Appraiser III (904232.N.Appraiser III)

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County Office of the County Appraiser is looking for a qualified candidate to fill the position of Appraiser III.  The position is located at 11811 S Sunset Drive, Suite 2100, Olathe, KS 66061.  This position provides excellent benefits, including health insurance, wellness programs and discounts, retirement programs, and various other discount programs. 

This position will remain open until 9:00 pm, Monday, June 23, 2025.

Appraiser III responsibilities include:

• Obtains and verifies residential and commercial property information; locates correct property while listing objective property characteristics with 95% accuracy and subjective characteristics with 90% accuracy; utilizes mobile sketch software and technology to measure new construction by sketching all floor areas and perimeters and collecting data characteristics of new construction; reviews new construction blue prints, measures improvements and draws and labels a proportional perimeter sketch representative of the construction or improvement ensuring measurements are within guidelines.  Adheres to office deadlines and standards.
• Completes physical inspections for miscellaneous permits gathering data through direct measurements and discussions with property owner; records and enters information in Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system with the same accuracy measurements, standards and deadline maintenance as other work.
• Reviews COV (Sales Validation Questionnaires) for both commercial and residential properties for pertinent sales information while noting possible discrepancies; uses questionnaire form to conduct interviews with the seller, buyer, or agent on recently sold parcels; confirms sales and property characteristics are in accord with the county CAMA system. Confirms the physical condition and vacancy at time of sale, while additionally inquiring about future property or business changes that could affect value. Corrects the CAMA record of the property to reflect characteristics of property at time of sale, records sale validity codes in accordance with office policy, especially those sales that have undergone a "change after sale".  Collects data at a standard of 95% accuracy for objective data and 90% accuracy for subjective data. Completes work by meeting office deadlines unless approved by a Real Property Valuation Manager.
• Assigns values that best represent "fair market value" based upon objective analysis of property and market factors utilizing resources, software, and technology available that lends itself in support of the County's Final Valuation of the property; provides quality control (QC) on final valuation records by using various quality control reports. Verifies annual cost-to-cost percent changes, income variable consistency, permits versus value changes, Industrial Revenue Bond and Economic Development class properties, improvements on leased land, partial complete structure calculations, rent loss entries, pending stipulation properties, and various other quality control reports. Corrects discrepancies and property characteristics as deemed necessary and provides feedback to supervisor on valuation tendencies and market area trends within office standards.
• Revises property market summary annually.
• Analyzes and enters income and expense data from returned annual income and expense questionnaire mailers, rent rolls, operating statements, leases, and fee appraisals submitted to the County through hearings and other evidentiary processes. Reviews and evaluates information gathered from online listing services that provide current income and expenses data, current rents, current vacant or occupied space, and asking prices for properties. Analyzes data in property specific groups such as building type, location, size, investment grade, age, etc. Constructs matrices of parameters to be used in income value models. Revises and updates property market summary for each property type after reviewing income and value and provides a detailed summary. Creates matrices used as guidelines for income, vacancy, and expense parameters in market modeling. Collects data at a standard of 95% accuracy for objective data and 90% accuracy for subjective data and completes work by meeting office deadlines unless approved by a Real Property Valuation Manager.
• Conducts hearings at the informal, payment under protest and small claims levels. Answers questions and advises property owners on appraisal and appeal rights and processes, documenting evidence, both verbal and physical. Prepares and reviews documentation packets for hearings to defend the County's valuation of the property. Exchanges information with property owners, or representatives, as requested either in person or through written or verbal correspondence; schedules and performs inspections for all properties where discrepancies are determined through informal hearings; reviews, analyzes, and documents information gathered during hearing, (fee appraisals, photographs, repair estimates, additional comparable sales, etc.). Conducts field checks and recommends a decision that best represents "fair market value" based on information available. Documents recommended decision to Regional Coordinator and Real Property Valuation Manager. Provides additional support documentation in the file in preparation of hearing files proceeding to additional appeal levels.  Ensures all work is completed by meeting office deadlines unless approved by a Real Property Valuation Manager and office accuracy standards.
• Performs Required Annual Maintenance Review of properties in the County annually, which consists of reviewing properties once every six (6) years and confirming data characteristics are within 95% accurate for objective data and 90% for subjective data. Utilizes software and other technology to determine when a physical check is needed. Documents condition of property, re-measures structure to ensure attached features and site improvements are drawn, recorded and the current photo in County record is an accurate depiction of property.
• Responds professionally and promptly to taxpayer inquiries; answers appraisal related questions and/or provides information to property owners or their representatives.  Ensures all responses are made within 48 hours of the initial inquiry: 24-hour response is preferred.

To be eligible for consideration for Appraiser III, the candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent.  Associate or bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or Statistics or relevant field, preferred.

Candidate must have four (4) years of mass appraisal experience and four (4) valuation cycles with full participation in each cycle and active participation of appraisal experience.  Be proficient in all residential and at least one type of commercial property valuation.

Has taken and passed International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO courses 101-Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal, 102-Income Approach to Valuation and 300 – Fundamentals of Mass Appraisal, and USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) or equivalent course work/ work experience required.

Must be capable of maneuvering and reviewing a construction site, able to lift 25 lbs., maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, and exposure to dogs are also required. 

Registered Mass Appraiser (RMA) preferred.

Experienced user of Microsoft Office application, Pictometry (PICS), Automated Information Mapping System (AIMS), ORION or equivalent applications is preferred.

One (1) year of Commercial Appraisal valuation experience including all phases with active participation in each is also preferred.