Career Center

 CITY OF SEATTLE

Senior Appraiser

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Real Estate Services (RES) Division at the City of Seattle's Department of Finance and Administration (FAS) is a talented and nimble work group dedicated to pursuing the highest and best use of City property. We offer the chance to make a difference on the City’s highest visibility real estate projects and policy issues.

We have a rare opportunity for a lead appraiser, and the sole Appraiser position at the City of Seattle, to estimate and establish fair market value of complex and financially significant real estate.

The successful Senior Appraiser applicant will be a clear communicator, with an approachable demeanor, and a curious and customer-service oriented mindset. The position will work with people at all levels of City government, including Department directors or their representatives, City attorneys, engineers, architects, zoning technicians, planners, developers and property owners to obtain and coordinate information, resolve various appraisal issues and to verify public records or other necessary information.

Appraisal Reviews can be written or oral and are signed and certified according to State law by the Senior Appraiser, taking full responsibility for the contents.  The work requires advanced knowledge of appraisal techniques, practices and principles, USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) and UASFLA (Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions).  The successful applicant will use considerable independent judgment to apply the most appropriate appraisal methods and to determine the value of rights in real property.

ABOUT US
The Real Estate Services (RES) Division of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) is responsible for Citywide real estate management, including tracking real property information, developing policy, conducting property research and appraisals, acquiring and disposing of City property, and leasing and creating use permits for property. In addition, RES professionals coordinate with other departments to ensure legal and other compliance, create and execute legislation, develop staff, collaborate with other FAS divisions, support the Operations Business Unit and oversee professional service providers.

FAS is the backbone of the City of Seattle and a dynamic organization of 600+ employees that provides $375 million a year in services to the City through an exciting portfolio of lines of business. FAS is a collaborative workplace with collective accountability to promote equity, respect, civility, integrity, inclusiveness and fairness for all employees.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Appraisals and Review Appraisals: 

• Prepare and certify review appraisals, providing a legal basis for the expenditure of public funds.
• Prepare appraisal reports or restricted appraisal reports. Uses for appraisals could include dispositions, acquisitions, easements, lease terms, or basis for just compensation in eminent domain proceedings.

Manage Contracts:

• Scope appraisal assignments for consultants (independent fee appraisers).
• Negotiate fees and contracts and monitor contracted work.

Research and Analysis:

• Identify, research and verify comparable listings and sales with purchasers, sellers, and brokers.
• Prepare models for financial analysis and tests of reasonableness.
• Interpret laws, regulations, assumptions and limiting conditions pertaining to valuation and property interests.
• Review and interpret property conveyances, rights and encumbrances.
• Utilize cost manuals for purposes of estimating reproduction cost new and replacement cost new.
• Use real estate technology tools, including King County Assessor records on-line, COMPS Inc., Multiple Listing Service, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection GIS, City of Seattle Real Property Information System (RPAMIS) and the City’s appraisal database.  
• On occasion, conduct physical inspections of real property for determination of physical deterioration and functional obsolescence, as well as neighborhood analysis.

 Act as a consultant to:

• Assist Departments in adopting programs that generate revenue, such as methodologies for permit fees based on land values. For example, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) shoreline street ends permit fees.
• Advise City department agents and attorneys in negotiations, assisting with strategy on valuation issues and providing appraisal expertise for acquisitions and dispositions.
• Serve as expert witness in condemnation trials and respond to depositions in defense of the methodology for permit fees and other City programs and negotiations where appraisal expertise was provided.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative and the department’s efforts to lead with race. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser, AND
• Two years’ experience preparing USPAP conforming appraisal reports and/or review appraisal reports of residential, commercial or industrial properties, AND
• Bachelor’s degree, AND
• Valid Washington State Driver's License or equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications:

• Three years’ experience preparing appraisal reports in all areas of site-specific property valuation.
• Experience preparing appraisals for just compensation in eminent domain proceedings.
• Experience scoping and reviewing appraisal assignments, contracting, and performing appraisal reviews.  
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.  
• Experience with database software.  
• Professional designation as an appraiser from a recognized appraisal organization.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

FAS supports the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, we invite you to apply for this position.
 
Work Environment
This position requires onsite work. Alternative Work Arrangements and hybrid telework schedules for work conducted in a normal office environment may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with FAS policies.

 Employees of the City of Seattle enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package generous leave programs, and the satisfaction of doing work that helps make Seattle a great place to live, work, and play. Explore City of Seattle – Benefits at a Glance for more information.

 City of Seattle employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination.
 
  Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including a background check.
This position requires a resume and cover letter to be eligible for consideration. The cover letter should describe how your education and experience meet the qualifications for this position. 

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.