2D17
PAY RANGE: EP19
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is full performance level real property appraisal, assessment and analysis work in an assigned geographical or specialty area of the City. Employees in this class use a variety of appraisal approaches, methods and techniques to estimate the fair market value of residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, vacant land, institutional or exempt properties in accordance with laws, ordinances and assessment industry standards. Work includes reviewing new construction, alteration and demolition permits, conducting routine on-site property inspections, and running statistical analyses. Work may also include researching tax exemption and/or abatement eligibility. Answering taxpayers' appeals and representing the department at assessment appeal hearings are significant aspects of the work. The employee works under the supervision of a Real Property Evaluation Supervisor.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. The positions must work in the Office of Property Assessment.
2. The positions must work at the full performance level estimating the fair market value of real property in a uniform manner.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Conducts annual assessments and valuations of real property including residential properties, apartments, condominiums, multi-family dwellings, low-income housing, office buildings, industrial facilities, commercial properties, retail properties, hotel-motels, institutional properties, government facilities, public utilities, railroads, vacant land, and right-of-ways in accordance with laws, ordinances, departmental policies, and assessment industry standards; uses a consistent methodology for the fair, uniform and equitable valuation of properties for taxation purposes across like properties in the city.
Determines the appropriate valuation methods and techniques based on the property type and usage such as the sales comparison/ market value approach, the income capitalization approach and cost approach.
Reviews and interprets plot plans, building plans, maps and exterior photography to research and collect data on properties; reviews building, construction, and land use permits from the Department of Licenses and Inspections to determine the need for property reassessment; conducts periodic on-site property inspections to document the condition of a property and surrounding area using digital photography and record keeping techniques; interviews property owners or their representatives, such as, attorneys, appraisers, real estate brokers, property managers, and builders to obtain evaluation data and neighborhood spatial determinants; compiles data and research for each property being assessed; maintains thorough and organized records of each property account for which they are responsible; assigns or updates building codes, condition codes, square footage, amenities, and other features;
Interprets deeds concerning sub-divisions and consolidations for new property lines; establishes or eliminates parcels; makes recommendations regarding the classification of property that has changed function or purpose.
Utilizes computerized assisted mass appraisal systems to review, correct and analyze general and specific data to estimate market value; applies statistical models; conducts statistical analyses in computer software packages and compares market values in order to promote greater accuracy and improve reliability and uniformity of assessed values; performs quality control when creating statistical reports to eliminate outliers such as “dollar deeds” to verify that the transactions included have been conducted within the parameters to achieve fair market value; uses established standards for the consistent treatment of property owners in the city.
Meets with taxpayers and/or their representatives to discuss property's market value and assessments and the approaches, methods and techniques used in deriving them; prepares written reports documenting evidence and justification for appealed assessments and exemptions; prepares and presents testimony during appeal hearings and Court of Common Pleas trials; investigates property owner complaints and inquiries and responds in accordance with laws, rules and regulations.
Reviews the work of lower level evaluators, aides, and clerks; assists lower level evaluators aides, and clerks in appraisal and assessment approaches, methods and techniques and/or property listing duties in his/her responsibility area.
Evaluates requests for exemption from real estate taxes; inspects property in regard to qualifying use according to federal state and local laws and regulations; prepares written recommendations on exemption requests for submission to the Board of Property Assessment Appeals; reviews applications and determines eligibility for tax abatement for new construction, improvements or catastrophic loss.
Participates in special projects and departmental initiatives; attends training sessions to learn new appraisal and assessment techniques.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the approaches, methods and techniques of determining fair market value of real property
· the laws, ordinances and assessment industry standards relating to real property assessment
· the sales comparison, income capitalization, and cost approaches to valuation of real property
· building construction methods and materials and their costs
· real estate practices and terminology
· the sources of real property information
· assessment record maintenance procedures
· the statistical techniques needed to estimate market value and maintain equity
· uniform standards of professional appraisal practice (USPAP)
· the Office of Property Assessment policies and guidelines regarding real property assessment
· research techniques
SKILL IN:
· applying the sales comparison, income capitalization, and cost approaches to property evaluation
· report writing
· the use of personal computers and standard computer software, such as MS Word and Excel
· gathering and analyzing information
· obtaining appraisal related information from recorded documents, plot plans, building plans, deeds, maps and exterior photography
ABILITY TO:
· make real property related mathematical computations
· utilize a computer to review, correct and analyze data and estimate market values
· interpret leases, deeds and income and expense statements
· effectively resolve property owner problems or issues with tact and diplomacy
· communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, other City employees, outside agencies, property owners and the public
· review the work of lower level evaluators and/or aides and clerical employees
· prepare weekly reports on field and office work
· apply statistical models and use software packages to perform statistical calculations and create reports
· use assessment related computer software
· interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, standards or procedures to real property specific issues
· maintain and follow ethical and professional standards
· use more advanced research techniques and integrate research into reports and databases
· solve problems and make decisions
· use new computer software, as necessary
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 7/11.)
OPTION 1:
EDUCATION OR CERTIFICATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university.
OR
Certification as a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator or equivalent certification
EXPERIENCE:
Two years experience:
OPTION 2:
EDUCATION
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade
AND
Five years experience:
OR
OR
Any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
Preferred Certification / Experience:
Certification as a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator
Prior experience in commercial appraisal or assessment
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with Certification as a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator or with experience in commercial appraisal or assessment to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from of the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified degree.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of certification as a Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Real Property Evaluator 2.
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as a Real Property Evaluator 2 if required by job assignment.
Residency Requirement
Employees hired after January 1, 2014 to fill a maximum of twenty positions in the class of Real Property Evaluator 1 will not be required to establish residence in Philadelphia for a period of ten years after their initial appointment date. Such employees are eligible for an in-position promotion to the class of Real Property Evaluator 2 without establishing residency. Such employees are not eligible to compete in promotional examinations for any other class in the civil service until the employees have established residency in Philadelphia.
Class Established - 5/82
Spec Revised: CSC - 05/97; Ad. Board - 06/97
CSC - 07/03; Ad. Board - 01/04; CSC -4/10; Ad. Board -5/10
CSC - 6/11; Ad. Board - 7/11
CSC - 1/14; Ad. Board - 3/14
Latest Spec Revision:
CSC - 2/25; Ad. Board - 3/25
CP