Appraiser I, II, III – Real Property

Description

This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026, but applications will be accepted until position is filled and removed from the Delta County jobs website. 

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position performs a variety of routine and complex appraisal duties including gathering and analyzing descriptive data to competently determine the classification and value of real property in Delta County for assessment purposes. All duties of the position are performed in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective. 

The Appraiser position consists of three separate tiers, each with increased responsibility, experience, and independent operation.

• Level I – Applies basic skills while developing some specialized skills in procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment appropriate to area of specialization; performs routine and/or repetitive tasks, limited decision making required; generally, works under close supervision; has no or limited appraisal experience; work is performed from within specific limits of established procedures and/or defined instructions. (0-2 years of experience)
• Level II – Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; applies procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization at an intermediate level of knowledge and understanding; may work on non-routine tasks, projects, and applications; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision. (minimum of 2 years of experience)
• Level III – Works on varied tasks ranging from routine to complex. Applies full range of specialized skills and job knowledge; frequently adapts procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet specialized needs; may serve as lead; performs broad and/or focused assignments under general supervision; relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assigned tasks. (minimum of 4 years of experience)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Level I thru III

• Performs appraisals of all agricultural land, vacant land, residential property, commercial and industrial land and improvements as assigned.
• Discover, inventory, classify, measure, photograph, and determine quality and effective age of homes, outbuildings and other improvements on property throughout Delta County.
• Input appraisal data into Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) valuation software and communicate results with appropriate administrative staff as necessary.
• Appraise splits, subdivisions, property adjustments, combinations, and boundary adjustments.
• Utilize all available tools such as CAMA software, Microsoft Office Suite, Pictometry, Marshall and Swift Valuation Service and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to perform quality control on property characteristics to ensure fair and equitable valuations.
• Review all appeals and determine validity, notify administration of outcome, and if appealed again appear and testify before County Board of Equalization, Board of Assessment Appeals and/or District Court.
• Attend formal training to acquire and maintain appraisal licensure. If the successful candidate is unlicensed at the time of hire, candidate must obtain their Ad Valorem Appraiser licensure within two (2) years of employment.
• Perform site inspections for real estate sales, new construction and other property changes. Perform field and citizen visits as required.
• Research deeds and other public and confidential documents to confirm ownership transfers.
• Understand and possess a working knowledge of state assessment regulations.
• Participate in the biennial reappraisal of all real property located within Delta County.
• Must possess seasoned time management and organizational skills for completing a variety of routine and complex tasks.

All Levels

• The primary location of employment for this position is the designated Delta County office/location with the exception of required duties that are to be performed off site as necessary. The employee is required to perform the majority (generally, at least 95%) of assigned duties from this designated office/location to allow for client, customer and coworker access and collaboration, unless prior written approval for an alternative arrangement, such as temporary remote work, has been granted by the employee's direct supervisor and/or department head and maintained in the employee personnel file.
• Reliable and predictable attendance and punctuality are considered essential functions of this job. Employees are expected to be at their work area and ready to work at the scheduled start time to ensure consistent service delivery and operational efficiency.

GENERAL JOB DUTIES:

Level I

• Work with customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and is committed to providing quality customer service
• Exercise professional judgment and customer service skills dealing with inquiring and sometimes hostile public.
• Work well with others in a cooperative way and show respect and support for co-workers, supervisors, and co department workers.
• Respond to public inquiries via phone, personally, and letter informing and explaining nature and details of the appraisal process.
• Reconcile valuation errors and inconsistencies.
• Proficiently read and interpret maps.
• Answer phones, take and relay messages.
• Similar and like duties as assigned.

Level II

• Complete all duties of previous level at an intermediate level with minimal supervision.
• To qualify for level II, employee must be proficient in at least three (3) of the following additional general job duties.  
• Apply present worth discounting procedures on qualifying vacant land parcels.
• Gather all necessary data from local and state sources to value agricultural land.
• Complete assignment of fleet vehicle maintenance.
• Utilize cost manuals and local cost data to develop cost estimates.
• Participate in training of new appraisal staff, including performing site visits, assisting with data input and communications with the public.
• Independently research, analyze and assist in development of mass appraisal valuation models.
• Prorate valuations of destroyed property, changes to taxable/exempt status and property moved into or out of state.
• Proficiency in utilizing CAMA software to run quality control reports and data analysis. Ability to work independently on daily tasks with 95% accuracy. Track completion of annual tasks.
• Proficiently specialize in the valuation of one or more of the following property types: manufactured housing, multi family, agricultural property, vacant land, single family, non-conventional housing construction styles, commercial and industrial property.
• Prepare appraisal reports compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
• Serve as an expert witness for hearings at the Board of Assessment Appeals, Arbitration, and/or District Court.  

