RESIDENTIAL APPRAISER OR APPRAISER TRAINEE

Job Description

If hired as an Appraiser Trainee, the hourly rate is $29.67 – $37.96
If hired as a Residential Appraiser, the hourly rate is $33.96 – $43.44

Kitsap County is seeking a knowledgeable and highly motivated Residential Appraiser to perform professional appraisal work that directly supports equitable, accurate, and defensible property taxation across the community. Working with relative independence and under the direction of an assigned supervisor, this position combines market analysis, property research, field assessment, and professional judgment to determine fair and supportable values for residential real property.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an appraisal professional looking to deepen their expertise in mass appraisal, real property valuation, and public-sector assessment while serving the residents and taxpayers of Kitsap County. The role offers meaningful professional responsibility and exposure to Washington State property-tax law and appraisal standards. Your work will have a direct impact on the integrity and fairness of the County’s property assessment system.

As the Residential Appraiser, you will:

• Conduct a complete analysis of properties, within specific timelines, located in a specific area of responsibility based on sales and cost approach methods of appraisal
• Analyze real estate market, review building plans, quality, condition, zoning, views, and all other characteristics of property in accordance with IAAO guidelines, Washington State Law, and Assessor policies & procedures.
• Evaluate appraisal data and exercise independent professional judgment to make timely, consistent, and supportable mass appraisal decisions.
• Research and interpret legal descriptions, assessor maps, property records, photographs, building plans, specifications, and other documentation necessary to complete accurate property analyses.
• Prepare and present the Assessor’s responses in defense of the valuation to the Board of Equalization and Washington State Board of Tax Appeals.
• Respond to routine inquiries by the public, other departments, and outside real estate professionals regarding judgement, valuation, and property characteristics.
• Interact professionally with taxpayers, real estate professionals, County employees, and other members of the public, including during potentially stressful or contentious valuation discussions.

Note: This position may be underfilled as an Appraiser Trainee, depending on qualifications.

What you bring:

• Appraiser Trainee: One year experience in real estate, surveying, engineering, construction, customer service, data analysis or related field.
  Valid Washington State Driver’s License: Required upon hire to support field-based property appraisal responsibilities.
• Within one year of appointment the successful candidate must pass the State of Washington Real Property Accreditation examination.
• Within one year of appointment the successful candidate must pass IAAO Course 101 – Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal or equivalent.

Residential Appraiser:

• Washington State accreditation for real property appraisal, in accordance with RCW 36.21.015
  Valid Washington State Driver’s License: Required upon hire to support field-based property appraisal responsibilities.
• IAAO Course 101 – Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal or equivalent: Provides the foundational appraisal knowledge necessary for residential valuation assignments (Required)
• IAAO Course 300 – Fundamentals of Mass Appraisal or equivalent: Demonstrates additional preparation in mass appraisal methodology (Preferred)

Position-Specific Experience That is Desirable, But Not RequiredResidential property appraisal:

• Demonstrated ability to apply appraisal principles and techniques using sales and cost approaches to arrive at equitable, accurate, and defensible assessed values.
• Construction knowledge: Skill in reading and understanding building plans, specifications, blueprints, construction characteristics, quality, and condition.
• Property research: Ability to interpret legal descriptions, assessor maps, property records, zoning information, and other data relevant to valuation.
• Technology proficiency: Ability to use CAMA systems and adapt computer technology to support appraisal assignments, including databases, spreadsheets, document imaging, word processing, and web-based systems.
• Microsoft Office: Experience with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, is preferred.

For the complete job description: Residential Appraiser
For more information about the department:  Kitsap County Assessor home

The hourly amount for this position ranges from $29.67 – $43.44. This position offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a pension retirement, and other voluntary benefits.