, except that such employment time shall be limited to qualifying for only two-thirds of the four-year experience requirement. The remaining one-third of time shall be accumulated by other relevant experience as described above or by education in an accredited institution of higher education; OR
• Possession of a current, valid, permanent, inactive permanent or a temporary appraiser's certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization.

Appraiser I Certificates and Licenses: 

Permanent appraiser certification issued by the California State Board of Equalization must be obtained within one year of appointment and must be maintained as required by the California Board of Equalization Article 8.671.a as a condition of continued employment.

Possession and maintenance of a valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving history as obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

APPRAISER II MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

One year of experience equivalent to an Appraiser I which demonstrates proficiency of the knowledge and abilities listed in the class specification.  

Appraiser II Certificates and Licenses: Permanent appraiser certification issued by the California State Board of Equalization must be obtained within one year of appointment and must be maintained as required by the California Board of Equalization Article 8.671.a as a condition of continued employment.   Possession and maintenance of a valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving history as obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view these emails.

Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on an eligible list.  The eligible list(s) established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed-term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active.

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095.  If you have questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Catherine Heckendorf at Catherine.Heckendorf@MarinCounty.gov.