Level III

• Complete all duties of previous levels at an advanced level with only general supervision.
• To qualify for level III, employee must be proficient in at least six (6) of the above level II additional general job duties.

All Levels

• Should the Board of County Commissioners or another authorized representative issue a local disaster declaration in Delta County, all Delta County employees may be called upon to serve as disaster service workers.

Requirements

Education:

• Level I and II - A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Level III - A high school diploma or GED equivalent, plus two years of college coursework in business, real estate, finance or related fields is required. 
• Four years or more of professional appraisal experience may substitute for this education requirement.

Experience:

Level I

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in construction, real estate, business or related field desired. 
• Licensed Ad Valorem Appraiser or Licensed Appraiser. Licensure must be obtained within two (2) years of the date of hire when hired as an Appraiser I.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office products, Google platform, and ability to learn proprietary software required.
• Problem solving, critical thinking, and strong mathematical skills required and utilized daily.

Level II

• Two (2) or more years’ experience working in an assessor’s office valuing real property or advanced work in real estate or closely related field required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Real Estate Appraiser License. Limited exceptions permitted for state reciprocity applications.
• Complete all duties of previous level at an intermediate level with minimal supervision.
• Employee must be proficient in at least three (3) of the additional general job duties as listed above.  

Level III

• Active Colorado Licensed or Certified Appraiser Credential required. Limited exceptions permitted for state reciprocity applications.
• Four (4) years or more of appraisal experience is required; experience appraising property for ad valorem purposes is preferred.
• Complete all duties of previous levels at an advanced level with only general supervision.
• To qualify for level III, employee must be proficient in at least six (6) of the above level II additional general job duties.

Combination of education and experience could waive specific requirement.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Colorado Licensed or Certified Appraiser credential or the ability to acquire one within three (2) years of employment is required.
• Current and valid Colorado Driver’s License is required.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret legal descriptions, maps and utilize Geographic Information systems (GIS) for analysis.
• Produce high quality reports and presenting them as testimony at hearings.
• Work professionally and effectively with the public, other employees, collaborators, and stakeholders.
• Accurately and effectively transmit and receive information that is necessary to the accomplishment of goals and objectives, including effective written and oral communications in English; and the ability to listen.
• Exercise independent judgment and critical thought.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments with minimum direction.
• Ability to perform, without additional assistance, all physical movements necessary for office administration and appraisals.
• Work is performed in a mix of office and outdoor environment. May occasionally be exposed to extreme temperatures if performing appraisals outdoors.
• Must be physically able to perform field inspections (for example: measure dwellings and take pictures) is required.

Knowledge of:

• Computer appraisal system (CAMA), Apex drawing software, Microsoft and Google products, GIS platforms and other computer required technologies;
• Statues and regulations relating to real property and personal property, appraisals and assessments;
• Various approaches to property valuation, including mass appraisal;
• Building design, construction materials, costs and depreciation;
• County land values, neighborhoods and zoning regulations;
• Property appraisal procedures, methods and techniques;
• Must possess mathematical skills to handle required calculations for property appraisals;
• Must be energetic, a team player, self-starter and people oriented.

GENERAL BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Selective optional insurances available to the employee and eligible dependents on a cost share basis between employee and the organization
• Life insurance and employee only medical insurance is available at no cost to the employee 
• Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employees contribute 4% of their salary to a 401(a) retirement account fully matched with 4% from the County 
• Optional 457(b) tax advantaged deferred-compensation retirement plan
• Paid time off is accrued at 14 hours per month to start
• 11 paid holidays per calendar year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes 6 counseling sessions along with some legal and financial support counseling
• Modified work schedules for positions and employees that qualify
• Additional employee discounts and fringe benefits are available

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements: Employee stands or walks 90% of the time while in the field. Utilizes full scope of visual capacity in order to conduct appraisal processes and operate automated equipment. Constant use of eye, hand, and finger coordination enabling performance of appraisal duties and the operation of relevant equipment. Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% of the time either standing or walking. Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 25 lbs. Uses carts, dollies or other equipment to carry an excess of 25 lbs. Occasionally stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties. Verbal and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, etc. 

Lifting: 25 pound requirement

Exposure to Elements: Normal office conditions; inclement weather possible when performing field work

Handling of Dangerous Equipment: None

Risk of Assault or Injury: Verbal assault on the phone or in person, animal assault, or injuries due to field work, animals and uneven ground or hazards are possible.

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employees may be required to perform additional duties of a similar and like skill set. Delta County reserves the right to revise the job description.